Past award recipients

The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office would like to congratulate the recipients of the Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year

Joyce Akong - Graduate Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit, Royal Darwin Hospital

Joyce has the potential to be, not only an exceptional nurse but a true leader in the nursing profession. She is calm, capable and takes pride in all aspects of her patient care. She shows initiative, is thorough and has a high attention to detail; delivering consistently excellent patient- centred care.

Through trying circumstances, Joyce treats her patients with professionalism, dignity and respect. She ensures the core principles of good care are implemented in her work and endeavours to maintain a high level of safety for all in the workplace.

Conscientious, thoughtful and empathetic are additional descriptors that spring to mind from her colleagues. Joyce has a knack for communicating with people from all walks of life, whether they be patients or colleagues.

Joyce has been a positive influence on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) workplace culture. She has modelled both ingenuity and advocacy in the short time she has been with us.

Congratulations Joyce, what a great achievement.

Flinders University Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education

Lauren Roberts - Paediatric Nurse Educator, Royal Darwin Hospital

Lauren is the only nurse in the Northern Territory to be credentialed as an official children and young people’s nurse.  She has led the restructuring of the paediatric nursing education program, has been a driving force behind the new paediatric orientation package for new staff, the Paediatric Graduate Nurse Workshop program and is the point of call for any paediatric nursing questions from all over the Northern Territory.

Lauren has shown dedication to the program from the beginning, putting in many hours of her time to ensure the service became embedded within the paediatric education program.

Lauren also helped with setting up the COVID of concern program and largely contributed to the care of paediatric patients in the program. Lauren is a caring and compassionate nurse educator and is always willing to provide education to staff, patients and families. She is passionate about paediatric pain management and presents at the pain management course at Royal Darwin Hospital throughout the year. Lauren has also implemented virtual reality and the buzzy bee to improve patients’ experiences in the hospital and make procedures for paediatric patients as painless as possible.

She is a paediatric point of contact in the NT and is appreciated by staff and families. Lauren is approachable and non-judgemental, putting patient care first and sees education as central to ensuring patient safety.

It is clear you have made an incredible impact on your colleagues, congratulations and thank you for all you do.

Charles Darwin University Award Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Research/Quality Improvement

Paula Vandokkum - Clinical Midwifery Specialist, Research Nurse, Maternity Unit Alice Springs Hospital and Menzies School of Health Research

Paula graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery in 2002 and commenced work at the Maternity Unit of Alice Springs Hospital in 2005. She was a founding member of the innovative multidisciplinary Diabetes and Antenatal Care and Education (DANCE) clinic based at the Alice Springs Hospital. This clinic coordinates the complex antenatal care of women in Central Australia with diabetes during their pregnancy.

She completed a graduate certificate in diabetes education in 2014 and is currently undertaking a Masters’ studies in health research. Paula has worked between the Alice Springs Hospital Maternity Unit, the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the Menzies School of Health Research, for over a decade. Paula is ideally placed to be a midwife researcher for the Diabetes in Pregnancy Partnership.

Paula's contribution to the Pregnancy and Neonatal Diabetes Outcomes in Remote Australia (PANDORA) project comprised of recruitment and data collecting from women with diabetes during pregnancy. The results of the study after five years have already shown that diabetes in pregnancy has a significant influence on both the mother and the child.

Paula was also pivotal in the Central Australian contribution to the Territory-wide establishment and maintenance of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Clinical Register which allows health practitioners looking after women with diabetes in pregnancy access to up-to-date information regarding their care.

Congratulations Paula!

National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre Excellence Award in Nursing/Midwifery Leadership

Josie Curr - NT Health Commander, COVID-19 Public Health Coordination, NT Health

Josie is a passionate leader with a proven track record of achievement in service redesign and leading multi-disciplinary teams through complex periods of change; driving innovation and improvements that benefit our community and its people.

