Annie Young is a dedicated and experienced leader committed to improving the health and well-being of Aboriginal people. A proud Koori woman living on Noongar Boodja, Annie has spent her career advocating for self-determination, culturally safe healthcare, and community-led solutions. She has worked alongside Aboriginal communities to strengthen Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs), ensuring that Aboriginal voices drive decision-making and service delivery.
Annie stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Corporation (MKAC) in October 2023, taking the helm at a time of significant growth and transformation. She follows in the footsteps of past leaders whose vision and dedication have shaped MKAC’s journey, including Jonathon Ford, the organisation’s first CEO, who was instrumental in its genesis and early development. Under Jonathon’s leadership, MKAC grew from a small grant-funded initiative into a recognised ACCHS, laying the foundation for the comprehensive, community-driven health service it is today. His early work was in partnership with our Founders who established a model of care that remains at the heart of MKAC’s mission: the MKAC One Stop Shop. This model aims to ensure Aboriginal people have access to holistic, culturally safe healthcare that is delivered by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people.
Building upon this legacy, Annie has led MKAC through a period of unprecedented growth, positioning it as a multimillion-dollar ACCHS operating across the all WA Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Inheriting a strong foundation laid by former CEO Neil O’Donnell, whose leadership through the COVID pandemic, saw us seamlessly expand our reach into the Wheatbelt and strengthen our Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program. Annie is now focused on further embedding Aboriginal leadership, expanding services, and future-proofing the organisation.
A major milestone under Annie’s leadership has been the relocation of MKAC’s headquarters to a new, expanded facility in Parmelia, spanning over 700 square metres. This move has allowed MKAC to consolidate services, increase capacity, and enhance access to vital health programs, while realising the long-term community and board vision of establishing the MKAC One Stop Shop. This expansion strengthens MKAC’s ability to deliver a full suite of wraparound services, improving health and well-being outcomes for Aboriginal people across Perth South PHN.
Recognising the need for strong Aboriginal leadership, Annie has also overseen a major organisational restructure, introducing new executive roles that streamline operations and elevate Aboriginal staff into executive leadership positions. This ensures that MKAC’s growth is not only strategic but also sustainable, embedding long-term Aboriginal leadership in key decision-making roles.
Looking ahead, Annie is driving the next phase of MKAC’s service expansion, with the next upcoming Moorditj Koort GP Clinic set to launch in Armadale 2025. This clinic will operate with an Aboriginal Health Practitioner-led model, in line with the NACCHO Comprehensive Primary Health Care Framework, delivering culturally safe, holistic, and community-driven care. Annie is also leading MKAC’s expansion in aged care services, ensuring that Elders receive respectful and culturally appropriate care through in-home support, the Elder Care Support Program and the Transition Care Program (TCP).
In addition to healthcare services, Annie is committed to supporting Aboriginal children and youth. MKAC’s Kwinana Schools Program, funded through the WA Closing the Gap initiative, has provided over 200 health checks for Aboriginal students this year alone. Annie is focused on expanding school-based health initiatives in collaboration with key partners, ensuring young Aboriginal people receive early intervention and follow-up care that is culturally safe and accessible.
Through all these and other initiatives, Annie continues to lead MKAC with a vision of Aboriginal-led, culturally safe, and community-driven healthcare. Her leadership is grounded in respect for the past, strength in the present, and a commitment to building a stronger future for Aboriginal people. Under her guidance, MKAC remains a trusted and respected ACCHS, delivering real and lasting outcomes for Aboriginal communities across the three WA PHNs.