Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) is marking a historic moment in the organisation’s governance with the appointment of 4 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander directors to the Northern Territory PHN Board, becoming a majority First Nations-led board.
The new directors are Dr Simone Raye, Professor Sean Taylor, Kylie Stothers and Leeanne Caton, who have extensive expertise in Aboriginal health, community development and governance.
The unanimous appointment of new members demonstrates a commitment to empower First Nations voices and drive meaningful changes in health care.
NT PHN Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Executive Manager Darcy Godden, a proud Kamilaroi and Wonnarua man, highlighted the significance of this leadership.
“Having a majority First Nations directorship in NT PHN demonstrates our real commitment to cultural safety and establishes a strong foundation for driving the organisation forward as a leader in health equity,” Darcy said.
“Our leadership structure enables us to champion innovative strategies that address the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring we deliver impactful, culturally responsive, and inclusive health outcomes for Territorians.”
NT PHN CEO Gill Yearsley said, “To have the diversity in skills and capabilities of the new appointees is very welcomed by the Board and provides stewardship in not only their respective professions, but sound, cultural knowledge which aligns to our Reconciliation Action Plan, Cultural Respect Framework and broader commitment to improving primary health care for Aboriginal Territorians.”
The appointment follows the retirement of long-serving board members John Rawnsley (Board Chair), Dr Sam Goodwin and Liza Houghton.
Gill acknowledged the outgoing Board Chair and Directors, “On behalf of NT PHN I would like to acknowledge the tremendous input over a period of 9 years from our retiring Chair, John Rawnsley and Director, Dr Sam Goodwin; and 3 years of service by Liza Houghton, who have guided the organisation through significant change over their years of service and contributed their expertise to our ongoing governance.”
With David Blair serving as Interim Chair, NT PHN will continue to deliver culturally responsive and inclusive health outcomes that truly represent the Northern Territory’s diverse communities.