Josie demonstrates true adaptability and passion for leadership in delivering health care to our most vulnerable populations throughout her nursing career. Josie fosters leadership qualities and knowledge amongst her team, consistently striving for improvements to practice, challenging the status quo and advocating for professional and personal growth whilst encouraging staff development opportunities.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Josie has been consistent in maintaining high levels of professionalism throughout extremely trying times, leading the health response and navigating the Territory through the COVID-19 pandemic in her role as NT Health Commander within the Territory Emergency Operation Centre.

Josie is an outstanding leader within the Northern Territory health service and a great advocate for the health and wellbeing of all Territorians.

Flinders University Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Aboriginal Health

Peter Gazey - Primary Health Service Manager, Binjari Clinic - Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service

When COVID-19 hit the community of Binjari, it was a very unprecedented worrying time for community members. Many families were confirmed positive for COVID-19 and were required to travel to the Centre of National Resilience in Howard Springs to undertake quarantine. Peter, being a nurse for a long time in Binjari, went out of his way to ensure community members felt supported and not alone.

During the lockdowns at Binjari, Peter and the clinic staff endeavoured to ensure community member’s wellbeing by providing COVID-19 information in plain English so community members were informed and had an understanding of what was happening.

Peter has been recognised for his efforts by the Chief Minister for his work to support the Binjari community and relieve the stress of managing the outbreak.

While working as a clinic nurse in Binjari, Peter built great relationships and became a positive influence and role model to many people. He had a huge impact on two brothers in the community, who were inspired by Peter to undertake studies to become Aboriginal Health Practitioners.

Peter is always supportive and willing to share his skills and knowledge.  He continues to support the Binjari community even though he has moved on to a leadership position in Katherine with Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service.

Congratulations Peter!

Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery

Alan Walker Cancer Centre - Royal Darwin Hospital

The Alan Walker Cancer team consistently receives praise from patients and families expressing gratitude for the professional and empathetic service they receive.  The team works together to ensure they can provide seamless patient-centred, holistic cancer care.

The team provides education and support to patients and families on treatments and protocols and works to empower patients in their treatment.

The team have a reputation for making their patients feel secure and happy, celebrating milestones and endeavouring to make the experience as positive as possible.

The team at Alan Walker Cancer Centre go above and beyond to make sure patients and family members feel confident in their treatment plans. They take the time to educate and support family members who live in remote areas to assist them to care for their loved ones.

The Alan Walker Cancer Centre provides a safe space that allows families to express their concerns, provide advice, and alleviate anxiety. The staff at Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre treat their patients with a great deal of care, concern and empathy.

Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery

Norelena Walsh -  Child Health Nurse, Palmerston Health Precinct Building Complex Community Care Centre, NT Health

Norelena makes her patients feel supported and listens to their anxieties and concerns. She has exceptional experience in providing educational information on early parenthood for mothers.

Norelena creates a positive environment to support mothers in their early pregnancy. She is known to go above and beyond in providing a supportive environment by linking her patients into parenting groups and connecting them with organisations that can assist in supporting women throughout pregnancy.

Norelena has provided support to many patients by instilling confidence and reassurance, making community members feel safe and secure to enter the hospital system, particularly in high risk pregnancies.

Thank you Norelena!

NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/Midwifery

Josie Curr - NT Health Commander, COVID-19 Public Health Coordination, NT Health

Josie is a proud Territorian committed to a lifetime of service and contribution to healthcare. Josie has a nursing career spanning more than  30 years across the Northern Territory, of which the last 15 years have been within senior leadership and executive roles.

Some highlights from Josie’s lasting contribution to nursing within the Northern Territory include:

  • Developing the NT Health Business Planning Framework within her role of Deputy Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer
  • Managing the impact of two seismic code yellows including  a community evacuation due to cyclone activity and managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic whilst acting as the General Manager East Arnhem Region Top End Health Service
  • Establishing and leading the Ambulatory Care clinical stream as the Director of Ambulatory Care Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals
  • A member of the commissioning team of the Palmerston Regional Hospital as the Nursing Director Operations, Palmerston Regional Hospital
  • The development and implementation of a fully integrated maternity service as the Director of Integrated Maternity Services Top End
  • Leading the inaugural Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) accreditation as the Project Lead Lactation Consultant within Royal Darwin Hospital
  • Being an influential member of the Northern Territory Primary Health Network Women’s Health Redesign Working Group that achieved the implementation of medical abortion services into the health service and general practice.

