The Remote Award honours those who live and breathe the job. Aboriginal Health Workers operating in remote communities are permanently on call – there are no office hours! Anytime, people may come to the house or pass by in the street because they’re always on duty. Those working in this environment also provide cultural mentoring and act as the vital link to make community ownership of health real. Remote Aboriginal Health Workers are completely hands-on, running primary health care programmes that actually keep their friends and neighbours well, everyday. Here it’s not just a job; it’s a way of life.

The Urban Award specially acknowledges those Aboriginal Health Workers in an urban setting, who face different challenges to their remote counterparts. They service larger and more diverse communities. Their client base may present them with many different cultures and even languages, yet they must be able to communicate with and help all those who come to seek assistance. Although these Aboriginal Health Workers may have a range of other support service to call upon and may not necessarily be the primary healthcare giver, they are critical in ensuring continuity of care, providing information and a point of reference for a broad and mobile community.

The Specialised Award recognises the unique contribution made by Aboriginal Health Workers in a variety of specific areas. Whether in research, education or community development, these Aboriginal Health Workers demonstrate exemplary leadership in specialised fields. Their work adds value to that of a range of other health professionals, particularly where they provide expert care, knowledge and skills. Sometimes, this may help influence health policy and programmes and even contribute to improvements in Territory-wide services for Aboriginal health.

The New Practitioner Award is a new category for Aboriginal Health Workers who have shown outstanding achievements while in their beginning years after qualifying as an Aboriginal Health Workers. New practitioners are able to demonstrate their ability to apply their new knowledge and skills. They can be in any location, any field and face any challenge as an Aboriginal Health Workers. Aboriginal Health Workers show pride in their work and strive for excellence, as they know their work provides a high standard of health care for Territorians. Their Initiative, drive and enthusiasm are what drive future health services to its best.

This peak Excellence Award pays tribute to an overall winner of one of the other categories who exemplifies what it is to be an Aboriginal Health Worker. It is the highest award recognising the supreme devotion, service, standards of care and broader cultural and personal elements that make the winning Aboriginal Health Worker part of the backbone of Aboriginal health care here in the Northern Territory.