Indigenous governance both underpins and leads ALIGN’s work, and is instrumental in bringing forward the voices, values, and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, locally and nationally.
ALIGN’s National Indigenous Governance Council (“the Council”) has been established to provide the leadership, advice, governance, and guidance for the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander genomic health structures (particularly robust and acceptable Indigenous data sovereignty and governance models) that allow for culturally appropriate and relevant Indigenous priorities, participation and leadership to be centered in all aspects of ALIGN’s functions and growth.
National Indigenous Governance Council
The Council includes invited Indigenous leaders with specific knowledge and skills that can help drive our national Indigenous genetic and genomic health governance agenda, along with membership from each of the jurisdictional node Indigenous Governance Committees (IGC).
Secretariat support for the National Council is provided by: Louise Lyons.
Membership
Current chair and deputy chair (2024-2025)
Mr Simon Costello [ACTIGC] [Noonuccal, Quandamooka Nation, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island, Queensland)]. Current role: Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Services, residing in the A.C.T. on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal people. Simon is also a member of the ALIGN A.C.T. Node Indigenous Governance Committee. Experience: Simon has decades of experience in the Queensland public service. He has worked in the public health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and housing portfolios.
Ms Mel Robinson [WAAGC] [Gidja and Ngarinyin (Western Australia)]. Current role: Director Aboriginal Health at Child and Adolescent Health Service. Experience: Mel is a Registered Nurse with experience working in hospitals, as well as a nurse educator, in policy in the Western Australian Department of Health, as the former CEO Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives, and an Aboriginal Research and Engagement Fellow
Invited members
Dr Mark Wenitong
Ms Fiona Cornforth [Wuthathi and Maluilgal nations (Cape York Queensland and Zenadth Kes)]. Current role: Head of Yardhura Walani (National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research), Australian National University. Experience: Fiona has an extensive background in governance and leadership service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She is a driven and experienced executive focused on systems change for healing. She was previously CEO and inaugural DCEO of the Healing Foundation.
Dr Uncle Mick (Michael) Adams [Yadhiagana/Wuthathi peoples (Cape York Queensland) and Gurindji people of (Northern Territory)]. Current role: Semi retired. Cultural lead SMS4deadleydads, University of Newcastle. Experience: Mick has more than 30 years experience in Aboriginal health. He has worked in both government and the community-controlled health service sector. He is acknowledged as the leading researcher in male health and wellbeing.
Dr Lorraine Anderson [Palawa (Tasmania)] Current role: Medical Director of Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services. Experience: Lorraine is a medical doctor with experience in Australia and New Zealand.
Node level Indigenous Governance Committees
Each node has nominated representatives to attend each Council meeting.
2024 National Indigenous Governance Council face-to-face Meeting (August, Adelaide (Kaurna Country))