Members of the Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS) met last night and elected a new Board of Directors.
In an overwhelming show of support for the previous Board, a motion of no confidence was defeated and four of the six previous Directors were re-elected.
Two new Directors were elected from the floor.
The new Board is Dorothy Smith (returned), Michael Illin (returned), Randal Ross (returned), Simeon Duffy (newly elected), Topsy Mola (returned), and Tyson Cassady (newly elected).
Immediately following the AGM, the new Board met and re-elected Randal Ross to continue as Chairperson. The new Board confirmed John Bearne (previous Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair) as a Specialist Independent Director.
Chair Randal Ross said it was heartening to see so many TAIHS members turn out to support the organisation and send a strong message that TAIHS is doing well and working effectively for the local community.
Mr Ross said now it was time to get on with the vital health and wellbeing work TAIHS does in the regional community. “We have a very exciting future in front of us.”
“TAIHS is a community owned and operated organisation which does its best to provide health care for our community. To continue being effective at saving lives and raising living standards for our community the organisation has to be above politics, family and all the petty issues which can distract community organisations”.
“The TAIHS Board has already committed $1.8M of our surplus funds to support the Federal Governments Grant to the Primary Health Care programme. This is core business and will assist our doctors and medical support staff to cope with the increased demand for our services along with increasing costs.”
“The Board is pleased to announce we have moved to the second round for a $15M grant for a new Holistic Health Hub at the Garbutt Centre. This is an exciting development which will complement the existing Gordon St Health Clinic.”
In his welcome to Members, Mr Ross praised TAIHS staff, saying he was proud of TAIHS’ 170 staff who have worked professionally in difficult circumstances.
“Since COVID, all organisations have trouble finding and keeping staff and TAIHS is no different, but we must be doing something right because our staff stay with us an average of almost 5 years – a lot more than many organisations. I have no hesitation in backing the quality of this organisation, its staff and management against all comers – TAIHS is doing its job well and we know things will continue to improve.”