AbSec – NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation is pleased to announce John Leha has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer.
John is a proud Birri Gubba, Wakka Wakka and Tongan man born raised on Gadigal land. He will be bringing with him to the role a wealth of knowledge and strategic thinking to address the many challenges facing Aboriginal children and families in NSW.
Most recently, John was the Director of Operations at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
and is also the Chairperson for Gadigal Information Service (home of Koori Radio).
He has also worked across a broad range of issues that impact Aboriginal people, including being a
founding member and Chairperson of Blaq Aboriginal Corporation, which aims at empowering the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQ community and the founder of Sydney Deadly Runners.
As an active member of the Sydney Aboriginal community, John has worked extensively in
Indigenous education and employment programs in government and community and is well-known
as a health ambassador.
He is also a Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council member and is deeply involved and
connected to community through his work with the Kingsford Community Legal Centre, the AIDS
Council of New South Wales’ Aboriginal Project and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
John is excited to be joining AbSec and working towards a future where all Aboriginal children and
young people are looked after in safe, thriving Aboriginal families and communities, connected to
culture, with every opportunity for lifelong wellbeing.
“I am looking forward to joining AbSec and fighting for the change our children need. There is plenty
of work to be done, and I am excited to be a part of it. If we are to truly begin to close the gap of
disadvantage, it must start with a focus on our children. They have to be front and centre in the
decision making process with their future as a primary focus.” John said.
In response to the appointment Dana Clarke, Chairperson of AbSec, said, “With his previous
experience and impressive leadership, everyone at AbSec feels that John is the right person for the
role. We are certain that he will be able to strengthen our partnerships and place Aboriginal children
at the forefront when it comes to the development of policy and the implementation of programs.
