One of the Territory's most experienced Aboriginal health leaders is set to lead the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), with Donna Ah Chee beginning her role as the body's new CEO.
Announced in December, Ms Ah Chee joins AMSANT after 26 years with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, including more than a decade as CEO, where she oversaw significant growth in workforce, services, and community reach at one of the country's largest Aboriginal community-controlled health services.
The Bundjalung woman from the far north coast of New South Wales has lived in Alice Springs for more than 36 years. Married to a local Yankunytjatjara/Arrernte man, Ms Ah Chee has three children and four grandchildren.
In a statement, she said taking on the leadership of the Territory's peak body for Aboriginal community-controlled health services was both a privilege and a responsibility.
"It has been an honour to serve Congress and the Mparntwe community for more than two decades," Ms Ah Chee said.
"My leadership has always been grounded in genuine partnerships— with Boards, with staff, key stakeholders and most importantly with community. The strength of our sector comes from those collective efforts."
Ms Ah Chee replaces Dr John Patterson, a leading voice for change and Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory for more than 40 years, who retired last year.
AMSANT chair, Rob McPhee, said Ms Ah Chee's appointment comes at a critical time for Aboriginal primary health care in the Northern Territory.
"Donna is an experienced and respected leader who understands both the frontline realities of delivering care and the broader policy settings that shape health outcomes," Mr McPhee said.
"She has made a significant contribution to Aboriginal health through her leadership at Congress, strengthening clinical services while building the governance and corporate systems needed for longterm sustainability.
"That experience, and her deep commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes, will be invaluable as AMSANT continues to advocate for all member services across the Northern Territory."
Ms Ah Chee said her experience leading multidisciplinary clinical care, social and preventive programs, as well as work on the social determinants of health, would shape her approach at a Territory-wide level.
"Having led an ACCHS, I understand the realities our member services face every day," she said.
Ms Ah Chee, who will remain based in Mparntwe, said AMSANT plays a "critical role in bringing our services together and elevating their voices" at both a Territory and national level.
She argued closing the gap in health outcomes for First Nations people requires more than simply having access to healthcare. Instead, she said, it demands tangible action and genuine partnership with Aboriginal people on housing, education, inequality and employment.
"I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working alongside our member services to strengthen the collective voice of Aboriginal community-controlled primary health care services across the Territory and improve outcomes for all Aboriginal people and communities," Ms Ah Chee said.
