News

The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) has announced the appointment of Mr Kieran Chilcott as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous recruitment process.

Mr Chilcott will commence in the role in late November 2026, bringing more than 20 years of health leadership experience and an extensive understanding of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health sector.

Mr Chilcott has held significant leadership roles in South East Queensland, including extensive leadership at Kalwun Development Corporation, one of QAIHC’s Member organisations.

During his time at Kalwun, he has worked alongside its Board to support the organisation’s growth into a large, multisite and award-winning community-controlled organisation delivering comprehensive primary health care, family support, aged and disability care, housing, and cultural and community services.

Mr Chilcott also has a longstanding connection to QAIHC, having previously served as Chairperson of QAIHC from 2016 to 2018.

His appointment brings to QAIHC a combination of organisational leadership, governance experience, sector knowledge and an established understanding of QAIHC’s Members, the community-controlled health sector and the broader Australian health system.

Mr Chilcott will take on the leadership of QAIHC at an important time for the organisation and its Members, with a continued focus on advancing health equity reform, strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health services, progressing regionalisation, growing and supporting the sector workforce, and advocating for sustainable investment.

Working alongside QAIHC’s Members, Board, team, communities and health system partners, Mr Chilcott will lead the organisation into its next chapter while maintaining a strong focus on community control and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities across Queensland.

The appointment will also mark a leadership transition for QAIHC following the contribution of outgoing Acting Chief Executive Officer Paula Arnol, who has led the organisation for the past three years.

QAIHC acknowledges Ms Arnol’s leadership, commitment and valuable contribution to the organisation, its Members and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health sector. Ms Arnol will continue to support QAIHC through the transition ahead of Mr Chilcott’s commencement.

Mr Chilcott will formally commence as Chief Executive Officer of QAIHC in late November 2026.