The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today congratulated Julie Tongs OAM, CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, on her the nomination for the Senior Australian of the Year award.
Julie Tongs is one of the ACT’s most prominent and respected community leaders. She has worked in the CEO position at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services for more than 20 years, advocating for health care services to be delivered in a culturally appropriate way to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: “Julie Tongs is an an incredible leader, service provider and campaigner for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT and beyond.
“She is a fearless advocate for people who face inequality and injustice not only in the health services sector but also on issues including child protection, justice, housing and the other social determinants of health and wellbeing.
“The general prosperity of the ACT and high statistical averages compared to other Australian jurisdictions too often hides the significant disadvantage and discrimination experienced by many Canberrans, especially Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT.”
Dr Campbell continued: “Julie Tong works tirelessly to challenge and address the unfairness and injustice experienced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Canberra region.
“She has never been afraid to hold people in power to account – including the health and community services sector – for their roles in perpetuating injustice as well as what we all should be doing to bring about change.
“Julie Tongs would be a most deserving Senior Australian of the Year and ACTCOSS congratulates her on this nomination. We take this opportunity to thank her for leadership, bravery and extraordinary work for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT and all Canberrans.”
