VACCHO Excited to Welcome New Board Members Paula Morgan and Simon Flagg

Nov 28, 2023

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is delighted to announce the appointments of Paula Morgan and Simon Flagg to the VACCHO Board following last week’s Annual General Meeting in Melbourne. 

The AGM also saw the re-election of proud Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta, Waywurru and Wiradjuri man and Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) CEO Michael Graham as VACCHO Chairperson.

Ms. Morgan and Mr. Flagg bring decades of experience to the VACCHO board having provided vital leadership in the Aboriginal health and wellbeing space. Both Ms. Morgan and Mr. Flagg commenced their new roles as VACCHO Board Directors Monday 27 November.

Newly appointed VACCHO Board members, proud Gunnai woman Paula Morgan (left)  and proud Wemba Wemba man Simon Flagg (right).

Proud Gunnai woman Paula Morgan has been a Registered Nurse for over 25 years, having spent time nursing in the Northern Territory and Western Australian Aboriginal communities – an experience that is very close to her heart today. Paula has spent the last 15 years at Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA), initially working as a community nurse before moving to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Proud Wemba Wemba man and Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative CEO Simon Flagg’s clear passion and demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal Communities makes him a vital addition to VACCHO’s Board of Directors. Mr Flagg has held Senior Management and Senior Executive roles across the Victorian Public Service and has long been a passionate and talented advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Ms. Morgan and Mr. Flagg will join continuing Board Members Dallas Widdicombe (Deputy Chairperson), Felicia Dean, Tammy Bundle, and Belinda Day.

The VACCHO Board plays a crucial role in overseeing the determination and implementation of policies and processes that reflect good corporate governance and our core organisational values.

VACCHO CEO Dr. Jill Gallagher AO (HonLLD) is thrilled with the new appointments and is looking forward to seeing Paula Morgan and Simon Flagg make valuable contributions to the organisation and VACCHO Membership.

Quote to be attributed to VACCHO CEO Dr. Jill Gallagher AO (HonLLD):
“Paula and Simon are very welcome additions to VACCHO. They are passionate advocates for the health of our Community and bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. We are looking forward to working with them to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria have high quality health and wellbeing.”

Quote to be attributed to VACCHO Board Director Paula Morgan:
“I am honoured to be part of the VACCHO board – it’s an exciting opportunity to further strengthen VACCHO’s foundations and to work in partnership with the leadership team to advocate for having Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands – and to support thriving, healthy Communities.

Quote to be attributed to VACCHO Board Director Simon Flagg:
“I am extremely proud to be able to join the VACCHO board to provide a strong, united voice for Communities as we work towards securing the sustainability, efficiency and impact of an Aboriginal self-determining future.”

Media enquiries

For further media enquiries please email communications@vaccho.org.au or contact our media unit on (03) 9411 9411.

Background 

VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria – the only one of its kind – with 33 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as Members. VACCHO Members support over 65,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, and combined are the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the state.