Stephanie Thow-Tapp
2025 Fellow
Steph is a Pennemuker and Ngati Porou woman who is a passionate and experienced leader with over 17 years of dedication to Aboriginal Health and community empowerment. She is a mum to 2 boys and lives in Geelong. Her journey began at GEGAC on Gunaikurnai Country, where she worked in the dental clinic before progressing to roles as an Aboriginal Health Worker and Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner. This grassroots experience laid the foundation for her transition into leadership positions, including her current role as Executive Manager of Aboriginal Health Promotion at VACCHO.
Steph is deeply committed to championing self-determination, cultural leadership, and innovative health promotion strategies that centre Connection to Culture, Community, and storytelling. Her leadership style is collaborative and nurturing, shaped by the influence of strong Aboriginal leaders paving the way for Aboriginal Health.
Through her work, Steph has built extensive expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and the development of culturally safe health programs. She remains driven by her mission to empower communities, Aboriginal voices, and inspire the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.
Stephanie was the recipient of a Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health scholarship for Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisation employees for this program.