This month, the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia proudly celebrated an important milestone as Executive Manager Health and Wellbeing, Kim Gates, marked five years with the organisation.

Since joining AHCWA in August 2021 as the Sexual Health and BBV Program Coordinator, Kim has held several leadership positions. Just three months after starting, Kim stepped into the role of Executive Manager Public Health and Continuous Quality Improvement.

From June 2023 to March 2024, she undertook a secondment as Chief Executive Officer of Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service, before returning to AHCWA. And in March 2025, she commenced her current role as Executive Manager Health and Wellbeing.

Throughout her tenure, Kim has led and managed the activities of AHCWA’s Health and Wellbeing Work Group and is a key member of the Executive Management Team. Working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors, she had helped drive AHCWA’s strategic priorities and supported the organisation in achieving its objectives.

A significant part of Kim’s role is advocating for and supporting ACCHS across WA with advice and guidance, spanning clinical governance, policies and procedures, information systems, and more through direct engagement and via the many committees that Kim represents the sector on.

Kim leads the Health and Wellbeing team in providing comprehensive support to AHCWA’s 24 Member Services, including strengthening clinical governance frameworks, supporting continuous quality improvement, and promoting culturally safe, effective care through the ACCHS Model of Care.

Throughout her five years with AHCWA, Kim has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and collaboration. Her work has contributed to strengthening the support AHCWA provides to Member Services and advancing high-quality, culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal people and communities across WA.

“Kim has made an invaluable contribution to AHCWA over the past five years. Her leadership, knowledge, and commitment to our Member Services have strengthened the work we do across the Sector, and she is a highly valued member of our Executive Management Team,” AHCWA CEO, Des Martin said. “I congratulate Kim on this milestone and thank her for her continued dedication to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities across WA.”

Congratulations, Kim, on reaching five years of service, and thank you for your dedication, leadership, and valuable contributions to AHCWA and the Sector.