These are exciting times for Gidgee Healing in terms of growth, reform and leadership.
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Twelve months ago Gidgee Healing appointed a new chief executive officer, Renee Blackman after former CEO Dallas Leon left the position, later he accepted the position of Chair of the Western Queensland Primary Health Network.
Ms Blackman has a career spanning more than 25 years working in Aboriginal Health and as a Registered Nurse in both urban and remote settings.
"I started working as an Aboriginal Health Worker in 1992 before gaining a nursing degree in 2001," Ms Blackman said.
"I have worked in management and leadership roles across primary health care, acute care and community health. "
Ms Blackman is a Gubbi Gubbi woman and hails from the Sunshine Coast however she calls Mount Isa home.
"Mount Isa is a great place, it was a lifestyle choice to come out here initially, a five year plan that turned into 15 years," she said.
Her lead role in the Aboriginal community-controlled health service covers an area twice the size of Spain.
The organisation has experienced massive growth from its humble beginnings of one clinic in Burke Street, Mount Isa, to expanding into the Gulf and that was why Ms Blackman applied for the role of CEO.
Gidgee Healing aids more than 7,000 Aboriginal people in communities from Mount Isa to the Gulf including Mornington Island, Doomadgee and Normanton.
"For me its about being part of an organisation with a great team and making a difference for people who live in rural and remote spaces," Ms Blackman said.
The organsation is currently reaching out to Burketown, Camooweal and Dajarra.
"We haven't got clinics in those places yet but we are working very closely with the Health and Hospital Services," she said.
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