Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2026 | 11 Caring for the community since 1973, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) looks to respect the past, honour, the present, and help build the future of Aboriginal people across Australia. Michael Graham has been the CEO of VAHS for almost a decade, a position he came to after spending many years working in development and engagement roles, including within government and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. For more on the tremendous impact he has had on this space across his career, we spoke with Michael. Founded more than 50 years ago to address the specific medical needs of indigenous communities in Victoria, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service has steadily expanded over the past five decades and today offers a range of medical, dental, and social services for the Aboriginal community. Close to VAHS’ heart is the belief that Aboriginal organisations should be led by Aboriginal people, and everything the company does is about creating opportunities for its people and ensuring access to safe, high-quality services. “I am particularly passionate about ensuring Aboriginal organisations are recognised not just as service providers, but as leaders in system reform and innovation.” CEO Michael Graham’s career has always centred on community, advocacy, and improving outcomes for Aboriginal people, and in his role as VAHS’ CEO, Michael has been able to reach new heights regarding this mission. No two days are ever the same for Michael, who may be working with government departments on health reforms the one day, before sitting with staff, elders, or members of the community to discuss challenges and solutions the next. This is why balancing strategy with people is key. “I oversee organisational growth, governance, funding, partnerships and service delivery, but also make sure to remain connected to the community because that is where the real accountability sits”, Michael told us. “I lead from lived experience, not just theory. I understand the realities our communities face because I have lived them, worked within them, and remained connected to them throughout my life.” In this way, Michael’s leadership is visible, approachable, and rooted in collaboration. Serving on its board before becoming the CEO of VAHS, Michael’s understanding of what the company aims to achieve runs deep, as does his knowledge of the areas of governance, accountability, and organisational leadership, which have all been supported by this previous appointment and his prior experiences across the likes of education, governance, and community roles. Michael added: “Those lessons shape how I lead today. I understand that sustainable change requires both strong systems and strong relationships.” Enacting this sustainable change across the areas of Aboriginal healthcare, dentistry, social services, and more, Michael’s approach is all about solving problems and reaping direct benefits for the community, and this is why communication is so critical. To this end, relationships are invested in before transactions, with trust as the foundation, regardless of whether the work is with government, community, or partner organisations. Sustainable growth is just as vital, with VAHS’ growth being driven by a willingness to innovate, but always within its core purpose. With the Aboriginal health and community services sector evolving rapidly, driven by the increasing recognition that culturally safe, community-controlled models offer stronger outcomes for Aboriginal people, Michael is focusing on ensuring that VAHS remains proactive in its approach to shaping the future of Aboriginal health leadership and community-led healthcare in Australia. Right now, this involves expansion, including growing preventative health initiatives and improving long-term outcomes. Commenting on this, Michael explained: “I would like people to understand that leadership in Aboriginal communitycontrolled organisations is about more than business outcomes. It is about responsibility to community, culture, and future generations.” He continued: “The work we do is not simply about delivering services, it is about creating environments where people feel safe, empowered, and connected.” VAHS remains dedicated to nurturing this kind of future moving forwards, and placing Aboriginal lives in Aboriginal hands. “Over the next five years, I want to see stronger Aboriginal-led systems across health, justice, and community services, with greater investment into community-controlled solutions.” Despite this being an individual award, Michael wanted a special mention to go out to the incredible staff, leaders, and communities that the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service continues to serve, and we are honoured to do so as we recognise CEO Michael Graham with two awards. Contact: Michael Graham Company: Victorian Aboriginal Health Services (VAHS) Web Address: https://www.vahs.org.au/ Best Indigenous Healthcare CEO 2026: Michael Graham & APAC Insider Community Impact Excellence Award 2026 Victorian Aboriginal Health Services (VAHS)
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