AFL names Professor Helen Milroy as first indigenous commissioner

The AFL’s first indigenous commissioner, Professor Helen Milroy, views her appointment as an important opportunity to focus on the issue of mental health.

Dr Helen Milroy.

The AFL’s first indigenous commissioner, Professor Helen Milroy, views her appointment as an important opportunity to focus on the issue of mental health.

In a historic announcement, Professor Milroy was confirmed as the AFL’s 10th commissioner on Friday, fulfilling the league’s commitment to adding an indigenous voice to the board.

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Professor Milroy is a descendant of the Palkyu people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and was born and educated in Perth.

With more than 30 years experience in the health and mental health system, Professor Milroy is a former GP and still works as a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

She has also served on the AFL’s indigenous advisory committee and was involved in setting up the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association.

Professor Milroy said her position on the commission would provide an important opportunity to focus on issues such as mental health.

AFL has to appoint an indigenous commissioner by the end of next year under charter. Hopefully it's today given no. of indig players in game

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) April 21, 2017

“I am looking forward to working with the AFL commission across all aspects of the commission’s work,’’ Professor Milroy said.

“This is an important opportunity to focus on mental health as well as the wellbeing of children and communities through their participation in sport.”

Professor Helen Milroy will join the AFL Commission next year.

Professor’s Milroy’s appointment comes after the AFL committed to appointing an indigenous commissioner in May, 2016.

AFL chairman Richard Goyder said Professor Milroy’s skills and experience would add to the strength of the commission.

“I am extremely pleased that Professor Milroy is joining the commission,’’ Goyder said. “Helen brings the highest level of clinical and policy experience in the important areas of health, mental health and indigenous affairs to the game’s governing body.’’

Professor Milroy will officially join the AFL after its annual general meetings next March.

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RICHARD GOYDER — chairman Qantas and Woodside Energy

PAUL BASSAT — SEEK co-founder

SIMONE WILKIE — retired Australian Army Major-General

KIM WILLIAMS — chairman Sydney Opera House

JASON BALL — ex-West Coast Eagle and Sydney Swan

ANDREW NEWBOLD — Ex-Hawthorn president

GABRIELLE TRAINOR — director of two ANZ subsidiary boards

ROBIN BISHOP — founding partner BGH Capital

GILLON McLACHLAN — AFL chief executive