SNAICC appoints ex Healing Foundation leader as new Chief Executive

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, have announced the appointment of Richard Weston as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mr Weston, a descendent of the Merriam people of the Torres Strait, has an extensive history of working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs having led The Healing Foundation for 9 years as CEO and prior to that the Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation for nearly 9 years also as CEO.

The Healing Foundation is a national organisation that helps in the creation of community designed, developed and led healing solutions to ongoing trauma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. 

In his capacity as CEO with the Foundation, Mr Weston oversaw the delivery of 175 projects that engaged 45,000 Indigenous Australians on their healing journeys, and employed over 700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the process.

Mr Weston will continue his position of Co Chair at Family Matters, Australia’s national campaign to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture.  

Commenting on the appointment SNAICC Chairperson, Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett said:

“Richard has a great understanding of trauma and its impacts on children and families. His strategic leadership will be critical in driving SNAICC’s reform agenda, particularly in relation to the national Closing the Gap initiative. He already has a strong relationship with government and has excelled in stakeholder engagement.”

Commenting on his appointment Mr Weston said:

“SNAICC advocates for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, especially their right to grow up in their own culture, have happy childhoods and to be strong in their identities. If we invest in the early years of our children, then we will have better health, learning and development outcomes.”

For more information on SNAICC please click here.