PRIMARY HEALTHCARE NETWORK MAKES HISTORY
In a landmark moment for primary healthcare governance, Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) has appointed four new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander directors to its board, creating a majority First Nations leadership team.
This bold step reflects NT PHN’s unwavering commitment to cultural safety, health equity and meaningful change in primary healthcare across the Territory.
The newly appointed directors – Dr Simone Raye, Professor Sean Taylor, Kylie Stothers and Leeanne Caton – bring a wealth of expertise in Aboriginal health, community development and governance.
Their leadership and lived experience, alongside Heather D’Antoine, a long-standing Aboriginal board director, will play a pivotal role in shaping innovative, culturally responsive strategies that address the unique health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the Territory.
Board chair David Blair says: “Having a majority First Nations directorship on the NT PHN board demonstrates our real commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and healthcare, establishing a strong foundation for driving the organisation forward as a leader in health equity.
“Our leadership structure enables us to champion innovative strategies that ensure we deliver impactful, culturally responsive and inclusive health outcomes for all Territorians.”
Chief executive Gill Yearsley emphasises the value of diverse perspectives in strengthening the organisation’s strategic direction.
“To have the diversity in skills and capabilities of the new appointees is very welcomed by the board and provides stewardship in not only their respective professions but also sound cultural knowledge. This aligns with our Reconciliation Action Plan, Cultural Respect Framework and broader commitment to improving primary healthcare for Aboriginal Territorians.”
The new board appointments follow the retirement of long-serving board members John Rawnsley as Board chair, Dr Sam Goodwin and Liza Houghton. Their dedicated leadership has helped shape NT PHN into a dynamic, community-focused organisation committed to health improvement.
With David Blair serving as Board Chair, NT PHN remains steadfast in its mission to deliver culturally responsive and inclusive primary healthcare solutions that truly represent the diverse communities of the Northern Territory.
CONTACT
Darwin
08 8982 1000
23 Albatross Street, Winnellie NT 0820
PO Box 2562, Darwin NT 0801
Alice Springs
08 8950 4800
Remote Health Precinct, 5 Skinner Street, Alice Springs NT 0870
Katherine
08 8982 1040
11/25 First Street, Pandanus Plaza, Katherine NT 0850
PO Box 175, Katherine NT 0850
ntphn.org.au
MEET THE BOARD
David Blair – Board Chair
David has broad experience in finance, risk, governance and business. He serves on the St John Ambulance NT board and the Tiwi Islands Regional Council and Consumer Health Forum audit committees. Past board and committee roles include boards of Lifeline Top End, Melaleuca Refugee Centre, Northern Centre for Contemporary Art, and a public member of AHPRA Physiotherapist Board NT.
Sue Korner – Deputy Chair
With over 30 years of executive management experience in primary, public and tertiary healthcare, Sue has significantly contributed to the healthcare landscape in the Northern Territory. Her expertise spans both government and non-government sectors.
Dr Simone Raye
A proud Bardi/Jabirr Jabirr woman and experienced GP, Dr Simone has dedicated more than two decades to Indigenous healthcare and system improvement. She is a strong advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical professionals and a former president of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association.
Professor Sean Taylor
A distinguished public health leader and a descendant of the Dauareb tribe from Mer Island. Sean has more than 25 years experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. His work has significantly influenced health policy and research aimed at improving outcomes for underserved populations.
Kylie Stothers
A proud Jawoyn woman from Katherine and deputy chief executive of Indigenous Allied Health Australia. Kylie has more than 25 years experience in social work and workforce development. She is a leader in cultural safety training and advocacy for Aboriginal participation in the health sector.
Leanne Caton
A proud Kalkadoon/Waanyi woman from Queensland. Leeanne has dedicated 40 years to Aboriginal affairs, rising through government ranks to executive leadership. Her experience spans social determinants of health, community governance and advocacy.
Heather D’Antoine
With more than 25 years of experience in Aboriginal health services and research, Heather has played a crucial role in developing national networks for First Nations research. She continues to contribute through various advisory and governance roles.
Helen Bowden
A pharmacist with extensive experience in primary healthcare, Helen has led quality improvement initiatives across the Northern Territory. She has been instrumental in expanding pharmacist vaccination services and enhancing medication management in remote settings.
With a majority First Nations Board, NT PHN is well-positioned to drive meaningful change, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices remain at the forefront of healthcare decision-making. This transformative leadership will play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and culturally responsive primary healthcare system for all Territorians.
