Chief Executive Officer

The South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service based in Bunbury which provides a variety of health and community based services to Aboriginal people in the South West, Great South, Upper wheatbelt and Peel Regions of Western Australia. SWAMS delivers a wide range of Services including: GP Clinics, Primary Health Care, Maternal Child Health, Counselling, Aged Care Services and a host of other community based programs. SWAMS has implemented a highly successful growth strategy, built on a strong reputation and realised through key stakeholder partnership opportunities.

We are now seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our organisation through our next chapter of growth, maturity and social impact.

About The Role

The CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure SWAMS delivers high quality, culturally safe health and other services. You will work closely with the Board, staff and community to uphold our values and strengthen our united voice for improved health outcomes for Aboriginal community members.

As CEO of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO), you will be the heart of a unique and culturally significant organisation. This role is not just about leadership. It’s about advocacy, cultural respect, and community empowerment. You will ensure SWAMS continues to deliver high quality, culturally safe health services while maintaining strong connections with the Aboriginal Community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead with integrity and accountability, ensuring alignment with SWAMS’ mission and values.
• Collaborate effectively with the Board to develop strategic priorities and KPIs for the Organisation
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to influence and guide the successful implementation of strategies to achieve Organisational priorities and KPIs.
• Represent SWAMS as a strong and respected voice for improved health outcomes for Aboriginal community members
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government, community, and partner organisations.
• Oversee the management of a large multidisciplinary organisation, ensuring operational excellence and financial sustainability
• Advocate for culturally appropriate health services and community empowerment
• Build confidence, reputation, and profile of SWAMS amongst our members and across the Aboriginal Community.
• Accountability for managing the day-to-day operations of all business units and operating in the best interest of SWAMS, its members and the Board.
  
  

About You

We are looking for a dynamic leader who can stand proudly in front of the community and inspire confidence. You will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or extensive experience in health, community services or related fields.
• Integrity and strong leadership skills with the ability to unite teams and stakeholders
• Proven experience in leading large organisations, preferably within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health or not-for-profit sector.
• A multidisciplinary skillset and strategic mindset
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A deep understanding of the health challenges and opportunities facing Aboriginal people and their communities.
• Being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) descent is not essential for this role however, ATSI applicants are highly encouraged to apply.
  
  

Why SWAMS

Along with making a meaningful contribution to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and working within a supportive and culturally respectful environment, you will also have access to a range of benefits working at SWAMS.

• A generous salary commensurate with the expectations of the position
• SWAMS vehicle provided for professional and personal use
• 6 weeks annual leave
• Other leave entitlements including personal, Funeral and Cultural leave
• 1 rostered day off per month
• Salary packaging up to $18,550 per year and novated lease options
• % leave loading on annual leave
• Significant Professional development opportunities following 12 months of service
• Allowance for professional membership fees and corporate uniform
• Option to purchase an additional 2 weeks of annual leave
• Relocation costs considered
  
  

For More Information About SWAMS And The Role

• About SWAMS, our great organisation – https://www.swams.com.au/about/
• For queries and copy of the JDF – please contact Human Resources on (08) 97978111.
  
  

At SWAMS, child safety is our highest priority. We are committed to the wellbeing of all children and young people, with zero tolerance for abuse. All team members have a legal and moral duty to ensure a safe environment and are required to undergo a National Police Clearance. Roles involving direct contact with children also require a valid WA Working with Children Check as part of our pre-employment screening.

In addition to this, the preferred candidate will require the satisfactory completion of a Drug and Alcohol test prior to commencing employment. An unsatisfactory pre-employment outcome will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

To apply for this role please follow the online application process or email your cover letter and resume through to: HR@SWAMS.com.au . We also welcome you to drop your application into our office at 30 Wellington Street, Bunbury.

Please contact Brett Coate, Human Resources Manager on (08) 97978111 or via brett.coate@swams.com.au should you have any questions regarding this position.

Applications must be received by 5pm on 18 January 2026.

SWAMS reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement prior to the stated closing date.