Groote Eylandt receives pilot program for Aboriginal health workers

Aboriginal health workers and practitioners will have a closer-to-home learning pathway as a new trainee pilot program is delivered on Groote Eylandt.

Trainees put their skills to the test with the Minister for Health Steve Edgington as their ‘patient’. Picture: Supplied

Aboriginal health workers and practitioners will have a closer-to-home learning pathway as a new employment pathway trainee pilot program is delivered on Groote Eylandt.

The program will allow Indigenous people in the region to pursue a career in health, without leaving their communities.

Health Minister Steve Edgington said the government was committed to increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people to become health professionals in the Top End.

“This program is about growing our own local workforce and ensuring that Aboriginal Territorians can access culturally appropriate healthcare delivered by people they know and trust,” Mr Edgington said.

“We’re not just investing in training – we’re investing in people, skills and a strong future workforce for the Territory.”

Minister for Health Steve Edgington and trainee Moses Nielsen. Picture: Supplied

Eight trainees, ranging from school leavers to NT Health staff, have started the first phase of the pilot program.

Trainee Moses Nielsen said the training was inspiring.

“Our teacher is very knowledgeable and understanding and wants all our futures to be successful,” he said.

“The training is teaching us to be role models and keeping our community healthy and safe.”

Trainees in the program are allowed to progress at their own pace, with pathways available through to the Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice, the qualification needed to become a registered Aboriginal Health Practitioner.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington presents trainee Glenn Amayula with a certificate from Ninti Training. Picture: Supplied

The program is a collaboration between NT Health, the Department of Corporate and Digital Development’s Early Careers Team and the Northern Territory Primary Health Network, with the initial training provided by Ninti Training, an Indigenous-owned organisation based in Alice Springs.

Mr Edgington said health practitioners played a vital role connecting traditional knowledge and western medicine.

“Aboriginal Health Practitioners are at the heart of community health, providing clinical services and care to Aboriginal people across the Territory and our government is all about empowering and supporting the bush,” he said.