The cohealth Board is pleased to announce that Lorraine Parsons has been appointed to the Board.
Ms. Parsons is an Aboriginal woman who identifies with her mother’s Alyawarr country. To this role, she brings her Aboriginal identity and extensive experience in the health sector. Ms. Parsons has worked in clinical social work, management and executive roles in health and is currently a Social Work lecturer and tutor at the University of Melbourne.
She also serves on Boards and Committees including First Peoples Health and Wellbeing, Australian Institute of Family Studies Ethics Committee and the Royal Women’s Hospital Community Advisory Committee.
cohealth Board Chair, Kerry Thompson, welcomes Ms. Parsons appointment as cohealth enters the second year of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan.
“Ms. Parsons’ perspective and diverse experience will add great value to our Board and help cohealth remain a strong and adaptable organisation into the future,” Ms. Thompson says.
cohealth Chief Executive, Nicole Bartholomeusz, says Aboriginal health and wellbeing is a priority at cohealth.
“cohealth are committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the profiles of the communities we serve. This starts with our Board. It has been a priority for us to ensure a First Nations voice is heard in all matters of health and wellbeing,” Ms. Bartholomeusz says.
Ms. Parsons is looking forward to contributing to the Board her experience in health, and knowledge of the Aboriginal community.
“It is crucial that a First Nations voice is heard in matters of health and wellbeing,” Ms. Parsons says.
“While many First Nations people enjoy good health, as a group, the health of First Nations people is compromised on all levels.”
Ms. Parsons says cohealth’s mission to improve health and wellbeing for all and tackle inequality resonates with her, as well as cohealth’s commitment to working in partnership with the community.
“First Nations people have a lot to offer in terms of the Aboriginal model of health and ways of looking at health that can be of benefit to all Australians.” Ms. Parsons says.