In July, Southern welcomed Kayeleen Brown, proud Walbunja Wangeen of the Yuin Nation and Bundjalung Doobay woman, to the role of District Director Aboriginal Health.
Kayeleen lives on the south coast and was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services.
With over a decade of senior leadership experience, Kayeleen has successfully managed teams, advocated for change and driven positive outcomes in a range of settings.
Kayeleen has been working closely with Chief Executive, Margaret Bennett, examining the potential of a new model for the Aboriginal Health Directorate that will better support staff and patients.
"Kayeleen's experience and demonstrated commitment to advancing Aboriginal health, fostering cultural safety, enhancing service outcomes and enabling effective partnerships equip her well to make a significant impact as Southern's Director Aboriginal Health," Ms Bennett says.
Kayeleen wants to provide a stronger foundation for how Southern coordinates and delivers care to consumers; and she wants to boost the Aboriginal workforce and enhance training and development, with both formal and informal support mechanisms.
"We are investing in leadership and development," Kayeleen says.
"One key activity I am extremely excited about is our inaugural Southern Aboriginal Health Leaders Forum on 11 September in Batemans Bay."
"The forum will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal leaders to come together to discuss how we can move forward as a team and align our strategic priorities."
Kayeleen believes it's an exciting time in Southern for Aboriginal Health.
"Another key focus of mine is on fostering strong partnerships with Aboriginal community organisations. In one exciting example, we will be working closely with our community partners to develop Birthing on Country for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital," Kayeleen says.
