Remote NT community health staff celebrate upskilling in Alice Springs with graduation ceremony

‘They are role models’: With important training completed, eight remote Territory health workers are eager to get back in the community and put their new skills to use.

Charlene Malbunka, Clarence Campbell, Doreena Stirling. Geisha Tilmouth, Jabison Williams, Katricia Campbell, Rachel Kantawara, and Patricia O’Donohue and graduated their Certificate III training in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care at the Desert Knowledge Precinct. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Eight remote health workers are eager to get back to their communities and put their new training to use after they upskilled and graduated.

At a graduation at the Desert Knowledge Precinct, south of Alice Springs on Thursday, the workers were given their Certificate III training in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care.

Charlene Malbunka, Clarence Campbell, Doreena Stirling, Geisha Tilmouth, Jabison Williams, Katricia Campbell, Rachel Kantawara, and Patricia O’Donohue graduated at the ceremony.

The workers hailed from Central Australian remote communities such as Hermannsburg, Yuendumu, Arlpurrurulam, Laramaba, and Ti Tree.

Jabison Williams. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Jabison Williams, from Yuendumu, said he was excited to get back to his community and use his new skills.

While some of the study was “hard” he said completing it made him “strong” and his “kids and my family proud”.

Their training was completed in Alice Springs through Ninti Training and was delivered in week long blocks throughout 2024.

The graduation at the Desert Knowledge Precinct Thursday, February 27, 2025. Picture: Gera Kazakov

NT Health Minister Steve Edgington said completing the training better equipped the workers to provide primary care in their communities.

“Aboriginal community workers within health services help bridge gaps and deliver culturally appropriate care to their communities,” he said.

“They are role models and building capacity through training ensures they continue to provide high-quality effective care that is tailored to the unique needs of their communities, in partnership with other health professionals.”