About Us
About PAHA
Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance
The Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance (PAHA) is a partnership between the three Aboriginal Community Health Services (ACCHS’s) based in the Pilbara region of WA, namely, Mawarnkarra Health Service; Wirraka Maya Health Service; and Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (Member ACCHS’s ). The priority for PAHA and its Member ACCHS’s is to improve the health outcomes for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People; Families; and Communities, in the Pilbara region. PAHA is the Gateway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in East and West Pilbara.
How It Started
History
The Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance (PAHA) is a partnership which began on 23rd June 2019 when the CEO’s and Directors of the three ACCHS came together and formed PAHA Working Group which became officially PAHA in March 2021.
Vision
OUR VISION IS TO STRENGTHEN OUR MEMBER SERVICES
Mission
OUR MISSION IS THAT PAHA IS RECOGNISED AND RESPECTED AS THE STRONG, UNITED ADVOCATE FOR ACHIEVING BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE PILBARA BY:
- ROBUST OPERATIONS – Building systems and processes that build on opportunities for growth
- CAPACITY BUILDING – Supporting member organisations enhance service delivery
- STRONG PARTNERSHIPS & ADVOCACY – Partnerships that serve our members & stakeholders
- HEALTH PROMOTION – Effective health promotion programs that improve health outcomes
- RESEARCH & DATA FOCUS – Effective use of data to optimise service delivery
Our Values
- CULTURE- We adhere to our cultural responsibilities, norms, protocols and are led by the traditional owners in the areas we operate
- ACCOUNTABILITY- We will uphold our objectives, and do what we say we will do to our funders, our community and do our best with the resources at our disposal
- INTEGRITY- We are trustworthy and honest in our representation and conduct
- RESPECT- We value our relationships with each other, our community and stakeholders
- TRANSPARENCY- Ewe uphold our constitution and governance processes
Meet the Team
PAHA BOARD
This Alliance began in June 2019 with the three CEO’s and their Directors coming together with the goal of forming a representative body for the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Services.
Selena Stewart
PAHA Chair
My name is Selina Stewart and I come from the Binikurra people. I was born in Carnarvon and have lived in the Pilbara for most of my life. I am a member of the YMAC Board and Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation.
Phyllis Symmons
PAHA Vice Chair
Phyllis has been a Director of MHS since 2011 , and has diligently carried out the actions of the Board and represented Mawarnkarra at meetings with external stakeholders. Phyllis is a Yamatji Aboriginal woman who has spent the majority of her adult life in the Pilbara.
NORA COOKE
My name is Nora Cooke. I was born and raised in Port Hedland and I am from the Ngarla Nyamal people. I am a Board Member of YMAC and Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation and I am a language teacher.
I teach my father’s language Ngarla. I still do traditional hunting and cooking.
RICHARD ANSEY
Richard Ansey has been MHS Chairperson for the past 4 years, and has taken a strong interest in the health and wellbeing of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community. Richard has lived in the Pilbara since the age of 10 years and originates from Mer Island in the Torres Strait. Richard proudly calls the Pilbara home; and is married with three children.
MELVIN FARMER
Bio and photo to be supplied
CAROL WILLIAMS
Bio and photo to be supplied
JOLLEEN HICKS
Jolleen Hicks is a proud Ngarluma Aboriginal woman who grew up in Roebourne, and is passionate about Closing the Health Gaps for our local Aboriginal Community. Jolleen joined the Board in February 2013, and is a strong advocate for Aboriginal organisations being empowered to becoming self-sustainable.
Alfred Barker
My name is Alfred Barker. My family are descendant of the Kariyarra people of Port Hedland in the Pilbara.
I was born in Port Hedland and I have lived here most of my life. I am the Chairperson of the Board with Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation.
ROWENA BROWN
My name is Rowena Brown and I was born in Port Hedland. I am a Board Member of Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation.
AUNTY…
Bio and photo to be supplied
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Acknowledgement of Country
PAHA acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners of this land and pays respect to Elders past, present and future emerging leaders.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed.