First Nations care leader joins National Aged Care Advisory Council
The Federal Government is continuing First Nations representation on the National Aged Care Advisory Council (NACAC) with the appointment of governance and policy expert Natasha McCormack.
Natasha is an Arrernte, Warumungu, Alawa and Kija woman, and currently Deputy CEO of remote NT, WA and SA community care provider The Purple House.
She has more than 20 years’ experience in governance, policy, advocacy, and community development, and has worked across commercial, government, and non-government sectors.
Her two-year term will expire on 31 December 2027.
Natasha replaces Professor Jody Currie, Professor of Practice, Indigenous Health at the Queensland University of Technology, who served on the NACAC from July 2022 until September 2025.
According to the Government statement, Jody ensured the perspectives of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were considered in the development of recent aged care reforms.
“Wealth of experience”
Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said Natasha brings a “wealth of experience working with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.
He said he was “deeply grateful” for Professor Currie’s work on the NACAC.
What is NACAC?
NACAC provides independent, expert advice to the Government on aged care policy, services and performance, with a focus on aged care reform.
The advisory group was established in 2021, in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
New members appointed to Aged Care Council of Elders
In a separate announcement, the Government has appointed nine new members to the Aged Care Council of Elders:
- Marilyn Beaumont OAM;
- Fred (Federico) Marrone;
- Warren Martens;
- Ann Robinson;
- Bruce Nelson;
- Pam Hegarty;
- Robyn Abrahams;
- Dr Barbara Buzzard; and
- Roberta (Bobbie) Kidd.
Appointments are for up to two years, commencing January 2026.
The new members replace outgoing members Val Fell OAM, Gwenda Darling, Gillian Groom AO, Aunty Lyn Cullinane, Dr John Davis, Anna Harrison AM JP, Julie Rankin and Lyn Whiteway.
Returning members are:
- Council Chair Anne Burgess AM;
- Dr Ponniah Anandajayasekeram;
- Associate Professor John Cullen AM;
- William (Uncle Benny) Hodges; and
- Russell Westacott.
What is the Aged Care Council of Elders?
The Aged Care Council is a diverse group of older people representing the make-up of modern Australia, which delivers advice to government on how best to support older people in aged care.
The Council was also established in 2021 in response to a recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission.
