Experienced First Nations executive joins Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Board

• A senior executive with more than 20 years’ experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health has been appointed as the new Chair of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Board.
• The board members bring a vast range of experience across the fields of rural medicine, Indigenous health, economics, disability support, policy, accounting, project management and nursing.
• Boards are responsible under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 for local performance of their health service and the delivery of public health services within their communities.

A nine-person board underpinned with experience in health, business and politics has been appointed to govern the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (HHS).

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman announced the newly appointed Board, which will be led by incoming Chair Renee Williams.

Ms Williams is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Health Indigenous Corporation.

Prior to that, Ms Williams was the General Manager Policy and Research and Operations Lead for the newly established Torres and Cape Health Care Commissioning Fund (TORCH), which will begin operations from 1 July this year.

She has also worked for the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Apunipima Cape York Health Council and was an Interim Chief Executive Office with the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.

Ms Williams is joined by new member Dion Creek, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Cape York Land Council, the Native Title Representative Body for Cape York.

Ms Karyn Watson, Mr Darren Thamm and Ms Susan Hadfield have renewed their membership for another term and join four continuing members still within their current term. 

The new board, which will set the strategic direction and oversee the management of the Torres and Cape HHS, consists of:

• Ms Renee Williams (Chair)
• Dr Scott Davis
• Ms Susan Hadfield
• Mr Darren Thamm
• Ms Karyn Watson
• Ms Tara Diversi
• Ms Kirstyne Davis
• Mr Jason Ramsamy
• Mr Dion Creek

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“I’m pleased Torres and Cape HHS has been able to attract and retain such experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected people to the Board this year.

“I’d like to pay tribute to outgoing Chair Ella Kris who worked with dedication and commitment to guide the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Board.

“Incoming Chair Renee Williams’ experience in First Nations health matters is wide, deep and unparalleled and will be of enormous benefit for the communities of the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area.

“Continuing board members are leaders in their respective fields and bring with them key skills, knowledge and experience to Torres and Cape HHS.

“I look forward to working with the newly appointed Board to deliver safe and timely healthcare for Queenslanders.”

ENDS