The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) has welcomed Donna Ah Chee as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms Ah Chee joins AMSANT after 26 years with Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, including more than a decade as CEO, where she led one of the country’s largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) through significant growth in workforce, services and impact.
AMSANT Chair Rob McPhee said Ms Ah Chee brings deep experience, steady leadership and a strong commitment to Aboriginal community-controlled primary health care at a critical time for the Territory.
“Donna is an experienced and respected leader who understands both the frontline realities of delivering care and the broader policy settings that shape health outcomes,” Mr McPhee said.
“She has made a significant contribution to Aboriginal health through her leadership at Congress, strengthening clinical services while building the governance and corporate systems needed for long-term sustainability. That experience, and her deep commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes, will be invaluable as AMSANT continues to advocate for all member services across the Northern Territory.”
Ms Ah Chee is a proud Bundjalung woman from the far north coast of New South Wales who has lived in Mparntwe for more than 36 years. She is married to a local Yankunytjatjara/Arrernte man and together they have three children and four grandchildren. She said stepping into the role was both a privilege and a responsibility.
“It has been an honour to serve Congress and the Mparntwe community for more than two decades,” she said.
“My leadership has always been grounded in genuine partnerships— with Boards, with staff, key stakeholders and most importantly with community. The strength of our sector comes from those collective efforts.”
Ms Ah Chee said her experience at Congress, including overseeing multidisciplinary clinical care, social and preventive programs and action on the social determinants of health, would guide her work at a Territory-wide level.
“Having led an ACCHS, I understand the realities our member services face every day,” she said.
“AMSANT plays a critical role in bringing our services together and elevating their voices at a Territory and national level. Closing the gap in health outcomes requires more than access to and quality of health care. It requires action on housing, education, employment and inequality — and genuine partnership with Aboriginal organisations.”
“I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working alongside our member services to strengthen the collective voice of Aboriginal community-controlled primary health care services across the Territory and improve outcomes for all Aboriginal people and communities.”
Ms Ah Chee will remain based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) as she commences her role with AMSANT.
Contact details:
Amy Price, 0437 027 156
