Dorothy Smith. Photograph: TAIHS

QAIHC’s new Chairperson Dorothy Smith is looking forward to leading the organisation into its next chapter — grounded in culture, driven by Community and united in its vision to bridge “now with next” for all First Nations people.

Ms Smith, who is also the Chairperson of Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS), was appointed the new QAIHC Chairperson at the Annual General Meeting on 5 June. She takes over the role from outgoing Chairperson Matthew Cooke, who has served since 2020.

She is a proud descendant of the Birri Gubba Nation through her mother’s side, with strong ties to the Bindal people. On her father’s side, she carries the lineage of the Meriam people of Murray Island and the Kutjala people of Charters Towers. Both her grandfathers also share connection to the Bwgcolman people of Palm Island, having been sent there as children during the era of the Stolen Generations.

As QAIHC marks its 35th year, Ms Smith said QAIHC must reflect on what it wants for “our health, our culture and our future — not just for today, but for the next 50 years and beyond.”

“Our role is to bridge now with next, so that the legacy of our Elders continues to guide us, and the dreams of our children can be realised,” she said.

“This is reconciliation in action: connecting the wisdom of the past with the hopes of the future and ensuring that our leadership is always for the whole community.”

Ms Smith said she wanted to address five key themes as Chairperson:

  • Leadership: QAIHC must stay democratic, transparent, and truly representative of all First Nations people in Queensland. Regional voices must be heard and clearly reflected in our priorities.
  • Culture and strength: QAIHC’s advocacy should focus on community strengths, with culture practised intentionally and led locally.
  • Accountability: QAIHC must serve not only those who access our services, but also those disconnected by trauma, distance, or distrust.
  • Workforce and innovation: As a major employer of First Nations people, QAIHC must prepare for the digital future while supporting staff wellbeing and leadership.
  • Economic influence: QAIHC should lead in Indigenous procurement, backing Indigenous businesses and driving cultural healing through economic inclusion.

Ms Smith said she saw her role as that of a strategic guide — focused on good governance, cultural integrity and long- term direction.

“The day-to-day leadership of QAIHC belongs to our CEO, and it is vital that we, as a Board, empower her fully to lead the organisation with confidence and authority,” she said.

Ms Smith said she was thrilled to be leading QAIHC into the future as she had benefited from community controlled health services through her entire life.

“My journey with QAIHC began through a deep connection to family lines that have helped establish and grow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health services across Queensland, such as my hometown of Townsville with TAIHS,” she said.

“As a mother and member of a large kinship network, I have seen firsthand the impact of QAIHC’s Member organisations — from baby immunisations to Elder care and ageing well. My family, like so many others, has benefited from the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and board members.”

Ms Smith is a long-time leader in the community-controlled sector, with over15 years’ of experience across government, business development, and First Nations engagement. She has held senior roles in justice, health policy, youth and child wellbeing, and Indigenous procurement, she is also the Managing Director of Goodjoo Pty Ltd, a fully Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned enterprise and consulting business. Ms Smith brings deep cultural knowledge and a strong track record of bridging commercial and Community priorities.