This Ward Round will be my final as Chief Executive Officer of AIDA. I accepted the position as interim CEO in September 2018. I did this to see the organisation through a period of change and to support the AIDA Board oversee an ambitious reform and policy agenda. This included the first steps towards a new strategic direction beyond 2020. I have been with AIDA for five years and it has been my privilege and pleasure to contribute to a range of work for the organisation over this time.

From Monday, 8 July, our Deputy CEO Ms Mary Guthrie will be A/g CEO pending the not-too-distant appointment of the new CEO. I thank Mary for her great support and wisdom in the time we have worked together.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the AIDA Board for their support of me while in this role in particular our President, Dr Kris Rallah-Baker. The AIDA Secretariat have been my colleagues for a long time and I would also like to acknowledge their work and passion for what they do. Finally, I acknowledge the AIDA members who make this organisation what it is. I wish all of you every success in your chosen career paths and thank you for the incredible contribution you make to our health system.

Before I sign off, I would like to remind all AIDA members that you have the opportunity to nominate your fellow members for an AIDA Award until Sunday 28 July. Our membership is full of amazing individuals who are achieving outstanding results in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and these people deserve to have their contribution acknowledged. The categories for nomination are Indigenous Doctor of the Year, Indigenous Medical Student of the Year and Associate Member of the Year. More information on how to nominate is available on the AIDA website.

Best wishes to the AIDA family and thank you for the opportunity and great privilege to represent you.

Anita