NACCHO changes: Pat Turner retires, Dawn Casey to take over

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has announced the retirement of Pat Turner as Chief Executive Officer, marking one of the most historic chapters in the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health.

Pat, an Arrernte and Gurdanji woman, has dedicated her life to serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Across the Australian Public Service, national Indigenous organisations, and the community-controlled sector, she has consistently advanced one core belief: that communities have both the right and the capacity to lead their own futures.

Since her appointment as NACCHO’s CEO in 2016, Pat strengthened NACCHO’s national influence and authority, ensuring governments and the health system could not ignore what ACCHOs have long demonstrated, that community-controlled health delivers better care because it is designed, governed and led by community.

Under her leadership, NACCHO consolidated its role as a strong, credible national peak body, grounding advocacy in evidence and positioning the ACCHO model as essential health system infrastructure.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called her a “formidable advocate”.

“Our nation is a better place because of her,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called her a “formidable advocate”. “

“Her tireless efforts have held governments to account, and she has worked hard to build strong working partnerships with First Nations people.

Leading through the pandemic

Pat’s tenure included some of the most demanding operational tests the health system has faced.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NACCHO helped lead an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led response that prioritised protecting remote communities and keeping frontline services operating.

NACCHO advocated early for protective measures and ensured culturally safe, strength-based public health information reached communities through trusted channels, including national communications delivered under the ‘Keep Our Mob Safe’ messaging.

NACCHO also pressed for practical clinical and logistical solutions suited to remote and regional contexts, including improved access to point-of-care testing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This focus on delivery supported timely diagnosis, reduced delays, and strengthened access to care where mainstream systems have historically struggled to reach people safely.

Beyond the pandemic, Pat sharpened NACCHO’s capacity to hold governments to account by anchoring advocacy in hard data.

In 2022, NACCHO released a commissioned analysis identifying a $4.4 billion health funding gap and a per-person expenditure difference of $5,042, strengthening the case for sustained investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions and community-controlled primary health care.

“Pat’s legacy at NACCHO is one of lasting reform. She strengthened this organisation, elevated the national standing of community-controlled health, and helped secure a new relationship with governments based on shared decision-making and accountability,” NACCHO Chair Donnella Mills said.

“Pat has led with strength, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to self-determination, and that legacy will continue to shape our work. On behalf of the NACCHO Board and our members, I thank Pat for her leadership and service.

“Pat’s legacy at NACCHO is one of lasting reform.”

– NACCHO Chair Donnella Mills

Pat also ensured NACCHO maintained a national focus on eliminating preventable diseases that continue to devastate communities.

In 2022, NACCHO secured significant targeted investment to support ACCHO-led efforts to eliminate Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease, complementing government commitments and supporting investment in portable echocardiogram capability, workforce training, and clinical support, moving diagnostic power closer to community.

Strengthening the workforce

A further priority under Pat’s leadership has been strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce to keep Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands.

Through NACCHO, she championed workforce pathways that support Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners and reinforce community-led care as the foundation of a sustainable, culturally safe health system for the long term.

Pat said her decision to step down was made with confidence in the organisation and the sector.

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve our people through NACCHO. Everything we have achieved has been driven by communities and by a sector that has always known its own strength.

“Community control works because it puts our people at the centre of decisions about our health.

“I leave knowing NACCHO is strong, our services are strong, and the work will continue with the same determination that has always carried us forward.”

New chief at the helm

Deputy CEO Dr Dawn Casey has been appointed as the new CEO.

Dr Casey has worked at the centre of NACCHO’s leadership for nearly a decade, helping steer the organisation’s national advocacy and supporting its members through periods of significant change.

Since joining NACCHO as Deputy CEO in 2016, she has played a key role in strengthening relationships with governments and partners, supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and translating national policy into practical outcomes on the ground.

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve our people.”

-Pat Turner

A Tagalaka traditional owner from North Queensland, Dawn brings deep experience across public administration, governance and institution-building.

“It is a privilege to step into this role,” Dr Casey said.

“Pat leaves big shoes to fill, and I want to acknowledge the strength of her leadership and what she has built.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy thanked Ms Turner for her decades of service.

“I take on this role with a strong sense of responsibility for the work ahead, focused on continuity, strong advocacy, and working closely with our members to ensure Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are supported to keep delivering for their communities.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy thanked Ms Turner for her decades of service, courage and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes First Nations people.

“Pat is one of those rare leaders who makes you feel seen, heard and challenged, all at the same time. Her strength is matched only by her generosity,” Senator McCarthy said.

“Pat has always brought heart to her work. Even in the most challenging times, she found a way to remind us all of why we do what we do.”