Throughout her extensive nursing career, Josie has exhibited great versatility and a love for providing health care to all Territorians. Josie is very deserving of this award for her dedication and ongoing commitment to the profession, to patients and the community.

Nurse of the Year

Mark Di Francesco - Registered Nurse, Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, Danila Dilba Health Service

Mark Di Francesco is a well-established Territory Nurse, having worked in various positions across the NT Government and Aboriginal Medical Sector since 1989.

Mark has trained and mentored students and nurses in all stages of their career, and has passed on his extensive cultural knowledge to fellow clinicians to ensure culturally safe and appropriate care for Indigenous Territorians.

After six years in management and executive roles, Mark moved to the Danila Dilba Health Service in 2018. During his two years working for the service at the Rapid Creek Clinic he became a familiar and comforting face for many patients with complex chronic conditions.

In July 2020, Mark took on his biggest professional challenge - establishing the Danila Dilba Clinic within the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. Utilising his skills and experience, the Don Dale Clinic is thriving.  Mark's personal and professional attributes have assisted to make the Clinic successful, priding Danila Dilba as the "first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to provide primary health care in a youth detention setting in Australia". Mark ensures every young person at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre is seen and heard.

Mark has created and fostered an environment where young people know they can trust him and the Clinic. When not at the clinic, Mark also works to address legal and court requests, partaking in case conferences and planning meetings, ensuring young people released from detention receive follow up care with external primary health care providers.

Mark has been a game-changer for young people who attend the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, and has been instrumental in improving health outcomes for young people.

Mark is a gift to the Territory and a lifeline to young people;  breaking bias and stigmas. Thank you Mark for all of your work caring for young people.

Nursing and Midwifery Federation Australia - Midwife of the Year

Katy Hoyle - Clinical Midwifery Educator, Women, Children and Youth Division, Royal Darwin Hospital

Katy Hoyle is an outstanding Midwife for Northern Territory using her clinical ability to conduct herself with integrity and ensure the highest standard of maternity care for Territorians. Her colleagues describe her as a positive influence to workplace culture as she can build strong relationships with ease and lights up the ward with her presence.

Katy  has been a midwife in the Territory for more than 10 years and specialises in homebirths. She recently had the honour of being present at her 500th homebirth, and has helped to deliver babies in some unusual places over the years including tents, fields and communes.

Katy has been a clinical midwifery educator at the Royal Darwin Hospital since 2015, co-ordinating the graduate midwife programme, which includes recruiting graduate midwives and mentoring them in all aspects of midwifery until they acquire the confidence to transfer to practise.

Position titles reflect positions held at the time of nomination.

New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year

Samantha Symons, Graduate Registered Nurse – ICU, Alice Springs Hospital

Samantha has been recognised for the passion and dedication she has shown since commencing her nursing career.  She has worked hard to attain new knowledge and skills that are above what is expected as a new graduate. Samantha goes the extra mile to ensure her patients and co-workers are supported. She has shown dedication to her team and patients by contributing to her professional development and proactively meeting all essential training and maintaining capability for practice. Samantha is honest, committed and always puts her patients at the centre of her approach to care.

Flinders University Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education

Anija Mathew, Acting Clinical Nurse Educator, Rehabilitation Ward, Palmerston Regional Hospital

Anija has created an atmosphere of continual learning in the Palmerston Rehabilitation Ward.  She adopts a multidisciplinary approach which has increased the engagement and participation across disciplines.  She has designed and delivered numerous multiple programs which has improved the clinical competence of the rehabilitation team. Her style supports nurses across the professional development spectrum from bedside and ward based teaching, she is affectionately known as “Anija Everywhere” as a reflection of significant and positive impact to interdisciplinary learning across the team.

