Health Equity Matters CEO steps down
Monday, 11 December, 2023
Adjunct Professor Darryl O鈥橠onnell is stepping down as CEO of after leading the organisation for eight years.
Health Equity Matters President Mark Orr AM said, 鈥淒arryl became Chief Executive at a very challenging time for the organisation. In the years since, he has worked tirelessly to enhance its stability and sustainability. This has expanded our capacity and impact.
鈥淎mong his many achievements, Darryl has most recently helped shape the work of the HIV Taskforce chaired by the Hon Mark Butler MP and the LGBTIQA+ Health Ten Year Action Plan chaired by Assistant Minister the Hon Ged Kearney MP. The report released by the HIV Taskforce last week charts a credible path to virtual elimination of HIV transmission by the end of the decade.
鈥淚nternationally, Darryl has led programming in South East Asia, funded through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This work builds the capacity of civil society organisations to work with their governments to address the funding and delivery of HIV prevention, treatment and care services.
鈥淚n his time with Health Equity Matters, Darryl has always put communities and people at the centre of our work. This essential humanity has lit a path for genuine progress.
鈥淥n behalf of the Health Equity Matters board and members, I thank Darryl for his passion, insight and commitment. He has served our mission and the communities we support with intelligence, sensitivity and impact. We have all been fortunate to benefit from Darryl鈥檚 decades-long contributions to the HIV sector in the community based and led organisations, and government.
鈥淒arryl leaves Health Equity Matters well positioned to be the government鈥檚 partner leading the virtual elimination of HIV transmission in Australia, driving improvements in LGBTIQA+ health care and continuing to advocate for sex worker rights and drug law reform, alongside our members.鈥
Scott Harlum, President of the National Association of People Living with HIV Australia, said, 鈥淚t is impossible to quantify just how much Darryl鈥檚 insight and expertise will be missed. A true giant of our cause, and friend to all. Thank you, Darryl聽鈥 NAPWHA wishes you the very best.鈥
Dash Heath-Paynter will act as CEO from the new year, ably supported by Felicity Young, Principal Director, International. The board will shortly commence an extensive search for Health Equity Matters鈥 next CEO.
Nominations open for 2025 National Palliative Care Awards
Palliative Care Australia has announced that nominations are now open for the 2025 National...
"Damning statistics" from almost 1500 WA junior doctors
The AMA (WA) 黑料吃瓜群网 Health Check 2025 surveyed almost 1500 junior doctors — 30% who...
AMA: "Extreme Ahpra power used too readily"
The Australian Medical Association has called for changes to the law governing Ahpra, which it...