Health service appoints new First Nations director

STRENGTHENING relationships is a priority for Grampians Health’s (GH) newly appointed director of First Nations health Emma Thurling.

The regional service has just appointed the Palawa woman and registered nurse to the role, who offers more than a decade of experience at GH across community health, chronic disease management, aged care and senior leadership.

A key focus of her work will be to strengthen culturally safe and conscious care across GH including at Ballarat Base Hospital.

“We want First Nations people to feel safe when they walk through our doors, to feel heard, respected and included in their care,” she said.

Born and raised on Wiradjuri Country in New South Wales, the mother of three moved to Ballarat from Adelaide a decade ago and has since built a career dedicated to improving health outcomes and supporting communities across the Grampians region.

Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser said her appointment builds on the organisation’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations people.

“Emma brings a wealth of experience, strong community connections and a genuine passion for improving health outcomes for First Nations people,” Fraser said.

“As both a respected healthcare leader and proud First Nations woman, Emma offers a unique perspective that will help guide our organisation as we continue to strengthen culturally safe care and deepen our partnerships with our First Nations communities.”

Thurling began her career at Grampians Health Ballarat in the Hospital Admission Risk Program, supporting people to stay healthy and independent in their homes, before progressing through a range of leadership positions and most recently serving as director of community programs and director of nursing at the Early Parenting Centre.

She also serves on the Committee of Management for Weenthunga Health Network, an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation dedicated to strengthening the First Nations health workforce through leadership, governance, collaboration and connection, with a vision of healthy, thriving people, communities and Country.

“As an Aboriginal woman, improving health outcomes for First Nations people is something I care about deeply,” Thurling said. “I’ve seen the difference that culturally responsive care can make, and I’ve also seen the barriers that can prevent people from accessing the care they need.

“Relationships are everything. Our priority is listening to and learning from communities, strengthening our partnerships with local organisations and supporting our First Nations Health workforce.

“I don’t have all the answers, and that’s why co-design is so important. The best solutions come when communities help shape the services that are designed for them.”