Tanya is a proud Yaruwu (Broome) woman who has lived and worked for most of her life on the lands of the Larrakia people in the Northern Territory, and now on Kaurna Yarta in South Australia. She brings extensive experience serving on committees, boards and Ministerial Councils.
Prior to her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA), Tanya was the Chief Aboriginal Health Officer within the South Australian Department for Health and Wellbeing, where she led significant reform of Aboriginal health strategy, including state funding and investment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanya also held the role of Executive Lead for Aboriginal COVID-19 response and preparedness in South Australia, maintaining strong two-way engagement with communities and frontline services.
Tanya believes that improving Aboriginal health requires equal focus on cultural strength and the social determinants of health. As the CEO of AHCSA, Tanya provides strategic and operational leadership to the organisation, reporting to and working closely with the Board. She collaborates with AHCSA’s 11 Member Services, staff, funding bodies, key stakeholders and Community to advocate at state and national levels, represent member interests through NACCHO, secure resources, and strengthen partnerships that support improved, community-led Aboriginal health outcomes across South Australia.
