Sandy Gillies
Chief Executive Officer; Adjunct Professor, Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health
Sandy Gillies
She/Her
Chief Executive Officer; Adjunct Professor, Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health
Western Queensland PHN; James Cook University
Sandy Gillies, a proud Gunggari woman from Winton, is a respected leader in rural and remote health, with a career dedicated to improving health access and outcomes across some of Australia’s most underserved regions. With extensive experience as an Aboriginal Health Worker and Enrolled Nurse, Sandy has consistently advocated for health equity, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Her leadership journey includes senior roles at the Queensland Mental Health Commission and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council. In 2017, Sandy joined the Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) as Executive Manager, where she led efforts to commission mental health and healthy ageing services across almost one million square kilometres.
In 2021, Sandy became the first Indigenous CEO among Australia’s 31 Primary Health Networks. Her leadership was recognised with her appointment as Adjunct Professor at James Cook University in 2020 and to the National Women’s Health Advisory Council in 2023. That same year, she was named an RFDS Ambassador and joined the Australian Centre for Value-Based Health Care Advisory Group, highlighting her dedication to rural and remote health equity.
SESSIONS
Day 2
9:00
Keynote Panel: Leading with Purpose to Champion Intersectionality and Allyship
How purposeful leadership can foster inclusive cultures, create safe spaces, and drive high performing teams
Navigating intersectionality to strengthen inclusive environments: How to ensure that all voices are heard and valued?
Actionable strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion, discussing how “the business case” currently for DEI isn’t cutting it
Addressing the unique challenges that women in leadership face, including gender bias and systemic barriers
Moderator: Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann, Director, Autism Queensland; Managing Director, ATech
Kate Gould, CEO | Artistic Director, Brisbane Powerhouse
Patricia O'Callaghan, Acting Director-General, Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Sandy Gillies, Chief Executive Officer, Western Queensland PHN; Adjunct Professor, Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University
Richard Knox, General Manager, Thynne + Macartney