Our Life Members

Aunty Jane Arnold

Aunty Jane Arnold was a revered Kullili Elder, stateswoman, and lifelong advocate for First Nations rights and social justice. Born around 1908, she dedicated her life to community service. A founding member of numerous First Nations organisations—including the Murri School, legal and medical services, and youth centres—Aunty Jane tirelessly fought for her people. She played a key role in reestablishing the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, facing police brutality with resilience and dignity. Her leadership and unwavering commitment leave a lasting legacy.

Pastor Don Brady

Pastor Don Brady was an advocate for First Nations rights, using the media to expose inequities in housing and employment opportunities. A passionate leader, he inspired countless others to join the fight for social justice, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices were heard. Committed to cultural pride and education, he worked to instill in Aboriginal children a deep appreciation of their heritage. His unwavering dedication to his people and his advocacy for equality left a lasting impact, shaping the path for future generations in the struggle for justice and self-determination.

Aunty Glenda Brooks

Aunty Glenda was a beloved member of the ATSICHS Brisbane community, known for her dedication to serving her people. She started her career at ATSICHS Brisbane in 1999 and spent the next decade working in various roles at the Woolloongabba Medical Clinic, including Clinical Support Worker, Medicare Officer Clerk, Medical Driver and Administration Supervisor. Throughout her time at the clinic, Aunty Glenda made a lasting impact on those she served. She was always willing to help anyone who walked through the doors, no matter how small their request or need. She greeted everyone with a smile, took an interest in their lives, and knew all about their troubles. She was a friend to both young and old, and played an important role in linking patients with external services to improve their health and wellbeing outcomes.

Uncle Jeffery Broom

Uncle Jeff is a proud Gubbi Gubbi man from Brisbane. He spent most of his life in Brisbane and worked as a storeman for Barry and Roberts, which was located at 55 Queen Street, Brisbane City. After being introduced to Uncle Steve and Aunty Pamela Mam in 1999, he quickly became a loyal friend and supported their advocacy work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Following a change in circumstances, Uncle Jeff relocated to Jimbelunga Nursing Centre in 2000 with the care and assistance from former CEO Uncle Mark Moore.

Aunty Dorothy Buhmann

Aunty Dorothy is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from Badu Island who dedicated over 25 years of her life to serving her community through ATSICHS Brisbane. She began her journey with the organisation in 1993, making a daily commute from Nambour to Brisbane to work at our Hubert Street clinic as a health worker. Throughout her career, Aunty Dorothy worked in every one of our clinics, where she worked in every role from transport driver, receptionist, registered nurse and cleaner. No job was beneath Aunty Dorothy; she was always willing to do whatever she could to support her mob.

Aunty Ena Chong

Aunty Ena Chong, a proud Jittabal woman from the Atherton Tablelands, dedicated 20 years of her life to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in Ipswich and Brisbane. Known for her outstanding work in health advocacy, community health reviews, and cross-cultural education, Ena’s contributions were pivotal in shaping services and supporting staff. A mentor and leader, she helped guide teams, conduct cultural training, and contributed to national meetings like NACCHO. Retiring in 2007, her legacy in community health, advocacy, and leadership continues to inspire many.

Uncle Les Collins

Co-Founder

Uncle Les Collins is a pioneering force in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, with a profound and wide-ranging influence on community-controlled organisations. His leadership helped shape vital health services, not only in South East Queensland but also in the Far North, where he played a key role in establishing Wuchopperen Health Service. A tireless advocate for self-determination in healthcare, Uncle Les was instrumental in strengthening community-led solutions to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. His legacy as a trailblazer in First Nations health continues to inspire and benefit generations to come.

Uncle Don Davidson

Co-Founder

Uncle Don Davidson was a dedicated advocate for First Nations rights and a key figure in establishing essential community services in the 1970s. He played a vital role in founding and serving on the boards of ATSILS, ATSICHS, the Emergency Child Care Service, and Yelanji Pre-School, while also managing the Trinity Lane Shelter for Homeless Aboriginal Men. A fearless activist, he was always on the front lines of demonstrations, fighting for justice and equality. His leadership and commitment to his people helped shape crucial support systems that continue to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities today.

Aunty Erica Fisher

After 30 years of dedicated service at ATSICHS Brisbane, Aunty Erica Fisher holds the distinction of being our longest-serving staff member. She joined the organisation in 1979 and gradually moved up the ladder from secretary to bookkeeper and finally to the position of finance manager. Through her hard work and dedication, she has played a significant role in enhancing the organisation’s financial operations. Her contributions over her 38-year tenure have been instrumental in transforming ATSICHS Brisbane into the peak community-controlled health organisation that we are today. Erica’s unwavering commitment to her work and community is an inspiration to all.

