Grampians Health appoints Emma Thurling to lead First Nations health
Grampians Health has appointed experienced healthcare professional and proud Palawa woman Emma Thurling as its new Director of First Nations Health, further reinforcing the commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations people across the region.
A registered nurse, Emma brings more than a decade of experience at Grampians Health to the role, having worked across community health, chronic disease management, aged care and senior leadership.
Emma is a proud Palawa woman with family connections to Lutruwita (Tasmania). She was born and raised on Wiradjuri Country in New South Wales. A mum of three, Emma moved to Ballarat from Adelaide a decade ago and has since built a career dedicated to improving health outcomes and supporting communities across the Grampians.
Grampians Health Chief Executive Officer Dale Fraser said Emma's appointment builds on the organisation's ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations people.
"Emma brings a wealth of experience, strong community connections and a genuine passion for improving health outcomes for First Nations people," Mr Fraser said.
"As both a respected healthcare leader and proud First Nations woman, Emma offers a unique perspective that will help guide our organisation as we continue to strengthen culturally safe care and deepen our partnerships with our First Nations communities."
Emma began her career at Grampians Health Ballarat in the Hospital Admission Risk Program, supporting people to remain healthy and independent in their homes, before progressing through a range of leadership positions, most recently serving as Director of Community Programs and Director of Nursing at the Early Parenting Centre.
She currently serves on the Committee of Management for Weenthunga Health Network and is in the second year of her two-year term. Weenthunga is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation dedicated to strengthening the First Nations health workforce through leadership, governance, collaboration and connection, with a vision of healthy, thriving people, communities and Country.
For Emma, the role is both professional and deeply personal.
"As an Aboriginal woman, improving health outcomes for First Nations people is something I care about deeply. I've seen the difference that culturally responsive care can make, and I've also seen the barriers that can prevent people from accessing the care they need."
Emma said her immediate priority would be strengthening relationships both within Grampians Health and across the broader community.
"Relationships are everything. Our priority is listening to and learning from communities, strengthening our partnerships with local organisations and supporting our First Nations Health workforce," she said.
"I don't have all the answers, and that's why co-design is so important. The best solutions come when communities help shape the services that are designed for them."
Emma said she was encouraged by Grampians Health's commitment to creating meaningful change.
"There is real momentum within the organisation and a genuine desire to improve outcomes for First Nations people. I believe we have an opportunity to make lasting, system-wide change and to ensure First Nations voices are reflected throughout our health service."
A key focus of Emma's work will be to strengthen culturally safe and culturally conscious care across Grampians Health.
"We want First Nations people to feel safe when they walk through our doors, to feel heard, respected and included in their care," she said.
"Cultural safety is everyone's responsibility. It requires ongoing learning, reflection and a willingness to listen to community. When we get that right, we build trust, improve access to healthcare and ultimately improve health outcomes."
Grampians Health is committed to closing the gap in health outcomes experienced by First Nations people through stronger community partnerships, increased cultural safety, workforce development and services designed in collaboration with First Nations communities.
