Winners announced for the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards

29 November 2025 • via createsend.com


AI Summary
  • Winners of the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Excellence Awards announced in Darwin.
  • Awards recognise contributions of Aboriginal health workers and practitioners since 2006.
  • Minister Steve Edgington highlights the role of health workers in bridging cultural and healthcare systems.
  • Emerging leaders and students also acknowledged through various award categories.
  • Key winners include Shannon Small, Dennis Dunn, and Keleasha Ogden among others.
 

Steve Edgington
Minister for Health

 

Media Release

 

Winners announced for the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards

29 November 2025

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 significant 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 our future workforce and emerging leaders, including NT 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.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington said Aboriginal health workers and practitioners play a vital role in providing culturally safe and respectful health care services across the NT.

“Congratulations to all the award winners, those highly commended and finalists. 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,” Mr Edgington said.

Samara Hanley, Executive Director Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce, said, “Our recipients and finalists are remarkable examples of excellence in Aboriginal Health. Their deep commitment to community, culture and innovation is driving real change. 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

For more information on the awards, visit this website.

Media contact: Russel Guse - 0488 047 830

Minister for Health Steve Edgington with the winners of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.

   

Steve Edgington
Minister for Health

 

Steve Edgington
Minister for Health

 

Steve Edgington
Minister for Health

   

Steve Edgington
Minister for Health

Steve Edgington
Minister for Health

 

Media Release

Media Release

Media Release

Media Release

Media Release

 

Winners announced for the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards

29 November 2025

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 significant 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 our future workforce and emerging leaders, including NT 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.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington said Aboriginal health workers and practitioners play a vital role in providing culturally safe and respectful health care services across the NT.

“Congratulations to all the award winners, those highly commended and finalists. 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,” Mr Edgington said.

Samara Hanley, Executive Director Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce, said, “Our recipients and finalists are remarkable examples of excellence in Aboriginal Health. Their deep commitment to community, culture and innovation is driving real change. 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

For more information on the awards, visit this website.

Media contact: Russel Guse - 0488 047 830

Minister for Health Steve Edgington with the winners of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.

 

Winners announced for the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards

29 November 2025

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 significant 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 our future workforce and emerging leaders, including NT 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.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington said Aboriginal health workers and practitioners play a vital role in providing culturally safe and respectful health care services across the NT.

“Congratulations to all the award winners, those highly commended and finalists. 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,” Mr Edgington said.

Samara Hanley, Executive Director Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce, said, “Our recipients and finalists are remarkable examples of excellence in Aboriginal Health. Their deep commitment to community, culture and innovation is driving real change. 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

For more information on the awards, visit this website.

Media contact: Russel Guse - 0488 047 830

Minister for Health Steve Edgington with the winners of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.

 

Winners announced for the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards

29 November 2025

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 significant 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 our future workforce and emerging leaders, including NT 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.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington said Aboriginal health workers and practitioners play a vital role in providing culturally safe and respectful health care services across the NT.

“Congratulations to all the award winners, those highly commended and finalists. 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,” Mr Edgington said.

Samara Hanley, Executive Director Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce, said, “Our recipients and finalists are remarkable examples of excellence in Aboriginal Health. Their deep commitment to community, culture and innovation is driving real change. 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

For more information on the awards, visit this website.

Media contact: Russel Guse - 0488 047 830

Minister for Health Steve Edgington with the winners of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.

 

Winners announced for the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards

29 November 2025

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 significant 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 our future workforce and emerging leaders, including NT 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.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington said Aboriginal health workers and practitioners play a vital role in providing culturally safe and respectful health care services across the NT.

“Congratulations to all the award winners, those highly commended and finalists. 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,” Mr Edgington said.

Samara Hanley, Executive Director Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce, said, “Our recipients and finalists are remarkable examples of excellence in Aboriginal Health. Their deep commitment to community, culture and innovation is driving real change. 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

For more information on the awards, visit this website.

Media contact: Russel Guse - 0488 047 830

Minister for Health Steve Edgington with the winners of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.

 

Winners announced for the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards

Winners announced for the 2025 NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards

29 November 2025

29 November 2025

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 significant 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 our future workforce and emerging leaders, including NT 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.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington said Aboriginal health workers and practitioners play a vital role in providing culturally safe and respectful health care services across the NT.

“Congratulations to all the award winners, those highly commended and finalists. 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,” Mr Edgington said.

Samara Hanley, Executive Director Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce, said, “Our recipients and finalists are remarkable examples of excellence in Aboriginal Health. Their deep commitment to community, culture and innovation is driving real change. 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

For more information on the awards, visit this website.

Media contact: Russel Guse - 0488 047 830

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 significant 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 our future workforce and emerging leaders, including NT 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.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington said Aboriginal health workers and practitioners play a vital role in providing culturally safe and respectful health care services across the NT.

“Congratulations to all the award winners, those highly commended and finalists. 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,” Mr Edgington said.

Samara Hanley, Executive Director Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce, said, “Our recipients and finalists are remarkable examples of excellence in Aboriginal Health. Their deep commitment to community, culture and innovation is driving real change. 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

For more information on the awards, visit this website.

Media contact: Russel Guse - 0488 047 830

Minister for Health Steve Edgington with the winners of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington with the winners of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.

     
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  • avatar of Steve Edgington SE

    Steve Edgington
    CLP NT

    Minister for Health