Joan Seden

Joan Seden (Deceased 2007) INDUCTED 2008

The inspirational Aunty Joan Seden began her career in health as a registered nurse on Thursday Island in 1961. She was introduced to the CommunityControlled Health Sector in 1975 when she started volunteering a few days a week at the Mackay Health Service. In 1978, the organisation was incorporated, and Aunty Joan was offered the paid position of administrator on an official basis.

Aunty Joan was a passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and was instrumental in the establishment of QAIHF (now QAIHC), attending the very first meeting to discuss its formation. During a visit to Mackay in the 1990s, the late Mick Miller, Aunty Joan, Jeff Timor and Doctor O’Rourke discussed Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) issues. This led to a commitment to introduce the Aboriginal and Islander Health Workers Education Program (AIHWEP) in North Queensland. Aunty Joan’s primary objective was to recruit AHWs into the program – something she did with great success. Despite the hard times and the critics, the legacy of Aunty Joan’s commitment is shown today with the presence of QAIHC. Her dedication, commitment and passion for Indigenous Health is unsurpassed. She would help anyone if they needed it, even if it meant putting herself out. Aunty Joan passed away on 24 March 2007 and is sadly missed by her family and her fellow health colleagues. The legacy of her dedication and determination to forge a new path for the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland continues today.