A statement from QAIHC's outgoing Chairman, Mr Matthew Cooke:
Today, QAIHC held its 2024 Annual General Meeting, where we welcomed new directors and appointed a new chairperson, Dorothy Smith. It marks the close of my term as Chairman, and, while I will remain on the Board as a regional director, I want to express my deepest thanks to our members, partners, and communities for your unwavering support throughout my time in the role.
It has been an honour to serve and lead QAIHC, an organisation grounded in community, culture, and self-determination. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. Under the Board’s guidance, QAIHC has grown its capability in policy, advocacy, and member engagement—work that is now delivering real impact at a critical time for our sector.
We’ve stood strong in championing funding reform, including vital changes to the National Health Reform Agreement. We’ve helped secure record new investments—both for QAIHC and across the sector—and most notably, we’ve played a key role in establishing CaTHC, Australia’s first community-controlled commissioning body. This is what collective leadership and determination can achieve.
Following QAIHC’s extraordinarily successful Members Conference this week in Meanjin, it’s with great pride and optimism that I congratulate Dorothy Smith. I wish her every success as they lead QAIHC into its next chapter, continuing the legacy and delivering on a bold vision for the future.
Thank you again to all who have walked this journey with me. I’m grateful beyond words, and I look forward to supporting QAIHC and our sector in new ways as we continue this important work—together.
Matthew Cooke
Outgoing Chairman, QAIHC