Welcome back a familiar face to an important new role – Dan Carter is our inaugural Chief Aboriginal Health Advisor.
Dan is a Ngarrindjeri and Wergaia man and formerly our Director of Aboriginal Health.
“It’s incredible to see the growth and change since I was last here,” says Dan. “The way our services have developed across our sites to respond to the needs of our community is amazing.”
For over 15 years, Dan has worked across local and state government, not-for-profit and community-controlled organisations, as well as metropolitan and rural health services around the country. Dan credits his grandfather’s journey and career in Aboriginal health as an inspiration for his own. “Even when I was a young kid, my granddad would always remind me that the health of our community and the people around us is what’s most important.”
“He worked for 25 years with an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in Adelaide,” says Dan.
“He was always supporting his community members and Elders by getting them to their appointments and picking up their medications.”
During NAIDOC Week, Dan presented at our Employee Forum to recognise First Nations team members from across Monash Health and celebrate their integral contribution to our health service.
“Far too often we get caught up in the deficit narrative,” Dan says.
“Times like NAIDOC Week let us reflect on how far we’ve come in the health space and what we’ve achieved. Instead of getting bogged down in deficit language, we want to be acknowledging and empowering our communities to live long and healthy lives.”
Dan played a significant role in the development of Monash Health’s 2020-2022 Reconciliation Action Plan and brings to his new role a wealth of relevant local knowledge, as well as skills, expertise and experience acquired throughout his career.
“We had a lot of big achievements with our last RAP,” Dan says. “Now Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is seen as everyone’s business, and it’s a priority in every business area.”
Dan’s new role will ensure that the invaluable perspectives of First Nations people continue to be heard at the highest level across Monash Health.
Please say hello and make Dan feel welcome in his new role!
