Winners of Aboriginal health excellence awards celebrated in Darwin ceremony
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers have been recognised at Darwin's annual excellence awards for their vital role bridging culture and western healthcare across the NT.
Winners for this year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards have been announced at a ceremony in Darwin.
Since 2006, the awards have been held to recognise and acknowledge the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners make to their families, communities and the healthcare system across the NT.
The awards also recognise the efforts of the Territory’s future workforce and emerging leaders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited course from within the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Training Package.
Health Minister Steve Edgington said Aboriginal health workers and practitioners were vital in providing culturally safe and respectful health care services across the NT.
“Congratulations to all the award winners, those highly commended and finalists,” he said.
“Aboriginal health workers and practitioners are often the first trusted point of care for Aboriginal Territorians seeking health services, bridging culture and the western health system.”
“Their dedication is helping shape a health system that better understands and serves Aboriginal communities right across the NT.”
Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce executive director Samara Hanley said the recipients and finalists were “remarkable” examples of excellence in Aboriginal Health.
“Their deep commitment to community, culture and innovation is driving real change,” she said.
“It is inspiring to see such passionate emerging leaders shaping the future of our health workforce across the Northern Territory.”
The 2025 award recipients are:
- Remote Aboriginal Health Worker Winner: Shannon Small
- Urban Aboriginal Health Worker Winner: Dennis Dunn
- Remote Aboriginal Health Practitioner Winner: Keleasha Ogden
- Highly commended: Beatrice Parry
- Urban Aboriginal Health Practitioner Winner: Amanda Swan
- Highly commended: Onika Paolucci
- Specialist Aboriginal Health Practitioner Winner: Terry Guyula
- Highly commended: Tawhio McKay
- New Aboriginal Health Practitioner Winner: Natalie Michelle Williams
- Highly commended: Leandra Huckstadt-Rankine
- Emerging Aboriginal Health Practitioner (Student Award) Winner: Roy Farmer
- Emerging Aboriginal Health Worker (Student Award) Winners: Moses Nielson and Reannen Lalara
- Dr John Hargrave Honour Roll (Lifetime Achievement) Winners: Iris Raye and Joe Daby
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Originally published as Winners of Aboriginal health excellence awards celebrated in Darwin ceremony
