Lesley Nelson

Currently CEO of the South-West Aboriginal Medical Service, I am a proud Noongar woman from the Balladong and Whadjuk clans, mother of four, and have been in senior management roles for over 25 years within the Aboriginal health sector. I have a bias for innovation and strategic action, further strengthened by a strong academic background in both business and epidemiology. Over my extensive career in corporate, government and community sectors, I have leveraged this unique blend of skills to engage meaningfully with Aboriginal communities and champion the expansion of accessible primary health services. My demonstrated capacity to influence, create collaborative solution and build key partnerships have contributed to growing organisations’ capacity and delivering better outcomes for Aboriginal individuals, families, and communities. As an appointed advisor, chair and director of several boards, committees, and forums, I am also a recognised advocate and contributor to policy and program development at the national, state and community levels, all the while managing a regional service delivery company with multiple local outlets.