Yaama, I am Matthew Trindall, Gomeroi, New South Wales, my maternal yinaar lineage extends to the Bigambul and my paternal giwiirr lineage to the Thungutti and Gandangarra. I live and work on the lands of the Kameygal and Cammeraygal. My culture has been shaped by the staunch yinaar that represent these people, through knowledge, sharing and wisdom.

I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, seas, and skies across all the places our members live and work. I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I acknowledge that Sovereignty was never ceded, it always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

I bring over 15 years of experience working in the largest public health service in Australia, including 8 years as Director in NSW Health. I am the inaugural Director Aboriginal Mental Health at the NSW Ministry of Health and held previous positions as the Director Aboriginal Strategy and Culture at Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network and Clinical Leader Aboriginal Mental Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.

I have tertiary qualifications in Masters of Indigenous Health, (substance use), University of Sydney, Bachelor of Health Science, (mental health) Charles Sturt University, Bachelor of Indigenous Studies, Southern Cross University, Diploma of Leadership and Management, IAHA Leadership Program 2022 and the Australian Institute of Company Directors program 2021.

I am responsible for statewide projects, financial and risk management, governance, performance, workforce development, policy, strategic planning and more importantly my peers and team. My current role involves managing expectations and working with systems that differ from our own cultural values. This experience has shaped who I am as a person, navigating difficult situations

whilst maintaining my cultural integrity and representing the interest of Aboriginal people.

I have extensive experience working with and reporting to Boards and Board subcommittees, ensuring the organisations compliance with regulations, policy, legislative frameworks and performance. This includes the monitoring of statewide projects like Closing the Gap, Aboriginal health, implementation and monitoring of strategic plans, suicide prevention, managing over 60 contracts with external organisations and funding for 31 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in NSW.

My networks are well established across Australia in government, Aboriginal community controlled and non-government sectors, these networks include key stakeholders of IAHA, like members of the Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations. These relationships are integral to maintaining the interest of the organisation and reputation of the work that I engage with. Networking is a strength of mine in representing my organisation and ensure we have a seat at the table and are leading the decision making process.

I am a strong advocate for system reform, accountability and ensuring Aboriginal people voices are at the forefront of decision making for our communities. My advocacy has led to transformative outcomes and the establishment of appropriate structures and governance mechanism for Aboriginal people in NSW Health.

Navigating complex systems at local, state and commonwealth levels of health, has empowered me with the necessary skillset to support the operations and governance of any organisation. I am a believer in transferrable skills and leadership in practice; these values have been shaped by IAHA and my time as a member.

I have been a member with IAHA since 2015 and as a long term member, IAHAs purpose has never wavered and aligns to mine in supporting the empowerment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce to lead transformative change, embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of working and knowing, being and doing.

The purpose is grounded in culture and positions the organisation as representing the best interest of its members through self determination. IAHA has empowered me through my leadership journey in providing the support and structure to step into uncomfortable spaces. I have grown as a person and leader and want to give back through reciprocity. I want to elevate the voices of the members and support the vision and journey of IAHA.

My pledge is, I will continue the work and walk in the footprints of those who have come before us.

Yalu Baayandhu wadhaay ngiyani ngamilay. Matthew Trindall