* Cultural Warning

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent should be aware that the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service website may contain images and names of people who are deceased or images of places that could cause sorrow.

ABOUT US

CURRENT BOARD

  • Glenda Thorpe - Chairperson
  • Karin Williams - Deputy Chairperson
  • Tony McCartney - Treasurer
  • Aunty Georgina Williams - Board of Directors
  • Lyn Briggs - Board of Directors
  • Lisa Rose Thorpe - Board of Directors
  • Eva Joe Edwards - Board of Directors

Karin Williams

Karin was with Koori Kolij in 1985 before joining VAHS where she was an Aboriginal Health Worker for 17 years. She spent 4 years as a Koori youth justice worker with VACSAL/ BertWilliams Aboriginal Youth Service. Karin has been on the Boards of Yappera for 10 years, Koori Diabetes Service for 5 years and Fitzroy Stars Gym & MAYSAR for 3 years.

Georgina (nee Lovett) Williams

Georgina Williams is a Gunditjamara Elder who has been a committed community member all her life. Although she grew up mostly in the Fitzroy Kooricommunity, she has maintained strong ties with her Gunditjamara country and was a drivingforce on the Kerrup-jmara Elders Corporation and on the Gunditjamara native title group.Georgina is currently the chairperson for Weeroona Aboriginal cemetery, an Elder of the Gunditjamara native title group and an Elder on the Koori court. Georgina has been a pastdirector at VACCA, VALS, AAL, Minajalku, KTM and a member of numerous committees and working groups.

Lyn Briggs

Wiradjuri / Yorta Yorta Woman. Lyn is a proud mother and grandmother of 4 sons and 8 grandchildren.

Having worked 28 years in the Aboriginal health field and with Aboriginal Community organisations has empowered her to represent her community. In 1974 Lyn was a graduate student of the first national Aboriginal Community Organisation Course at Swinburne College under the leadership and guidance of elder the late Bruce McGuinness.

In 1983-1984 was a student and graduate of the first Victorian Aboriginal Health Worker Education Course - Koori Kollege. In late 1984 Lyn commenced employment at VAHS as a clinical health worker and worked in a number of senior positions through out her AHW career. In 2008 Lyn left VAHS after many years as manager of the Women's and Children's Unit.

Lyn's participation over many years as a member of hospitals, RWH, MERCY, RCH Advisory Committees has increased her knowledge of service pathways, partnerships and strengthened the her advocacy role to the community.

Lyn has also gained extensive knowledge of other services through her involvement as a board member of a number of Aboriginal Organisations, Eliz Hoffman House Women's Refuge, VACCA, Yappera Children's Services

In 2009 Lyn as continued to work in the health field in her new role as a Project Worker with the VACCHO State wide Koori Maternity Strategy.

Lyn is very honoured and privileged to have had the many opportunities in representing VAHS and VACCHO at many conferences forums. Quote: "After the many, many years that I have committed to working for VAHS, I have also received such personal fulfilment and professional achievements. I thank VAHS for allowing me to reach my full potential".