Uncle William Gorham

Uncle Billy is a proud Koa and Cobble Cobble man. He has been part of the Brisbane landscape since he arrived as young man from Cherbourg. He has contributed as a member of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and committees over the years and has always advocated on behalf of our people on social justice, health and socio-economic issues. He dedicated over 20 years of his life to the service of ATSICHS Brisbane, joining the council of management committee in November 1996. In May 2007, he was nominated as board chair where he served until October 2018. He was instrumental in a number of significant milestones of our service, including the move from Hubert Street to Ferry Road during the construction of the Clem Jones tunnel and the later move to the current Woolloongabba location at Annerley Road.

Aunty Alice James

Aunty Alice James was a proud and strong Aboriginal leader, respected elder, and tireless advocate for her people. She raised an extended family while maintaining an open-door policy at home, within organisations, and across the community, always offering support to those in need. A dedicated political activist, lobbyist, and consultant, she fought for First Nations rights and was instrumental in founding key organisations that continue to serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy and social justice left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to stand strong in culture, leadership, and community empowerment.

Aunty Pamela Mam

Co-Founder

Pamela Mam, also known as Aunty Pam, was a nurse and healthcare advocate who dedicated her life to the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. She began her career as a nurse aid in Palm Island Hospital before completing her general nurse training at Townsville Hospital. She then went on to midwifery at the Royal Women’s Hospital. In 1973, Aunty Pam began work in the Raff Ward of the Royal Children’s Hospital and continued to work in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health for 55 years. She became a trailblazer in establishing healthcare services for First Nations communities when she and other founding members established the Aboriginal Islander Community Health Service (AICHS), later to be known as ATSICHS Brisbane. She was also instrumental in establishing our Jimbelunga Nursing Centre, which she managed for 14 years. Her inspiring career has made her a role model for First Nations people and true healthcare hero.

Uncle Steve Mam

Co-Founder

As a founding member of ATSICHS Brisbane, Uncle Steve Mam was a highly respected member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. He dedicated over 40 years of his life to active involvement in community-controlled organisations, maintaining a dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. His primary focus was on establishing services that made First Nations people feel more comfortable by creating a service they could call their own. In addition to his involvement in the health care sector, he also managed the Torres Strait Island Dance company and used his cultural and political skills to bring people together for the betterment of our community. Uncle Steve was a strong advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and his life is an inspiration to all.

Aunty Margo Mills

Aunty Margo Mills, a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from Wagadagam, Kulkalgal, Kaurareg, and Ugar, was a dedicated nurse and health worker who earned the trust and respect of both her community and colleagues during her time with ATSICHS. Raised on St Paul’s Mission on Moa Island, she instilled in her children the importance of cultural pride and self-respect. A single mother, Margo’s strength and hard work shaped her legacy at ATSICHS. Her knowledge and expertise continue to inspire the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals.

Dr Aunty Mary Martin

Aunty Mary began her nursing career as a student at the Mater Hospital in South Brisbane in 1971, graduating in 1974. In 1976, she started working at the Aboriginal and Islander Health Service known as AICHS in Brisbane. She worked closely with Aunty Pam during those early years of the service and was part of the outside clinics team that conducted pop-up clinics at Ipswich, Inala and Murgon to take the services AICHS was providing to community members who weren’t able to make the trip into Brisbane. In 1984, with the assistance of her fellow AICHS staff, Aunty Mary helped set up a weekly clinic on North Stradbroke Island that would later become the Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal and Islander Corporation for Health.

Uncle Mark Moore

Uncle Mark is a proud Gubbi Gubbi man and has forged a long-lasting and meaningful relationship with ATSICHS Brisbane over the decades. He served on the ATSICHS Brisbane Board in the mid 1980s and then joined us on staff as the Human Resources Manager in 1998 to help manage the organisation’s growth. Between 1999-2008, Uncle Mark was appointed the role of Chief Executive Officer and made an incredible impact as our longest serving CEO. Throughout his leadership, Uncle Mark took great pride in establishing and delivering culturally safe services to our mob, especially for our Elders and he was deeply respectful to all who were helped form Aboriginal and Torres Strait Community Controlled organisations back in the 1970s.

Aunty Susan Morgan

Co-Founder

Aunty Sue Morgan was a dedicated advocate for improved health access and service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her tireless efforts helped shape the strong foundation of ATSICHS Brisbane, building our commitment to serving clients and families across South East Queensland. Aunty Sue believed that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserved the best quality of care and support. Her passion and vision continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps, and her legacy lives on through the ongoing work of ATSICHS Brisbane and our commitment the community we serve.

