Rachel Atkinson is a proud Yorta Yorta woman who is dedicated to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
She is a qualified Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience as CEO of large community-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations delivering health, and child and family services. She has been the CEO of Palm Island Community Company since its incorporation in 2007 and has overseen its growth to become the largest non-government service provider and employer on Palm Island.
Ms Atkinson is the current Co-Chair of the Queensland First Children and Families Board, Co-Chair of Family Matters Queensland, Board Director of SNAICC and Deputy Chairperson of Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council. She is a previous Chair of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak and CEO of Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service.