AHCWA’s annual Gloria Khan Team Impact Award honours Gloria Khan, a proud Nyoongar woman whose dedication, kindness, and compassion in improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people across Australia shaped her legacy.

The award recognises employees who significantly contribute to AHCWA’s positive workplace culture, honouring team spirit, collaboration, and engagement within the Aboriginal Health sector. It is handed out each year at the West Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector Conference, which will take place in June and July 2025.

Originating from the South West of WA, Gloria achieved a degree in Aboriginal Community Health and Mental Health Counselling. She was heavily involved in volunteer work, where she utilised her background in nursing and her qualifications on issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, and drug and alcohol issues. She became a passionate leader who worked tirelessly to make a difference within her own community and all Aboriginal communities.

Gloria served as the AHCWA chairperson from 2005 to 2008 while also the Chair and the Deputy Chair of the South West Aboriginal Medical Service and Executive Director of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. During this time, Gloria sat on several committees including the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention, the Telethon Institute Alcohol Exposure in Pregnancy Reference Group, the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Information and Ethics Committee, Aboriginal Justice Agreement Working Group, WAACHS Steering Committee, Kulunga Research Network Steering Committee, Disability Services Reference Group, WACRRM GP Consultant Reference Group, and the Telethon Kids Institute’s WA Aboriginal Child Health Survey Steering Committee, the largest and most comprehensive study into the health, wellbeing and development of Indigenous children.

She often provided policy advice to elected governments, oversaw organisation governance, and brought a wealth of knowledge to the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector. Her understanding of Aboriginal health at a local, state, and national level allowed her to advocate various issues in many forums.

Gloria passed away in February 2018, though her many years of dedication to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people have resulted in an enduring legacy that remains highly esteemed. Her hard work continues through the efforts of AHCWA’s staff today, ensuring the progress made throughout Gloria’s life will continue.