Danila Dilba boss Olga Havnen resigns after eight years in job

DANILA Dilba chief executive Olga Havnen is set to step down after almost eight years in the job.

Olga Havnen has resigned as the chief executive of the Danila Dilba Health Service.

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DANILA Dilba chief executive Olga Havnen is set to step down after almost eight years in the job.

Ms Havnen told the NT News today she will stand aside at the end of her current contract with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

“I’ve been here for nearly eight years and I have advised the board that I won’t be seeking an extension to my contract,” she said.

“I’ve been working with the board for succession planning.

“I’ll be taking leave at the end of June and made arrangements for Head of Operations to act as CEO while the board recruits for the position.”

Ms Havnen is a highly-respected Aboriginal leader, advocate and activist.

NT Council of Social Services chief executive Deborah Di Natale said Ms Havnen has made a huge impact on the NT’s social services sector in her time with Danila Dilba.

“Olga is one of the brightest minds I have come across in my career,” Ms Di Natale said.

“She understands the complexity and drivers around disadvantage and structural inequality.

“It has been an absolute privilege to work with her and campaign on issues together.

“I have learnt so much having her as a colleague and she will be greatly missed.”

Ms Havnen has been a staunch advocate against for a number of recent political issues including her opposition to the NT Government’s new youth bail laws.

She also campaigned against the NT Liquor Commission’s issuing of a liquor licence to Dan Murphy’s to open a superstore in Darwin because of its potentially harmful effects on nearby dry Aboriginal communities.

Danila Dilba launched a legal challenge in the Darwin Supreme Court against the NT Director of Liquor Licencing over the decision in early March.

Woolworths Group announced in late April they would not proceed with the Darwin superstore following an independent panel review.

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