Amy Lester

Amy Lester began her career within the Community-Controlled Health Sector as an elected board member of Bidgerdii Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (Bidgerdii) in Rockhampton. She later secured the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), which she held for ten years.

INDUCTED 2008

As CEO, Amy was instrumental in the growth of Bidgerdii from a small service to one that holds a proud and prominent position in the Central Queensland region—with clinics in Rockhampton, Gracemere and Blackwater. The Blackwater clinic was established in response to the Primary Health Care Access Program (PHCAP) initiatives and at the request of the local Indigenous community. The organisation facilitated the addition of a mobile clinic as well as a range of Allied Health Programs such as Mums and Bubs, Drug and Alcohol Programs and Chronic Health Care Plans. Amy’s true love of the job was the challenge of working toward improving the health and wellbeing of her community. She recognised that mainstream health services were unable to come to grips with the health problems experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and became a passionate advocate for Community-Controlled Health Care. Through her guidance Bidgerdii has come to be regarded as a trailblazing service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Over the years, the organisation has helped many Indigenous employees obtain accreditation and valuable skills in health care – and the community has been able to rely on a service they could call their own. Amy’s greatest achievement in the Community- Controlled Health Sector can be seen through Bidgerdii’s success. The organisation continues to be a strong voice and an advocate for the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.