Charles Darwin University Award Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Research/Quality Improvement

Peter Nihill, Clinical Improvement Analyst, Primary and Population Health Care, Top End Health Service

Peter has been leading quality improvement for Top End Health Service Primary Health Care for more than a decade. He has a rare combination of clinical excellence and a mind for data. He understands what clinicians need to know to lift their performance in some of the toughest of healthcare settings. His work has had a direct impact on improving patient care across a wide range of clinical areas. He has contributed positively to patient care, team development, workplace performance and to the profession at a high level. Peter has been a leader in the nursing profession - through his dedication to providing the best possible performance information to his colleagues. He is a quiet achiever who has worked at scale to improve patient care and health outcomes across the NT.

Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Leadership

Emma Childs, Nurse Management Consultant - Public Health, Top End Health Service

Emma received 16 nominations from colleagues across multiple areas recognising her pivotal role in the Territory’s successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From establishing the workforce for the Covid-19 hotline, pandemic clinical and contact tracing through to being a senior member of the Rapid Response Team committee, outbreak planning team and urban response teams,  Emma has been central in providing subject matter expertise and public health advice.  In the midst of this she has not lost sight of her role as a leader. She makes time to mentor her team, leads by example and clearly takes great pleasure in seeing her staff grow and develop. She is a tireless, committed and dedicated leader, to whom many aspire.

Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Aboriginal Health

Christine Becker, Nurse Clinical Coordinator - Remote Child & Family Health, Public and Primary Health Care, Central Australia Health Service

Christine has worked in Central Australia in the Remote Outreach Child Health team for the past 8 years. In that time she has made a significant and lasting impact on the child health outcomes in Central Australia. She translates her passion and belief in quality child health service delivery for remote Central Australian Indigenous children and their families through a guiding vision and goal for Central Australia as a  the 'Centre of Excellence' in remote child health. Her work has raised the profile of remote child health within the broader Public and Primary Health framework and service; she has recruited and trained child health nursing staff delivering a cohesive nursing team to ensure constant service delivery and maintenance of a quality service that places remote children and their families at the core of any activity. Christine is an expert practitioner in remote Central Australian Child Health who is highly regarded by her professional colleagues at all levels.

Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery

Rehabilitation Ward, Palmerston Regional Hospital, Top End Health Service

Through establishing a collaborative multi-disciplinary team with mutual respect at its core the Rehabilitation Ward team at Palmerston Regional Hospital Rehabilitation Ward team are delivering positive and meaningful improvements to patient outcomes who have undergone significant life changes. The team works to improve the quality of life of patients with the aim of allowing them to safely return to their homes and community and to function as safely and independently as possible.  This is clearly demonstrated through initiatives such as the implementation of the ‘stroke squad’, a checklist dedicated to providing quality care from the stroke guidelines and providing ongoing education regarding stroke management and the ‘traffic light system’ as the tool of choice for preventing falls and harm from falls.

Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery

Lynne Hurley, Mental Health Nurse, Top End Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Service

Lynne was nominated by a patient’s family who recognised her professionalism and compassion in ensuring the best possible outcome for their daughter and the family. At a time of crisis, Lynne provided reassurance, emotional support and compassion that gave the family faith and confidence in their daughter’s recovery. At a very frightening and stressful time for the family, Lynne was able to build trust and a rapport and this was recognised as being instrumental to her recovery. Lynne displayed the values and conduct that align with the professional nursing standards and demonstrated commitment to working in partnership with the patient and family.

NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/Midwifery

Rosemary Gaston, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Perioperative, Royal Darwin Hospital

Rose Gaston has over fifty years’ experience as a nurse working across multiple specialities including psychiatric, general and perioperative nursing. She is a well-known figure throughout the Northern Territory, who has held positions in Darwin, Katherine and Gove as a Perioperative Nurse, Theatre Manager, General Manager, Director of Nursing, mentor, colleague and friend to so many staff across all disciplines.

