Dr Jonathan Newchurch is President and Dr Olivia O'Donoghue is President-Elect of AIDA

AIDA would like to thank the outgoing President Dr Simone Raye for her incredible leadership and dedication to AIDA over the past few years. We also thank outgoing Directors: Dr Glenn Harrison and Dr Tammy Kimpton, plus Student Director Jessica Storrar for their contributions to our mission. We are excited to introduce the 2024-25 AIDA Board, an incredibly prepared group of leaders who will continue to drive Indigenous excellence in health:

Dr Jonathan Newchurch FRACGP MMED MBBS GAICD, President (Newly Appointed) – Proud Kaurna and Narungga man from Kaurna Yarta (Adelaide), Dr Newchurch leads in Clinical Trials research, striving for health equity through innovative solutions.

Dr Olivia O'Donoghue, President-Elect (Newly Appointed) – Yankunytjatjara woman with Narungga roots, RACGP Fellow, and experienced educator in general practice, Olivia has contributed significantly to urban and remote health in the NT.

Dr Crystal Williams, Director (Returning) – Proud Wiradjuri woman and consultant dermatologist, Crystal co-founded the First Nations Dermatology Clinic at Royal Melbourne Hospital and provides outreach care in NT.

Dr Natalie Pink, Director (Returning) – Nyikina on her father’s side, Dr Pink is an ACRRM Fellow with advanced training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, serving remote Cape York communities.

Dr Jean Pepperill, Director (Returning) – Kaytetye woman from Barrow Creek, Dr Jean teaches at Flinders University NT and is training in general practice, committed to Indigenous and rural health.

Dr Alicia Veasey, Director (Newly Appointed) – Torres Strait Islander woman and O&G Staff Specialist at Lismore Base Hospital, Alicia is co-chair of the Qld Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network.

Dr Robert Blackley, Director (Newly Appointed) – Of Kalkadoon, Kaurareg, and Birri Gubba descent, Robert works as a Senior Medical Officer at Joyce Palmer Health Service and is training with ACRRM.

Dr Vinka Barunga, Director (Newly Appointed) – Vinka supports Indigenous medical practitioners and students to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Mr Brodie Seymur, Student Director (Newly Appointed) - Brodie is a passionate medical student at Griffith University and a proud Bularnu Waluwarra Wangkayujuru man.

Dr Andrew Gosbell, Appointed Director – Experienced Advisor with over 15 years in senior executive roles, including CEO positions. He brings expertise in governance, strategy, and a strong commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We’re looking forward to working together to achieve our vision that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have self-determination and equitable life outcomes in a culturally safe health system.

Taken from the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association Media Release on November 19, 2024.

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