Search

Governance

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services (GYHSAC) is an Incorporated Aboriginal Association under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976 and is accountable to its member.
 
Since its inception the Board of Directors has actively developed (GYHSAC) to become the lead health agency in Yarrabah.

Board Members

  • Chair – Kenneth Jackson

  • Company secretary – Tamilyn Brennan

  • Director – Ailsa Lively

  • Director – Errol Choikee

  • Director – Katie Pope

  • Director – Pastor Leslie Baird

  • Director – Sam Bann

  • Director David Baird

  • Independent Director – Sonja Johnson

Chair – Kenneth Jackson

Kenneth Jackson is a proud Gunggandji Traditional Owner and dedicated community leader from Yarrabah. As Chairperson of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation (GHYSAC), Kenneth brings strong leadership and a clear vision for improving the health and wellbeing of the Yarrabah community through culturally safe, community-led healthcare.

With a background in governance and frontline service delivery, Kenneth has previously served as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor of the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.

He is currently employed as a Justice Service Officer with the Yarrabah Justice Service and is a former Senior Police Liaison Officer with the Queensland Police Service.

Kenneth has a deep commitment to self-determination, community strength, and building a healthier, more resilient future for Yarrabah.

His leadership at GYHSAC is grounded in cultural knowledge, lived experience, and a passion for creating lasting, meaningful change

Company secretary – Tamilyn Brennan

Tamilyn Brennan is an experienced executive, policy advisor, and transformation leader. With a strong track record in community development and structural reform, she brings strategic clarity to her role as company secretary.

Tamilyn specialises in change management, economic strategy, workforce planning, and governance. Her work helps guide Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation (GHYSAC) leadership through evolving policy environments, ensuring the organisation stays focused on self- determination, transparency, andlong-term community benefit.

Director – Ailsa Lively

Ailsa Lively is a proud Gunggandji woman and CEO of Gindaja Indigenous Treatment & Healing Corporation. With deep roots in Yarrabah, she brings decades of leadership across Indigenous governance, health, and community development.

Ailsa is a fierce advocate for healing, empowerment, and cultural strength. She holds board roles with the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Gunggandji PBCs, and QNADA.

Her work continues to inspire self-determination, resilience, and real change for her people.

Director – Errol Choikee

Errol Choikee is a qualified Indigenous Health Worker with over nine years of hands-on experience in Yarrabah’s health sector.

A passionate community advocate, Errol brings frontline insight and a deep connection to the people he serves. Having previously served on Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation (GHYSAC)’s Board, he understands both community priorities and governance needs. Errol focuses on empowering mob, closing the gap, and ensuring health strategies remain grounded in lived experiences and cultural respect.

Director – Katie Pope

Katie Pope is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and registered tax agent with extensive financial expertise. She brings a strong governance background as an inaugural board member of MacKillop Catholic College in Mount Peter.

Katie’s insights support the financial integrity of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation (GHYSAC)’s strategic goals and ensure accountability in line with community expectations. She is passionate about strengthening Indigenous led organisations through clear fiscal oversight, transparent reporting, and community-focused financial management.

Director – Pastor Leslie Baird

Director – Sam Bann

Samuel has devoted more than 36 years to working with youth and education. A Secondary School Teacher since 1988, Sam has blended his professional life with his passion for sport and wellbeing.

He currently works in Cairns and serves as President of the Yarrabah Sea Hawks Senior Club (2017-2024). Through mentoring and leadership, Sam champions community health and youth development, bringing valuable insight to the Board’s work in improving educational, social, emotional, and physical well-being for Yarrabah’s future.

Director David Baird

David Baird brings over 14 years of executive leadership, having served as CEO of both Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services (GYHSAC) and Gindaja Indigenous Treatment & Healing Corporation.

A former Director and Treasurer of QAIHC (2005– 2010), David also served as Chair of GYHSAC in 2019.

His expertise spans governance, Indigenous health service delivery, and organisational development. David continues to drive community-led health reform and is a proud advocate for spiritually strong Christian, community-controlled health service models in Yarrabah.

Independent Director – Sonja Johnson

Sonja Johnson is an accomplished executive leader with more than two decades of experience across health, economic development, tourism, and local government sectors. She has held senior leadership roles in both Australia and overseas, including in the Middle East health sector and within the North West Hospital and Health Service in Mount Isa, Queensland.

Sonja currently serves as Director of Strategy, Growth and Stakeholder Engagement at Southern Downs Regional Council, leading portfolios spanning economic development, tourism and events, communications, and stakeholder relations. A former Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia Tropical North, she has a proven record in strategic planning, policy development, and building partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes for regional communities.

Sonja is passionate about strengthening community wellbeing, supporting equitable access to services, and driving regional innovation across Queensland.

Warning

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the content on this site may contain images and references to deceased persons.
Continue