Joint Colleges Training Services (JCTS) has welcomed Colleen Johnstone in a newly created senior management position of Operations Manager.
In response to rapid growth and expansion of the organisation over the past 12 months, the role of Operations Manager has been created to lead and support JCTS Regional Managers to ensure high-quality service delivery, performance accountability, and resource accessibility.
Colleen is an experienced leader and passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes. Prior to joining JCTS, Colleen was the Chief Executive Officer of Palliative Care Tasmania for eight years. In this role, she successfully led the development and delivery of education and training for primary and allied health providers, advocated for service improvement, secured tens of millions of dollars in sector funding, and led significant sector workforce development strategies to address the long-term challenges of growing service demand and an ageing workforce.
Colleen was also a Regional Manager for the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, where she worked closely with businesses and key stakeholders to grow regional economic opportunities.
Additionally, Colleen has led several business-focused programs for the Australian Government in the areas of biotechnology, foreign direct investment, and industry development. She is also an experienced Director, holding board positions in the areas of mental health, women’s health, and social services.
In response to her appointment, Colleen said:
“I feel really privileged to be working with the great team of people at JCTS.
I’ve worked in the health sector for a number of years and have seen the barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face when trying to access equitable, culturally safe, health care, particularly in my home, Lutruwita.
JCTS takes an active role in trying to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and I can contribute to that. As Operations Manager I want to increase my understanding of the different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across Australia and support our regional teams in their vital work.
I believe that our work educating and mentoring GPs and GP registrars in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways can make a significant impact in accessing safe and appropriate health care.”
In her new role, Colleen will work alongside JCTS General Manager, Anthony Paulson to implement the JCTS Strategic Plan.
Anthony Paulson said:
“Our strategic intent is to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver best practice GP training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, ensuring generations thrive, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors are nurtured and grown, and every GP is equipped to provide culturally safe health care.
Colleen brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in operations management, and we are excited to have her on board.”
About JCTS
JCTS is a joint venture between the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). JCTS facilitates shared GP training activities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives, cultural education, mentorship, and registrar housing in remote communities.
Media enquiries
Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from JCTS can contact Alex Govan, Communications and Marketing Specialist at admin@jcts.org.au
