Established by the CheckUP Board in May 2021, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in providing strategic level advice to inform CheckUP’s delivery of programs and initiatives within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
CheckUP recognises the significance and value of ensuring its work is informed by the specialised and expert knowledge of people who have lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and needs. Through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, involvement of people with lived experience is helping to build understanding, reduce discrimination and improve quality.
The purpose of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee is to provide strategic level advice and guidance to CheckUP’s Board of Directors and Senior Management Team in relation to CheckUP’s broad range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives, which include visiting health services, programs and projects, and span health, workforce and disability.
The Advisory Committee has equal membership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, gender balance and a mix of ages. They currently meet four times annually with additional meetings called at the discretion of the Committee Chair Kieran Chilcott in line with business needs.
The involvement provided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee enables CheckUP to identify priorities, understand cultural beliefs and practices, and involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in determining their own health priorities.
Committee members
- Mr. Kieran Chilcott, CEO of Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd and a Director on the CheckUP Board.
- Mr. Shaun Tatipata, Academic Specialist in Indigenous Eye Health Leadership at the University of Melbourne.
- Ms. Rona Scherer, Project Officer at Blue Care.
- Ms. Renee Blackman, CEO of ATSICHS Brisbane.
- Ms. Rhonda Shibasaki, respected community Elder.
- Ms. Nyaree Mewett, General Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
- Ms. Ann Maree Liddy, CEO of CheckUP, serving as an ex-officio member.