Over her career Ms Gaston has witnessed significant changes to the way healthcare is delivered, particularly in the perioperative space. In this time she has always ensured her nursing practice remained current, attending study days, national and international conferences and post graduate study. The nursing profession in the NT has benefited from her commitment to sharing her wealth of knowledge, experience and nursing survival skills. She has a strong understanding of the local culture, and insight into the many challenges associated with the provision of health care over such a sparse area.

The impact that Rose has had on so many people quickly becomes evident when she walks the corridors of Royal Darwin Hospital, frequently stopping for a chat, or a word of wisdom. She understands the true requirements of a nurse. She shows a true concern for her patients and other staff. She is keen to share her generational knowledge, promoting high values and adherence to appropriate workplace behaviour to ensure her talents are replicated amongst others. Rose has an exceptional rapport with her colleagues at all levels of the organisation. Everyone values her presence within the hospital as well as her wicked sense of humour, care and compassion.

Nurse/Midwife of the Year

Lisa Vermeulen, Director Howard Springs Quarantine Facility, Population and Primary Health Care, Top End Health Service

Lisa has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and steadfast commitment shown in the past year as she established and operationalised the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility. In a short period of time, after being seconded into the role of Director she stood up drive through testing facilities which quickly evolved to building a team, planning services, procuring the equipment and successfully opening of the Howards Springs Quarantine Facility on March 23 2020. There was significant pressure and no road map available to Lisa as she successfully navigated this period.

Most of the past 12 months has seen Lisa working in Personal Protective Equipment, alongside her team for long periods in the heat and humidity dealing with people who are challenged by finding themselves in quarantine and working to ensure they all have a positive experience. Whilst this workload would have been enough for many, Lisa successfully completed a Grad Cert in Infection Control to formalise her knowledge and expertise whilst working in the Howard Springs Facility.

Lisa demonstrates strong leadership and has authentic concern for her team. Lisa is a leader committed to ensuring her own and her staff's continual professional education and is a positive role model for other nurses.

Position titles reflect positions held at the time of nomination.

New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year

Matilda Starbuck, Yuendumu Health Clinic, Central Australia Health Service

During her graduate year based at Yuendumu, Tilly showed complete commitment to improving the health of the people in the community through unwavering dedication and care.

Tilly acted as a role-model for the whole nursing and midwifery profession, showed professional standards and supported her team far beyond what is expected of a new graduate.  She went to great lengths to provide optimum health care to all clients and quickly built rapport with whoever she came into contact with.  Her professionalism and kind personality made her a favourite with the community which directly contributed to improved health outcomes.

Flinders University Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education

Naomi Morick, Clinical Nurse Educator, Intensive Care Unit, Alice Springs Hospital

Under Naomi’s guidance, the education program in the ICU unit grew considerably.  She delivered a streamlined and succinct post grad program to upskill and educate staff which has delivered an extremely high standard of nursing within the unit. Staff are able to transition easily, comfortably and well into the critical care environment.

Whilst her role was in the Intensive Care Unit, this didn’t stop Naomi from sharing, exploring and investing time to other areas. She approaches education holistically and helped develop small education sessions through to large courses and programs across multiple disciplines. She has a passion for education which was clearly evident in her work. Naomi is approachable and has dedicated herself to developing staff skills and patient safety within best practice guidelines. Her conduct as an Educator are unsurpassed within Alice Springs Hospital.

Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Leadership

Renae Daniel, Director of Nursing, Katherine Hospital

Since Renae commenced in the role of Director of Nursing at Katherine Hospital, she has actively led a positive change in work culture through her engaging manner and style through which she rapidly gained the trust and respect of all employees. Renae is a very strong advocate for patients and families, with her as a manager, the best outcome for the patients is the main priority. She leads by example and allows her staff to work independently, never interfering but intervening if appropriate, or providing advice if requested

Renae has established herself as a leader under which people seek to work, she role models leadership behaviours naturally and set a natural standard for aspiring leaders to work towards.

