Leading change in Aboriginal health

Culture. Community. Country. More than just words, these pillars unite our people and guide their work – today, and every day.

Committed to Community health and wellbeing

At VACCHO, our people come from a range of backgrounds – we are Cultural leaders, health professionals, policymakers, advocates and more. But together, our main goal is to ensure Aboriginal health is in Aboriginal hands.

United by a commitment to self-determination, we’re about driving positive change in the healthcare sector to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.

Meet our CEO, Dr. Jill Gallagher AO

Aunty Jill is not just a CEO. She’s a force of nature.

A proud Gunditjmara woman from Western Victoria, Jill has dedicated over 20 years to advancing Aboriginal health at VACCHO. Under her leadership, VACCHO’s team and membership has grown to support over 30 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCOs) across the state.

But Aunty Jill’s true strengths? Her unwavering commitment to Community, her Cultural expertise and bold advocacy. Jill is a respected leader who knows how to drive change – and who has been recognised with accolades like the Order of Australia and induction into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll and Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

In other words, she’s the leader you want on your team. And we’re proud she’s steering ours.

Our unit leaders

Meet the people championing change across VACCHO’s business units.

Jim O’Shea

Chief Operating Officer, Company Secretary

Jim is a proud Gumbaynggirr man – and a legal and financial powerhouse.

With decades of experience in business management across government, private and not-for-profit sectors, he brings invaluable knowledge and expertise to VACCHO.

Sheree Lowe

Executive Director | SEWB, The Balit Durn Durn Centre and Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing

Sheree is a Djab Wurrung and Gunditjmara woman with strong ties to Southwest Victoria – and has lived most of her life on Wadawurrung Country.

With over 20 years of advocacy in Victoria’s Aboriginal community, Sheree’s career includes consulting for PwC on cultural safety and organisational transformation.

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Executive Director | Policy, Advocacy and Communications

Stephanie’s policy and communications career spans various health portfolios and key roles in the Victorian Government, including advising the Premier.

She excels at building strategic relationships and delivering on broad policy agendas while centring people at the heart of the outcomes.

Abe Ropitini

Executive Director | Population Health

Abe Ropitini is a Māori and Aboriginal man of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Maniapoto iwi (Aotearoa) and Trawlwoolway (Northeastern Tasmania) descent. After growing up in Aotearoa, he has spent his adult life in Australia working across health, social services, policy, and research.

Abe also holds appointments at the University of Melbourne as a Senior Fellow in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, and is a PhD candidate in medical anthropology at La Trobe University. His research involves correcting deficit discourses by focusing on how Aboriginal families maintain their oral histories through the recollection of treasured memories of happiness and belonging.