The Board and staff of the National Aboriginal CommunityControlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) today expressed sadness at the passingof Aunty Pamela Mam, a true pioneer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderhealth services.
NACCHO Chairperson, Donnella Mills, offered condolences toAunty Pam's family, many friends and colleagues in Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander health.
"Aunty Pam was a staunch supporterof ACCHOs and was involved in establishing Brisbane Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Community Health Service in 1973.
"She was a life member of ATSICHBrisbane and the inaugural inductee into the Queensland Aboriginal and IslanderHealth Council Hall of Fame.
"In 2015 The Aunty Pamela MamIndigenous Nursing Scholarship was established at Griffith University to honourher lifelong commitment to Indigenous health, and in 2018 she was conferred anHonorary 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 thefounder of one of the biggest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander controlledhealth services in Australia.
"Aunty Pam championed proper care for our people; based onrespect, 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.
