New key appointments for Queensland HIV Foundation
THE HIV Foundation Queensland has appointed a new chief executive and a new Indigenous HIV awareness and prevention officer.
Successful business manager and operator Tony Majer (pictured) was named as the organisation’s new interim chief this week while community health worker Nathan Tighe was appointed to the Indigenous HIV awareness and prevention position.
Hoping to further build and establish the organisation that was established last year, HIV Foundation chairman Dr Darren Russell said that he was looking forward to working with Majer and utilising his business experience to achieve their goal to end HIV.
鈥淭his appointment means the foundation can really get down to business to deliver prevention and awareness strategies and to promote the growth of HIV-related research,鈥� Dr Russell said.
鈥淢r Majer鈥檚 extensive experience in the business world will be an incredible asset for the Foundation moving forward.鈥�
Dr Russell said that Majer鈥檚 business experience was a key factor in the organisation鈥檚 decision to appoint him as chief executive.
鈥淭he focus of Mr Majer鈥檚 role will be to oversee the Foundation鈥檚 operations and provide strategic leadership and business planning,鈥� he said.
Addressing questions over why someone who admits to having no prior experience or involvement with HIV awareness and health promotion was chosen for the role, Dr Russell said that they were specifically looking for someone with explicit business experience.
鈥淲hat we wanted in an interim (chief executive) for the HIV Foundation Queensland was someone who could get us set up and running and on a sound footing,” Dr Russell told the Star Observer.
“There are a large number of things that need to be done to establish a foundation, and to be honest, HIV knowledge is not something we were looking for.
鈥淲e have a board with immense experience and skills in HIV, health promotion, knowledge of the gay community, etc, and what we need is a (chief executive)聽who can translate board decisions into action 鈥斅爓e think that Tony is perfect for the job.鈥�
Peers in the field of Indigenous sexual health have welcomed news of the appointment of a new Indigenous community health worker and the additional focus given to the issue. The new position will also be facilitated by Queensland Positive People.
Tighe was chosen to become the organisation鈥檚 first Indigenous health worker due to his experience with affected communities and expertise.
Dr Russell said that appointing community-based health workers was a key to understanding the specific barriers that can get in the way of providing vital HIV health awareness to Indigenous communities.
鈥淭he officer will provide culturally appropriate support and education and will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with HIV to access treatment and support through existing services,鈥� he said.
鈥淲e are always trying to gain a thorough understanding of the barriers preventing early treatment uptake so we can overcome those to encourage (people living with HIV) to seek treatment early.
鈥淭he foundation is determined to help drive the rate of new HIV infections down and education and prevention is paramount to achieving this.鈥�
(Photo: health.qld.gov.au)
