IAHA Board Nominee Patricia Councillor

Indigenous Allied Health Australia | IAHA Board Nominee Patricia Councillor


Oorda (Hello) – Yamaji Naaguja Nyarlu

My name is Patricia Councillor. I am a proud Naaguja Yamaji woman from Geraldton, Western Australia.

I give heartfelt thanks to my parents, grandparents, older siblings and ancestors for their continued guidance, wisdom and support in the Yamaji and Naaguja way. Their teachings have shaped who I am and continue to guide how I walk through the world.

I am a mother to three adult children—two men and one woman. I am also a proud Nan to five Yamaji young men and one deadly Nyarlu, my cherished granddaughter. As an Aunty and mentor to many across Western Australia, Australia, and internationally (including the USA and Canada), I carry deep responsibilities in community and cultural leadership.

I hold a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) and have worked in Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) and Mental Health for over 15 years, and for over 40 years I have worked remotely, regional and metro in and with my Aboriginal community in a wide range of roles, always with the goal of supporting and strengthening mob.

I have previously served on the IAHA Board, where I proudly contributed my time, cultural knowledge, and intellectual property to support the organisation, its members, and our communities.

I currently sit on several committees and working groups, including:

  • Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) as the International Australian Indigenous Representative
  • Aboriginal Committee at the Geraldton Local Prison
  • Multiple networking and advocacy groups throughout the Midwest and Western Australia

I strongly align with IAHA’s vision that “All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and future generations are thriving in ongoing connection to self, spirit and place.” This vision reflects not only my professional values but also the cultural responsibilities I uphold every day.

After taking a much-needed break to honour Sorry Time with family and community, I now feel ready to return to the work I know and do best: being here for mob, walking with community, and speaking up when needed.

I am not backward in coming forward, and I will always speak truth when it matters most.