EXCELLENCE AWARD “LEGEND”

Winner - Marion Swift, Ntaria Health Service, Central Australia

Mr Jeff Moffet Chief Executive of Deparment of Health (DoH) presenting the Remote category and overall Legend Award to Marion Swift of Ntaria Health Service.

NEW PRACTITIONER AWARD

Winner - Alison Andrews, Manyallaluk Community Health Centre

Matthew Gardiner Secretary United Voice NT presenting Alison Andrews with Winner in the New Practitioner category.

Alison has been a registered Aboriginal Health worker for almost a year. She works at the Manyallaluk Community Health Centre.

As a New Practitioner Alison is noted for her whole-hearted approach and has demonstrated her commitment to the profession by involving herself in programs outside standard duties. These include the coordination of health activities and holiday programs with children from the community. She has demonstrated great initiative and outstanding work ethic and shows immense promise as a future leader.

REMOTE AWARD WINNER

Winner - Marion Swift, Ntaria Health Service, Central Australia

Marion has been a practising Aboriginal Health Worker for 28 years. In this time she has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to both the profession and the community she supports.

Marion worked in Alice Springs for seven years at the Child Health Unit before returning to Ntaria (Hermannsburg) to do general clinical work before deciding to dedicate herself to working with children.

Marion is renowned for her dedication and integrity and is an outstanding role model in her area of clinical practice; child health. In this area Marion is seen as an asset by the community, her clinical peers and academics.

Highly Commended - Jeremy Downes, Yuendemu Health Centre in Central Australia

Di Borella President of Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise presenting Jeremy Downes with Highly Commended in the Remote category. 

Jeremy commenced his career in 2000 with Danila Dilba in Darwin.  Since then he has practised in many regions across the NT, including the Tiwi Islands, Wadeye, Maningrida, Minjilang and most recently at Yuendemu Health Centre in Central Australia. 

Jeremy has specialised in both men’s health and sexual health. Jeremy has been working in senior Aboriginal Health Worker roles, including Acting Health Centre Management and chairing a consultative committee in Central Australia. Jeremy is a strong advocate for Aboriginal health and is hugely valued for his high level of clinical skill and ability to work in a team.

URBAN AWARD

Winner - Louise Dennis, Aboriginal Health Worker Remote Health Management Team Central Australia

Paula Arnol Chair of AMSANT presenting Louise Dennis with Winner in the Urban category.

Louise started her Aboriginal Health Worker career in 1997 at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress where she gained her qualifications and began work in the general clinic. She went on to specialise in chronic disease, coordinating the Specialists Clinic ensuring good access for chronic disease patients to Medical and Renal Physicians, Ophthalmologists, Diabetic Educators and Podiatrist.

In 2009 Louise moved to the Central Australian Aboriginal Health Worker Remote Health Management Team, providing support to Aboriginal Health Workers and remote managers, Louise is also a member of the Aboriginal Health Worker Registration Board of the NT.

Highly Commended Winner - Irene Ogilvie, Aboriginal Health Worker Workforce Director for Top End Remote Health

Paula Arnol Chair of AMSANT presenting Irene Ogilvie with Highly Commended in the Urban category.

Irene has been a practising Aboriginal Health Worker for close to 30 years, training at the Katherine Institute of Aboriginal Health before moving to the Berrimah Health Centre to do her practical clinical training. Irene has worked in the Bagot Community Health Centre, Casuarina Community Care Centre, and in Remote Health as the Aboriginal Health Worker Manager, Irene is currently the Aboriginal Health Worker Workforce Director for Top End Remote Health.  
 
Irene has built a strong reputation among her colleagues and peers with her tireless workforce advocacy, and by demonstrating outstanding results in developing and supporting members of the profession.  Whilst being methodical and diligent, Irene is often a behind the scenes worker, always putting the profession before herself.

SPECIALISED AWARD

Winner - Jennifer Thompson, Rehabilitation Unit Alice Springs Hospital

Penny Fielding Acting Executive Director Chief Health Services DoH presenting Jennifer Thompson with Winner in the Specialised category.

Jennifer commenced her health career in 1967 as a wards assistant in the old Alice Springs Hospital. Jennifer has since worked at the IAD Institute for Aboriginal Development as an Aboriginal Health Worker Educator supporting Aboriginal Health Worker Trainees. She has also worked in many specialty areas such as woman’s health, maternal and child health, palliative care, diabetes, nutrition and trachoma programs.

In 1997 Jennifer moved to the Rehabilitation Unit based at Alice Spring Hospital and retired in 2006 for eight months, but as a testament to her commitment to the profession she came back to work. Jennifer’s compassion, care and dedication are recognised by her peers, colleagues and patients.

Highly Commended Winner - Elaine Campbell, Frail, Aged and Disabled Program Central Australia

Penny Fielding Acting Executive Director Chief Health Services DoH presenting Elaine Campbell with Highly Commended in the Specialised category.  

Elaine is a local Alice Springs woman who has been an Aboriginal Health Worker for Central Australian Aboriginal Congress for seven years and currently works in the Frail, Aged and Disabled Program

She provides an outreach program to the frail and aged in the town camps of Alice Springs acting as an important link between Alice Springs Hospital, Congress, families and her clients.

Elaine is renowned for her dedication, skill and efficiency and shares her immense expertise with junior Aboriginal Health Workers.

ALL FINALISTS

Left rear: Mandy Noinba, Teresa Ngurruwuthun, Health Minister Kon Vatskalis, Elaine Campbell, Dwayne Pearce, Jeremy Downs, Desmond Lyons

Middle row: Jennifer Thompson, Irene Ogilvie, Joanne Berry, Alison Andrews

Front row: Louise Dennis, Justin Maroney

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.