Goolburri CEO Ms Elizabeth Adams speaking at the launch of the EILP. Image: QAIHC
QAIHC, in partnership with Griffith University, has officially launched the Executive Indigenous Leadership Program (EILP), aimed at strengthening executive leadership capability across Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health sector.
Delivered by Griffith Business School’s Griffith Advantage executive education business, the EILP has been co-designed with ACCHO leaders to build the capability of current and emerging sector executives.
Led by QAIHC, in partnership with Griffith University, the program is funded by the Queensland Government through Queensland Health and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening executive leadership capability across the ACCHO sector.
The program was developed under QAIHC’s workforce and sector development portfolio and led by Workforce and Development Jurisdiction Manager Adam Stephen, in collaboration with Griffith University.
Co-design contributors included Queensland senior ACCHO leaders, ensuring the program reflects the lived realities of community-controlled health service delivery and leadership.
QAIHC Board Director and Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd CEO Elizabeth Adams was a key speaker at the program’s launch on 26 March, with the first block delivered over two days, at The Ship Inn, South Bank.
“As key leaders within the sector, we need to both strengthen ourselves and build the skills our organisations and communities need,” she said.
The EILP is a co-designed, evidence based executive leadership program delivered across four sequential blocks — Individual, Organisation, People and Future — throughout 2026.
Each block combines face-to-face workshops with online masterclasses in governance, mentoring and innovation.
The program is designed to extend beyond delivery, with a post-program peer coaching network and a six-month leadership impact review.
The inaugural cohort includes 12 leaders from Queensland’s ACCHO sector — five Chief Executive Officers, six emerging executive leaders and one Board Chair — reflecting a deliberate investment in both current and future leadership.
Ms Adams said the program was an excellent opportunity for participants which required commitment and the ability to grow their strengths.
“Leadership is not just about growing yourself, but about showing the way forward for others and being a voice for community members who don’t get the opportunity.”
The EILP was initiated in response to priorities identified through QAIHC’s 2024–2025 Regional Engagement Roadshow, where Members consistently called for greater investment in leadership capability and development.
The launch was marked by a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Shannon Ruska, establishing a culturally grounded start to the program. The event was facilitated by Griffith University’s Prof. Ruth McPhail AM, Dr Kerry Hall and Dr Jessica Harris.
Senior representatives from Griffith University, QAIHC, and partner organisations attended the launch, reflecting strong cross-sector support for the program.
Griffith representatives included Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans; Vice President of Industry and Engagement, Professor Bronwyn Harch; and Director of Student Equity and Diversity, Shane Drahm.
