The power of connection: Why better First Nations health starts with community

1 April 2026

As CEO of First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing, Monash alumna Karinda Taylor is delivering a model of care grounded in culture, trust and self-determination.

Karinda Taylor has worked across almost every level of the health system, from nurse and midwife to health program manager and senior leader.

Today, as CEO of First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing, the proud Wamba Wamba woman guides a growing Aboriginal community controlled health service committed to early intervention, cultural safety and self-determination.

Her leadership is grounded in professional experience and cultural identity.

When she was 14, she lost her father to a largely preventable disease. He was just 44 years old. Her grandparents also died far too young, at 52 and 61.

“As an Aboriginal woman, it is personally devastating to see the continued harms caused to First Nations people by systemic racism and the ongoing impacts of colonisation,” she said.

“My heritage shapes my belief in a strengths-based approach that understands the power of connection to ancestors, family, kin, Country and community for First Peoples.”

Building Victoria’s first Aboriginal Early Parenting Centre

Karinda Taylor

When First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing first opened its clinic in Frankston in 2018, one in three children using the service were known to child protection services.

For Mrs Taylor, the figure revealed an urgent need for a dedicated Aboriginal Early Parenting Centre.

“My team and I had to advocate, consult with community and key stakeholders, seek government funding, and develop a model of care in partnership with Monash University that embedded Aboriginal ways of knowing and being into early parenting support,” she said.

Baluk Balert Barring, meaning Many Strong Footprints in the local Bunurong language, opened in 2024 at the organisation’s Frankston clinic. It is Victoria’s first Aboriginal Early Parenting Centre.

“The goal was to create a centre that provides comprehensive and culturally safe support, with the ultimate aim of preventing Aboriginal children from entering out-of-home care,” she said. “Getting to that milestone required years of persistence.”

Improving health beyond the clinic

In 2025, Mrs Taylor launched Blak Fig, a social enterprise training café employing First Nations people facing barriers to employment.

“Blak Fig reflects my belief that improving health outcomes for First Peoples means addressing the deeper socioeconomic determinants of health, not just what happens in a clinical consultation,” she said.

She describes it as a practical expression of self-determination.

“To me, self-determination isn't just about healthcare, it's about economic independence and opportunity too,” she said.

Leadership, legacy and the Monash connection

In 2024, Mrs Taylor decided to lead by example, enrolling in the Master of Indigenous Business Leadership at Monash Business School.  In 2025, her leadership achievements were recognised with a 2025 Dean's Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Award.

“I believe in modelling the very thing I advocate for - further education and self-determination,” she said.

The program sharpened her strategic thinking and strengthened her ability to build sustainable, high-performing organisations that stay true to community values.

In 2025, Mrs Taylor was appointed by the Victorian Minister for Health to the inaugural Bayside Health Board.

She hopes her legacy will be measured not only in services delivered but in stronger families and future leaders.

“My hope is that fewer Aboriginal children are removed from their families, that families remain together and thrive,” she said.

“I want to leave behind a stronger Aboriginal workforce, with the people I have encouraged and empowered into further education becoming the next generation of health professionals, midwives, doctors and leaders.”

She urges emerging Indigenous leaders to stay grounded in the values of respect, kindness, accountability and inclusivity.

“Invest in your own education, growth and self-care, because every qualification you earn, every door you open, makes it a little easier for the person who comes after you,” she said.

Learn more about the Monash Business School's Master of Indigenous Business Leadership