Our Impact
Members
Our Model

The people who guide and inspire us

VACCHO is governed by a deadly Board of Directors – representing both Members and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.

Steering us towards self-determination

The VACCHO Board keep us grounded and informed, ensuring we stay true to the Community we serve.

They play a crucial role in shaping and overseeing policies and processes that embody good governance – and our core values.

The Board meets quarterly, offering invaluable guidance on VACCHO’s strategic direction – and aligning our efforts with Members’ priorities. Each Director brings a unique blend of experience and insight, enriching the way we support Members and Community.

VACCHO is a registered charity operating as an incorporated association. Read our governing rules here.

Become a VACCHO Board Observer in 2025

Expressions of interest now open.

VACCHO is looking for a first time ‘observer’ Board Member to experience first-hand the running of your peak body.

Applications close COB Friday 6 December 2024

Are you:

  • Aged between 18 and 30 years old?
  • Passionate about Aboriginal health?
  • Keen to be on an Aboriginal community controlled Board?
Submit your EOI here

or download the EOI form

Our Board Members

Michael Graham

Chairperson

Michael Graham is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Wiradjuri man who is passionate about improving health outcomes for Mob.

For the last 20 years, he has contributed to Mob’s wellbeing through his work at various Community organisations.

He is the Chief Executive Officer at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS).

Plus, Michael has been a Board Member at the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative – and a former Board Chairperson at VAHS and the Fitzroy Stars Aboriginal Community Youth Club/Gymnasium.

Paula Morgan

Deputy Chairperson

Paula is a proud Gunnai woman and a Registered Nurse with decades of health sector experience.

Paula’s nursing career took her to 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.

Felicia Dean

Director

Felicia Dean is a proud Yorta Yorta woman with a strong background and career in Aboriginal Affairs and the Community controlled sector.

She supports the Empowered Communities model and believes self-determination and flexibility are the way to address the disparity facing Aboriginal communities across Australia.

Felicia is the Chief Executive Officer of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative.

 

Simon Flagg

Director

Simon Flagg is a proud descendant of the Wemba Wemba people from the Swan Hill region in Victoria and a proud Aboriginal member of the Geelong Community.

Simon has long been a passionate and talented advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is his demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal communities that makes him such an impactful member of VACCHO’s Board of Directors.

Simon has held Senior Management and Senior Executive roles across the Victorian Public Service and is now the CEO of Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative.

Dallas Widdicombe

Director

Dallas is a proud Dharug man who holds a Bachelor of Social Work and an Advanced Diploma of Business (Governance).

For years, Dallas worked in the remote Western Australian community of Balgo, holding various positions including the Chief Executive Officer of the Wirrimanu Aboriginal Community.

Now, he’s the CEO at the Bendigo & District Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC).
Dallas is focused on the future of improved health for Mob and believes self-determination plays an integral part in achieving this goal.

Nolita Edwards

Director

Nolita Edwards is a proud Gunditjmara woman through her mother, and a Nari-Nari, Muthi-Muthi woman through her father. She is also a mother of three Koori Noongar Boorais.

Nolita has always worked in the Aboriginal community-controlled sector in primary health care, particularly the Aboriginal healing and wellness space. She is a qualified psychotherapist/counsellor, and a drug and alcohol worker. Plus, she completed a Diploma in Natural Skin Care Formulation in 2022.

Nolita joined the Njernda Board of Management in 2023, 2021 and 2020. Alongside her work at ACCOs, she formulates and creates natural skin care products in her business, Black Ochre.

She is a solid believer and promoter of Aboriginal community control – and actively works to uphold the essence and values of our old people and Aboriginal culture.

 

Megan Solomon

Director

Megan Solomon is a proud Ngarigo woman from Orbost, Victoria.

For eight years, she has served on the Moogji Aboriginal Council Board of Directors – and currently sits as Chairperson. She also is the Community Services Manager at Lake Tylers Health and Children’s Services.

With over a decade of experience in Health and Education in the ACCO sector, she’s an invaluable addition to the VACCHO Board.

Megan has worked with and for her Community since her early years and is determined to inspire young ones to becomes leaders at their ACCOs.

Ready to discover the rest of our team?

Visit Our People

Latest news