On 16 April 2026, Chairs from member Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) of the Northern Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Alliance (NATSIHA) came together in Cairns for the Inaugural FNQ Board Chairs’ Forum.
The forum marked an important milestone for the region, creating a dedicated space for Chairs to connect, share perspectives, and strengthen collective leadership across Far North Queensland.
Representing NATSIHA member organisations from across the region, Chairs participated in discussions focused on governance, regional collaboration, strategic alignment, and the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health services in Far North Queensland.
Key themes throughout the forum included:
The forum also reinforced the important role of ACCHO Chairs in ensuring governance remains accountable to community, culturally informed, and focused on long-term outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Participants acknowledged the value of creating a safe and respectful space for peer discussion, shared learning, and relationship building between Chairs across the region. There was strong support for continuing the forum on an ongoing basis to strengthen governance capability and regional collaboration amongst NATSIHA member organisations, with the intention to meet bi-annually.
Discussions identified several opportunities for future work, including strategic mapping across organisations, regional planning initiatives, and strengthening the collective voice of Far North Queensland ACCHOs.
The Inaugural FNQ Board Chairs’ Forum represents an important step toward deeper regional collaboration and shared leadership across Far North Queensland. It reflects a collective commitment by NATSIHA member organisations to work together to improve outcomes for communities through strong governance, informed decision-making, and culturally grounded leadership.
NATSIHA acknowledges and thanks all Chairs and attendees for their participation and contribution to the success of the inaugural forum.
NATSIHA acknowledges and pays respect to Elders past, present and future emerging leaders. We identify the Traditional Owners of this land which continues to be under their ongoing custodianship and guidance we acknowledge and pay respect.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed.
