Our Board

Scott Monaghan

Chairperson

Scott Monaghan is a passionate leader with exceptional communication skills and a proven track record in successful management. With extensive knowledge of national and state economic, social, and regulatory issues impacting health service delivery, Scott is recognised as an inspiring and motivational manager by his peers. He possesses strong Aboriginal community knowledge and has built robust relationships and consultative skills with
Aboriginal communities from Coffs Harbour to the Queensland border. In June 2021, Scott was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to Indigenous health and medical research. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation and serves as Chairperson of the Country Universities Centre. Scott has also served on multiple boards across NSW and was appointed to the
NNSWLHD Board in January 2022.

LaVerne Bellear

Deputy Chairperson

Tom Flanders

Director

Thomas Flanders was born in Bellingen and attended schools in Coffs Harbour and Grafton. He left school at the age of 14 but later pursued higher education, commencing a university course in Social Welfare at the age of 30. Since then, Tom has been actively involved in education and community leadership. Tom is the National Manager of the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Union Development Team and serves on its Board of Directors. Additionally, Tom holds key roles within the community as Treasurer for the Aboriginal Medical Service in Tamworth and Vice President of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc.

Jason Smith

Director

Jason Smith is a proud Yithi/Nari man from New South Wales, recognised and respected within the Aboriginal communities of Balranald and Newcastle, NSW. He is part of a family with a strong and longstanding connection to the Newcastle Aboriginal Advancement Society, now Awabakal Limited. Jason is committed to continuing the important work initiated by his people. With his extensive experience and dedication, he is well-positioned to lead Awabakal Limited and shape the organisation’s future over the next 20 years.

James Williams

Director

James Williams, a proud Wiradjuri man from the Riverina area, resides in Griffith, NSW. He began his career in Aboriginal health in 2004 as the first receptionist at the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS). Over the years, James took on various Health Worker roles, including Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and Outreach Worker, before being promoted to Operations Manager of Griffith AMS, a role he held from 2010 to 2018. Currently, James is employed by Riverina Medical & Dental Corporation as the Team Leader of the Family Preservation Permanency Support Program. His qualifications include a Certificate IV in Primary Health (Practice) and a Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Melanie Briggs

Director

Kevin Read

Director

Christine Corby AM

Director

Mrs Corby is a Gamilaraay woman from north-western New South Wales (NSW). Born in Sydney, and returned to her mother’s country where she has lived for the past 48 years. Mrs Corby was the Legal Secretary for the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service (Walgett office) for 11 years. When funding was announced in 1986 for the establishment of a local Aboriginal Medical Service in Walgett, she commenced as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a position held for 37 years.