Charles Darwin University’s Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Research/Quality Improvement

Eva Williams, CQI Facilitator, Population and Primary Health Care, Top End Health Service

Eva was recognised for her work on the Tiwi Manual and Business Rules, which in conjunction with TEHS quality improvement guidelines, support staff to review quality activities and fully appreciate gains that can be achieved through effective monitoring of Key Performance Indicators. The manuals specifically support Primary Health Care Delivery and Operational Plans and were developed in a collaborative environment with key stakeholders. These manuals provide a sound base for consistent and quality primary health care that is responsive to community needs.

Eva has been integral in 6 Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) accreditations that has ensured that all of the health care clinics are providing service delivery that is approved and supported by national standards ensuring that primary health care is provided under best practice. Her primary focus is always on ensuring effective and functional systems of care are delivered to the local community.

Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Aboriginal Health

Heather Andrews, Chronic Disease Co-Ordinator, Julanimwu Health Centre

Heather was recognised for the holistic client centred care she provides to Chronic Conditions clients of Julanimwu. She has been a Remote Area Nurse, committed to the community for the long term. Her work has had tangible results with 95-99% of the clinic clients on a management care plan.

She has directly contributed to a significant reduction in both renal disease and cardiovascular disease in clients through improved diabetes control all the while, maintaining the respect of both the community and her peers through her committed, respectful approach.

Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery

Oncology Unit, Alice Spring Hospital

The Alice Springs Oncology Unit was nominated in this category by a patient who had been receiving treatment for over a year.  They were commended for consistently displaying the values of NT Health throughout the patient’s treatment journey, with the right balance of kindness and care coupled with humour and wit. The team would go the extra mile and work back to ensure that the patient did not have to make multiple 500km trips for treatment. The patient commended the team for the exceptional level of care provided, particularly in a remote environment.

Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery

Tarrant Tolotta, Registered Nurse, Emergency Department Katherine District Hospital

Tarrant was recognised by a client who became unwell and presented to the ED with acute chest pain and other cardiac symptoms. The individual was understandably extremely frightened. Tarrant provided initial care with complete confidence and calmly talked them through everything that was happening, this instilled the highest level of trust from the patient. The patient wanted Tarrant recognised for his efforts to maintaining dignity and respect throughout the short time under his care.

Tarrant is a role model for the nursing profession and in this interaction displayed the attributes of an outstanding nurse.

NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/Midwifery

Margaret Brennan, Clinical Nurse Manager Ward 2A Royal Darwin Palmerston Hospital

Margaret Brennan commenced as a Graduate Registered Nurse at Royal Darwin Hospital in February 1996. On completion of her graduate year she took on Team Lead responsibilities in the General and Isolation Paediatric wards. She became a Clinical Nurse Educator, Paediatrics in March 2007. She then moved in the role of Clinical Nurse Consultant in the area of Burns where it is fair to say she found her niche. Margaret has worked tirelessly in this area ever since. She is now the Clinical Nurse Manager for the Surgical Trauma and Burns Unit and has had a direct impact on improving the number of burns competent staff by over 50%. She makes such an impact on her patients that they often come and visit her well after their case had ceased.

Margaret has presented at a national and international level on burns as well as having partnered with Police, Fire and Emergency services locally to disseminate relevant burns information and worked closely with the peak National body to promote community awareness campaigns. Additionally she provided coordination of a nationally accredited Emergency Management Severe Burns course to be delivered biannually in Darwin to the benefit of both staff and patients in the Top End, directly improving patient outcomes as a result.

