Executive Director, Aboriginal Primary Health and Wellbeing

Join GEGAC as the Executive Director, Aboriginal Primary Health and Wellbeing and lead transformative, culturally safe care across Gippsland. Drive strategic reform, clinical excellence, and community-led models grounded in Aboriginal self-determination. This is a rare executive opportunity to make lasting impact on Country, in community, and across the sector.

Organisational Profile

GEGAC is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based in Bairnsdale Victoria. Consisting of about 160 staff, GEGAC is a Not-for-Profit organisation that delivers holistic services in the areas of Primary Health, Social Services, Elders & Disability and Early Childhood Education.

GEGAC advocates for the self-determination of the Aboriginal community by prioritising services that enhance social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, with culture at the heart of everything we do.

Position Purpose

The Executive Director, Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, is responsible for leading the strategic direction, operational performance, and cultural integrity of GEGAC’s health and wellbeing services. This executive role drives delivering culturally safe, high-quality, and community-led care across a diverse portfolio, including primary health, social emotional wellbeing, aged care, therapeutic programs, and clinical governance. The position is critical in implementing organisational strategy, strengthening partnerships, maintaining funding compliance, and fostering a high-performing workforce grounded in GEGAC’s values and cultural framework.

Operating within a complex and dynamic environment, this role requires a deep understanding of Aboriginal health, community priorities, and the legislative and policy frameworks shaping the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director supports innovation, continuous improvement, and culturally informed service development to close the health gap and uphold GEGAC’s commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, wellbeing, and cultural strength. This position will lead a professional team of Senior Managers, overseeing respective service areas.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated executive-level leadership and strategic management experience in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), with a strong understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Proven ability to work in a culturally safe, respectful, and strengths-based manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, guided by cultural protocols, community expectations, and self-determination principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing multidisciplinary health and wellbeing services, with an ability to implement and oversee quality and clinical governance frameworks, risk mitigation strategies, and continuous improvement processes aligned to NSQHS, RACGP, Aged Care, and Mental Health standards.
• Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, contract performance, and leading business units to achieve deliverables within budget and regulatory requirements. Ability to provide strategic advice on economic sustainability and diversification of funding streams.
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based programs, emphasising innovation, culturally informed service models, and policy advice relevant to Aboriginal health and social wellbeing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage high-performing teams through change, embedding continuous improvement and professional development across complex service environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including influencing, negotiating, and building strong working relationships with Aboriginal communities, funding bodies, sector partners, government stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.
• Sound understanding of the statutory frameworks governing child safety (CISS, FVISS, MARAM), occupational health and safety, privacy, clinical regulation, and service accreditation relevant to Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
• A clear alignment with GEGAC’s values of trust, respect, integrity, connection, and cultural safety, with a demonstrated commitment to the organisation’s strategic direction and leadership charter.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale organisational change, drive innovation, and embed continuous improvement practices in culturally safe and community-led service environments. Proven experience guiding teams through transformation while maintaining stability, accountability, and staff wellbeing.

Qualifications and Registrations Requirement (Essential or Desirable).

• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, or a bachelor’s degree in social services, or health administration ESSENTIAL

• Registration or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency in the relevant field, or registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers ESSENTIAL

• Postgraduate qualifications in health, social services or leadership HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Professional Development Leadership and Management Training Completion of recognised executive leadership, governance, or management training (e.g. Australian Institute of Company Directors, executive coaching, or public sector leadership programs). HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Executive Senior Management level experience in a health or social services, preferably in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or the public sector. ESSENTIAL

• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture, and the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people. ESSENTIAL

• Governance or Risk Management Credentials: Given the role’s oversight of compliance, safety, and quality systems, formal training or certification in clinical governance, corporate governance, or risk management (e.g., ISO 31000, Governance Institute qualifications, or similar). HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Valid Driver’s Licence: A current and unrestricted Victorian Driver’s Licence is essential, as the role involves regular travel across the Gippsland and East Gippsland region to engage with community, staff, service sites, and external stakeholders. ESSENTIAL

• A satisfactory Working with Children Check and Fit2Work Police with Bankruptcy Check ESSENTIAL

• A person of Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander background HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccinated to align with GEGAC requirements ESSENTIAL

How to apply for this job

A copy of the position description is available:

• By emailing HR@gegac.org.au

• Or by copying and pasting the following link into your browser:

https://gegac.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-05-Executive-Director-Aboriginal-Primary-Health-and-Wellbeing-PD.pdf

Applicants must address the key selection criteria for shortlisting. Any applications that have not addressed the key selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications can be emailed directly to HR@gegac.org.au.

Position open until filled.

A valid Working with Children Check and Police check is mandatory to work in this organisation.

“this advertisement is pursuant to the ‘special measures’ provision at section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)”.