Winton-based Sandy Gillies will be the new CEO of the Western Queensland Primary Health Network, the commissioning body that funds primary health care services across Western Queensland.
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Ms Gillies replaces Stuart Gordon and said strengthening primary care providers and harnessing the capacity of locals to improve the health of their own communities will be key priorities.
Born and bred in outback Queensland, Sandy Gillies will lead the WQPHN from January 2021, making her the first Indigenous person to be appointed CEO to the 31 Primary Health Networks across Australia.
"There is a deep willingness in the West for people to work together and make things happen, regardless of their titles or their job description," Ms Gillies said.
"What we can tap into as the WQPHN are the strengths of the region and willingness of Western Queenslanders to stay engaged, and adapt to changing and challenging circumstances, in order to achieve the health outcomes everyone wants for their communities."
Ms Gillies' nurse qualification ignited her passion for primary health care and fostered a hands-on approach to her work.
"Outback nursing back then was a great introduction to the challenge of getting the most out of yourself as a clinician, and doing your best with the resources around you, which were often limited," she said.
"I think that experience, and my journey through the health system since, has helped me understand how to get the best out of local communities by empowering them to care for their own, through collaboration, co-design and a place-based approach to primary health care, because each community is unique."
Ms Gillies has over 25 years' experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, starting as an Aboriginal Health Worker through to senior management roles in Indigenous health, and was an Executive Manager with the WQPHN for the past three years.
WQPHN chair Dallas Leon said 20pc of the people in the region were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, a population that experiences a disproportionate rate of poor health.
"Sandy already has a legacy of connecting with all communities across our region, but her track record of building relationships with our Indigenous cohort is outstanding, and we look forward to these relationships going from strength to strength under Sandy's stewardship," Mr Leon said.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the work of outgoing CEO Stuart Gordon, whom we sincerely thank for his vision, commitment and passion for rural and remote health, expertly leading the implementation of our primary health care strategy since the organisation's inception five years ago.
Renee Blackman, Gidgee Healing CEO said it was great having a PHN that works with a region so genuinely.
"While we will miss Stuart, the appointment of Sandy Gillies will bring new engagement opportunities with our Indigenous communities and continues to demonstrate that steadfast commitment to our region," Ms Blackman said.
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