Margaret has been a professional member of the World Health Organisation EMT Burns working group since 2017 and is a Board Member for the Australian and New Zealand Burns Association (ANZBA), as well as the ANZBA Prevention Sub –Committee, ANZBA Education committee member, ANZBA steering committee for data collection and ANZBA Burns Quality Improvement Program.  
Marg approaches her work with absolutely professionalism and role models exemplary leadership behaviours, all the while maintaining her sense of humour. She is a quiet achiever who is being recognised for the extensive work and her contribution to improving burns care within the NT.

Nurse/Midwife of the Year

Jane Napier, A/Midwife Education Coordinator, Alice Springs Hospital

Jane is a long time Alice Springs resident who commenced her career as a Registered Nurse working on the medical wards prior to completing her midwifery training at Alice Springs Hospital in 1995.

Since then she has gained a wealth of experience as a midwife and is now working as the Clinical Midwifery Educator.

Jane has been recognised as the 2020 Midwife of the Year due to her complete dedication to her role as educator, midwife and the midwifery profession generally. She is hard working, enthusiastic and is known for her supportive, approachable nature. She shows complete commitment to education and works to ensure that all students fulfil the requirements of their placements whilst being supported to improve their knowledge and feel confident in their skills.

She is respectful and compassionate to the women she cares for and as a maternity ward leader who creates a positive work environment everyday by leading by example with compassion and enthusiasm to make her patients feel at ease.

Read the profiles of the 2019 awards recipients.

Award categoryRecipients
New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the YearJanry Ballesteros, Post Graduate Registered Nurse, Palmerston Community Care Centre
Flinders University Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery EducationJaya Thomas, Acting Director of Nursing, Clinical Learning Education and Research Service, Royal Darwin Hospital
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery ResearchDeidre Widdall, Cognitive Care Project Officer, Cognitive Care Project, Royal Darwin Hospital
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery LeadershipRhonda Powell, Director of Nursing, Primary Health Care, Top End Health Services
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery InnovationMarilou Dellow, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Palmerston Regional Hospital
Excellence in Aboriginal HealthcareTrudy Waghorn, Willowra Health Centre Manager Primary Health Care, Central Australia Health Service
Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/MidwiferyDivision of Emergency Medicine Nursing Team, Top End Health Service
Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/MidwiferyElizabeth Hondema Registered Nurse, Gove District Hospital Emergency Department
NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/MidwiferyBrycen Brook, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Primary Health Care, Central Australia Health Service
Nurse/Midwife of the YearJenny Messell, Juninga Service Manager, Australian Regional and Remote Community Services - Aged Care

Read the profiles of the 2018 awards recipients.

Award categoryRecipients
Nurse/Midwife of the YearGreg Smith, Remote Area Nurse, Maningrida Health Centre
NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/MidwiferyJan Gibbett, Clinical Nurse Manager, Outpatients Department, Top End Health Service
1st year Graduate Nurse/Midwife of the yearJacinta Newman, Registered Nurse, Royal Darwin Hospital Emergency Department
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education and/or ResearchGreg Smith, Remote Area Nurse, Maningrida Health Centre
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Hospital CareKerry Dole, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Renal Transplant Services, Top End Health Service
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery LeadershipClaudia Griffiths, Integrated Health Services Manager, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
Excellence in Mental Health and/or Alcohol and Other Drugs NursingJennifer Jenkins, Clinical Nurse Mentor, Remote Alcohol and Other Drugs Workforce Program, Central Australia Health Service
Excellence in MidwiferySarah Holder, Registered Midwife, Midwifery Group Practice, Royal Darwin Hospital
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Primary and Community HealthFiona Wake, Safety Quality and Accreditation Manager, Primary Health Care, Top End Health Service
Excellence in Remote Primary Health Care Nursing/MidwiferyEmmeline Fletcher, Remote Area Nurse, Borroloola Primary Health Care Centre
Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/MidwiferyPalmerston Community Care Centre
Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/MidwiferyEmily Robinson, Registered Midwife, Royal Darwin Hospital

Read the profiles of the 2017 award recipients.

