Yarrabah cultural pioneer Dr Darryl Murgha’s inspiring 40-year career

Yarrabah cultural pioneer Dr Darryl Murgha’s inspiring 40-year career

Sep 9, 2025 | , | 0

When Gurriny Yealamucka Cultural Heritage specialist, Dr Darryl Murgha, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by James Cook University in 2021, it marked a significant milestone in a career defined by leadership, knowledge-sharing and community service. As his legacy continues to influence life in Yarrabah and beyond, Dr Murgha is widely recognised as a cultural champion whose life’s work continues to guide, inspire, and uplift the communities he has served for decades.

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Bidgerdii celebrates 30 years of community-led health and wellbeing

Bidgerdii celebrates 30 years of community-led health and wellbeing

Sep 9, 2025 | , | 0

Bidgerdii Community Health Service has marked 30 years of service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across its Central Queensland footprint by hosting a gala dinner at the Rockhampton Leagues Club. The 3 May celebration brought together over 200 Elders, founding members, community leaders, stakeholders, local government, national representatives, and sister Aboriginal medical services for an evening of reflection, celebration, and connection.

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Educating Community about rheumatic heart disease

Educating Community about rheumatic heart disease

Sep 9, 2025 | , , | 0

The team at Bidgerdii Community Health Service dedicated the final months of 2024 to raising awareness and action around preventing, detecting, and managing rheumatic heart disease (RHD). In collaboration with Queensland Health’s First Nations Team, community events were held across Central Queensland including Woorabinda, Biloela, and Bidgerdii’s new centre in Blackwater, to educate and engage the local community about RHD and Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF).

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Five minutes with Gindaja CEO Ailsa Lively

Five minutes with Gindaja CEO Ailsa Lively

Sep 9, 2025 | , , | 0

Ailsa Lively’s journey into leadership is grounded in community and service. After early jobs in retail and hospitality, she began her career in administration with the Aboriginal Coordinating Council, where she was inspired by strong Aboriginal leaders advocating for better outcomes. That passion led to 17 years with Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, progressing to Deputy CEO before taking on the top job at Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation in 2008. Today, Ailsa continues to serve Yarrabah through her leadership at Gindaja and as a Board member of several local and national organisations.

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ABOUT

Sector Leader Magazine is published by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC).

We welcome submissions from our Members, Associates and Affiliates on the great work being undertaken within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation Sector. 

If you would like to contribute story ideas for consideration or comment on items in the current issue, please contact our Communications Team at communications@qaihc.com.au. Previous issues can be viewed online at qaihc.com.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this publication may contain images or names of people who have passed away.