The Board and staff of the National Aboriginal Community
Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) today expressed sadness at the passing
of Aunty Pamela Mam, a true pioneer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
health services.
NACCHO Chairperson, Donnella Mills, offered condolences to
Aunty Pam’s family, many friends and colleagues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander health.
“Aunty Pam was a staunch supporter
of ACCHOs and was involved in establishing Brisbane Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Community Health Service in 1973.
“She was a life member of ATSICH
Brisbane and the inaugural inductee into the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander
Health Council Hall of Fame.
“In 2015 The Aunty Pamela Mam
Indigenous Nursing Scholarship was established at Griffith University to honour
her lifelong commitment to Indigenous health, and in 2018 she was conferred an
Honorary Doctorate.
“She has, for over 60 years,
provided tireless service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples,
starting out as a nurse aid at Palm Island Hospital and progressing to be the
founder of one of the biggest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander controlled
health services in Australia.
“Aunty Pam championed proper care for our people; based on
respect, humility and cultural understanding.
“Aunty Pam is a great Australian and will always be remembered for the legacy she has created in Aboriginal-controlled health,” Ms Mills said.
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