Award categoryRecipients
Nurse/Midwife of the YearCherie Whitbread
NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/MidwiferyDenys Spencer
1st Year Graduate Nurse/Midwife of the YearDavid Szyc
Excellence in Aged, Disability and Residential NursingRosalina Dequina De Guzman
Excellence in Alcohol and Other Drugs NursingPauline Reynolds
Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/MidwiferyMethinee Intarapanya
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education and/or ResearchCherie Whitbread
Excellence in Enrolled NursingCharmaine Mack
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Hospital CareDana Bailey
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery LeadershipJeanette Berthelsen
Excellence in Mental Health NursingIngrid Herbert
Excellence in MidwiferyBettina Dunkley
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Primary and Community HealthEleanor Crighton
Excellence in Remote Health Nursing/MidwiferyStuart Mobsby
Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/MidwiferyIntensive Care Unit - Alice Springs Hospital

Read the profiles of the 2016 award recipients.

Award categoryRecipients
Nurse/Midwife of the YearDiana Baseley: Maternity Unit, Alice Springs Hospital (CAHS)
NT Administrator's Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/MidwiferySandra McElligott: Remote Women's Health Educator (CAHS)
1st Year Graduate Nurse/Midwife of the YearIngrid Potgieter: Alice Springs Hospital (CAHS)
Excellence in Aged, Disability and Residential NursingRosemary Jeffery: Alzheimer's Australia (NGO)
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education, Research and InnovationGina Majid: Paediatrics Ward, Royal Darwin Hospital (TEHS)
Excellence in Enrolled NursingKay Stevens: Rehabilitation Ward, Royal Darwin Hospital (TEHS)
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Hospital CareLèa Davidson: Preventable Chronic Disease Unit, Alice Springs Hospital (CAHS)
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery LeadershipDiana Baseley: Maternity Unit, Alice Springs Hospital (CAHS)
Excellence in Alcohol and Other Drugs NursingKim Meighan: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Nhulunbuy (TEHS)
Excellence in Mental Health NursingKym Richardson: Adult Community Mental Health (MHAT), Top End Mental Health Service (TEHS)
Excellence in MidwiferyKatie Michell: Midwifery and Women's Health Outreach Team, Yulara, (CAHS)
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Community HealthEmma Louise Corcoran: Flynn Drive Primary Health Care
Excellence in Remote Health Nursing/MidwiferyE. Ann Sanotti: Nyrippi Primary Health Care Clinic (CAHS)

Award categoryRecipients
Nurse/Midwife of the YearJeff Tinsley
Education, Research and InnovationJeff Tinsley
Enrolled NurseMaureen Stevens
Hospital CareAlison Bucklar
LeadershipWendy Corkill
Mental HealthAli Thorn
MidwiferyRosie Dowling
Primary Health CareMelissa Mills
Remote Area NursingRichard Van De Veerdonk
Aged, Disability and Residential Care NursingSarah Louise Ryan
Graduate Nurse/MidwifeMichelle Mason
NT Administrator’s Medal Lifetime AchievementMo Davey

Award categoryRecipients
Graduate of the YearClancy Tucker
Lifetime AchievementElaine McArthur
Aged, Disability and Residential CarePauline  Howard
Education, Research and InnovationLesley Scott
Enrolled NurseSandra Markovich
Hospital CareSusane Dalkie
LeadershipRaelene Carroll
Midwifery Tina White
Primary Health Care Services  Dorian Dent
Remote HealthMartina Grimshaw
Nurse/Midwife of the YearTina White

Award categoryRecipients
Graduate of the YearWoojung Jin
Living LegendPauline Hateley
Aged, Disability and Residential CareCatherine Brown
Education, Research and InnovationSuresh Sharma
Enrolled NurseMaria Howman
Hospital CareTom Harbinson
LeadershipTain Gardiner
Mental Health Leanore Torrens
MidwiferySheryl Alexander
Primary Health Care Services  Coralie Brannelly
Remote HealthMichele Smith
Nurse/Midwife of the Year                    Tain Gardiner

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