Uncle Nako Namok

Uncle Nako Namok was one of the foundation staff at the Aboriginal Islander Community Health Service (AICHS), which later became ATSICHS Brisbane. He served as the first clinic driver, helping First Nations people access the much-needed health care services.

Uncle Nurdon Serico

Nurdon Serico was an esteemed Elder of the Gubbi Gubbi and Jiman communities. A receiver of the Churchill Fellowship, Nurdon made a significant contribution to the healthcare sector throughout his 49-year career as a radiographer. During this time, he spent 17 years as a member of the Radiological Advisory Council in the South Pacific and Queensland. In addition to his professional achievements, Nurdon has been an active member of the First Nations community, serving on the board of the One People of Australia League (OPAL) and the Museum of Australia.

Aunty Evelyn Tattam

Evelyn Tattam had an impressive career with ATSICHS Brisbane, spanning 26 years from 1978 to 2003. Starting out as a medical receptionist, she worked her way up through different positions within the organisation, including secretary, assistant finance officer and ultimately finance officer. Evelyn credits the development of her skills in these finance roles to the guidance and training of Aunty Erica Fisher. In 2005, Evelyn moved to St George where she worked in child protection and later joined the St George Aboriginal Housing Company. Evelyn played a key role in delivering professional health and community services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across the region.

Aunty Anne Tranby

Aunty Anne Tranby, a proud Wutathi woman, dedicated her life to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities. Starting her journey with ATSICHS Brisbane in 1981 as a driver, she went on to make history as Queensland’s first Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer. Aunty Anne’s work spanned over three decades, contributing to vital services like child and maternal health. Her legacy is marked by her compassion, community outreach, and dedication, leaving an indelible impact on ATSICHS Brisbane. A Life Member since 2012, her passion and commitment continue to inspire all who follow her path.

Uncle Denis Walker

Co-Founder

Denis Walker was a prominent First Nations activist and a key figure in establishment of the first national all-Indigenous political body, the National Tribal Council. He was also a co-founder of the Brisbane chapter of the Black Panther party in the 1970s, a group that was instrumental in creating legal, health, housing and childcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as influencing government policy in matters that impacted First Nations people. Throughout his life, Uncle Denis fought for the recognition and advancement of First Nations rights and was also involved in the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassies in Canberra and Brisbane. Denis passed away in 2018 but his legacy lives on as a passionate advocate for the rights of all First Nations people.

Aunty Eunice Watson

Co-Founder

Aunty Eunice Watson Coolwell was a proud Mununjali woman and respected Elder from Brisbane. She dedicated her life to education, community support, and social justice. In 1975, after Cyclone Tracy, she began working with the Department of Social Security, where she played a key role in establishing the Aboriginal and Islander network. She was also deeply involved with the setting up of ATSICHS Brisbane, advocating for better healthcare and support for First Nations families. Aunty Eunice was a strong voice for her people, championing their rights and wellbeing. She passed away in 2008, leaving a lasting legacy.

Dr Aunty Lilla Watson

Aunty Lilla is a Gangulu woman who grew up in the Dawson River region of Central Queensland. She moved to Brisbane in the late 1960s and became well-known for her involvement in the Indigenous community. Along with other families and members of the community at that time, Aunty Lilla and members of her family were part of the establishment of the Tribal Council. Aunty Lilla served as the inaugural president of the Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agency (AICCA), she was a founding member of the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association and was a member of the Aboriginal and Islander Independent School Board in the late 1980s. She also led groundbreaking research that shaped the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in the Child Protection Act 1999. Thanks to Aunty Lilla’s hard work, Queensland was the first state to legislate the Child Placement Principle, which aims to keep children connected to their communities, culture and country. Aunty Lilla laid the foundation for crucial work in the child protection space at ATSICHS. It was her vision and passion for keeping children with mob, which saw our medical services expand and development into Human Service programs and the creation of ATSICHS Brisbane’s Indigenous Family and Child Support Services (IFACSS) and Recognised Entity programs.

Aunty Beryl Wharton

Aunty Beryl Wharton was a respected Aboriginal Elder from Brisbane, originally from Cherbourg. A passionate advocate for First Nations rights, she dedicated her life to social justice, equity, and cultural preservation. Her activism and leadership inspired many, particularly in the fight for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination. A skilled lobbyist and mentor, Aunty Beryl played a vital role in shaping First Nations advocacy in Queensland. She left a lasting legacy through her community work, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to her people. Her contributions continue to be honoured, reflecting the deep impact she had on those around her.