Expert advice from Aboriginal people is set to shape health policy and service delivery across Western Australia, with Rural Health West establishing its first Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC).
The committee has been formed to ensure Aboriginal voices inform the organisation's work with communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), and the broader health workforce.
The inaugural committee is chaired by Stephanie Trust, a Gidja and Walmajarri woman and Clinical Director of the Wunan Health and Well-Being Centre in Kununurra, as well as a former Rural Health West board member.
Dr Trust said the committee would ensure Aboriginal perspectives shape how Rural Health West designs and delivers its programs and services.
"Aboriginal people understand the realities our communities face and the importance of care that respects culture, connection and community," she said.
Other members include Adjunct Professor Tuguy Esgin, Ashley Councillor, Mitchell Walley, Jessica Curnuck, Christine Clinch and Stephen Morrison, representing communities across the state.
The AAC will provide direct advice to the Rural Health West board and staff, focusing on strengthening partnerships with ACCOs and Aboriginal organisations, supporting the growth of the Aboriginal health workforce, guiding culturally strong policies and programs, advocating for improved health outcomes, and supporting reconciliation efforts.
"We need Aboriginal voices influencing every part of the health system - from the way services are delivered to how programs are designed and decisions are made," Dr Trust said.
"This Committee creates a space for that influence. It allows Aboriginal leaders to share their knowledge and lived experience so Rural Health West can work in ways that genuinely support our communities."
Dr Trust argued strengthening Aboriginal leadership in health is critical to achieving long-term change in rural and remote areas.
"Our communities have the knowledge and the capability to shape solutions," she said. "When Aboriginal people are part of the leadership and decision-making, it strengthens the whole system and helps ensure the services being delivered truly meet community needs."
Improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people remains a central focus for Rural Health West, which delivers a range of targeted programs including outreach services for Aboriginal patients, recruitment and locum support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), and its annual Aboriginal Health Conference.
Chief executive Catherine Elliott said the organisation was committed to strengthening partnerships and embedding Aboriginal leadership in decision-making.
"Aboriginal leadership must sit at the centre of decisions that impact Aboriginal peoples and communities," Ms Elliot said. "The Aboriginal Advisory Committee will guide our work to ensure it is culturally strong, respectful and grounded in community priorities."
The committee will meet four times a year, with communiques to be released after each meeting to support transparency and accountability.
Its inaugural meeting was held on 13 March 2026 in Whadjuk Boodjar (Perth), ahead of the WA Rural Health Conference and WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.
