Dr John Paterson appointed Chair of The Healing Foundation

Respected Northern Territory community leader Dr John Paterson (Ngalakan) will become Chair of The Healing Foundation from November 2026, guiding the organisation into its next chapter of advocacy, healing and action for Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.

He will be supported by incoming Deputy Chair Kristy Masella (Murri/South Sea Islander).

Their appointments follow the completion of board tenure of outgoing Chair Professor Steve Larkin (Kungarakan) and Deputy Chair Leann Wilson (Bidjara/Kara-Kara), who played a leading role in strengthening the national movement for healing, truth telling and justice for Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.

“Although my time as Chair is coming to an end, I will always stand behind The Healing Foundation. I have great confidence in the next phase of leadership and welcome the incoming Board Chair and Deputy Chair,” Professor Larkin said.

During his decade as Chair, Professor Steve Larkin helped advance the national conversation on healing and justice for Stolen Generations survivors. Key achievements included reforms such as the Northern Territory Stolen Generations Redress Scheme and influential initiatives including the Make Healing Happen campaign and the Are you waiting for us to die? report, which renewed national attention on the  implementation of the Bringing them home recommendations.

“I’m proud that we have been able to achieve tangible and meaningful changes for survivors across Australia to support their healing,” Professor Larkin said.

A renewed commitment to Bringing them home as experienced leaders transition into the Chair and Deputy Chair roles

Building on this legacy, Dr Paterson brings more than 40 years of experience in Aboriginal health, most recently retiring as CEO of AMSANT, the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health organisations in the Northern Territory.

“This work is important to me because survivors and their descendants need the appropriate support and assistance from governments,” Dr Paterson said.

“I would like to thank Professor Larkin for his tireless leadership, commitment and passion over the last decade and wish him well for the future,” he added.

Incoming Deputy Chair Kristy Masella brings decades of leadership experience across employment, training and community development, including as Managing Director of Aboriginal Employment Strategy.

“Behind every policy, report and recommendation are people and families. For me, this role is about service — bringing my experience, energy and leadership to work that matters enormously to our people,” Ms Masella said.

Ms Masella also paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Chair Leann Wilson, acknowledging her leadership, care and commitment over the past decade.

As The Healing Foundation approaches the 30th anniversary of Bringing them home, this transition reflects a continued commitment to turning recommendations into action through our roadmap From Sorry to Action: A plan to act on Bringing them home (2026-2028) and advancing lasting outcomes for Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.

The appointments will be effective from the November 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Find out more about our Board Directors on our Board page.