Past award recipients
The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office would like to congratulate the recipients of the Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
2023 recipients
Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing/Midwifery (RuSoNM) of the Year
Nicole Baylis - Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing, Katherine Hospital
As the first ever RUSoNM in Katherine Hospital, Nicole has shown a high level of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Nicole demonstrated safe and responsive care, raising concerns with nursing staff and working within her scope of practice.
Bringing a positive attitude to work each day, her knack for communication and proactively working collaboratively with the wider team, Nicole was able to easily build rapport with patients & staff alike.
Nicole was well utilised during the early days, providing support to nurses on shift and stepping in where needed. She ensures the core principles of good care and endeavours to maintain a high level of safety for all in the workplace.
Nicole’s proactive attitude led to her capable work across multiple areas, something that only a handful of nurses achieve.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation NT's Excellent in Career in Early Career Nurse/Midwife of the Year
Holly Engelhardt - Remote Outreach Practice Nurse, Public and Primary Health Care, Central Australia region
Holly has been adventurous in taking a remote outreach N2 position in Primary Health in Central Australia as an early career nurse.
Holly has embraced every opportunity to further her scope and professional development including commencing post graduate studies and multiple modules and workshops. These have been undertaken with genuine energy and passion to improve the way she can deliver services to remote health clients.
Holly is especially gifted in ensuring the Aboriginal Health Practitioners and local workers are utilised as the key stakeholders and cultural knowledge brokers on her visits to remote. She engages with all the members of the team and works in a culturally safe and humble manner.
Holly is the first to volunteer for a challenge while always ensuring the safest care is delivered. She has thoroughly embraced the life of remote nursing – above what is expected of an early career nurse.
Flinders University Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education
Teresa Raines - Clinical Educator, Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation
In a nursing career spanning over 50 years, Teresa has demonstrated sustained leadership in education with the potential to transform generations of health professionals to provide evidence based and gold standard health care.
Teresa’s work choices shows dedication to career advancement across health professions and innovation in health care practice, while sharing her expertise with passion and humility.
Teresa continues to role model her commitment to quality teaching and learning to support safe, responsive and kind health care for services in the Northern Territory from urban to remote and in acute and primary health care settings, for all health professions.
Teresa’s contribution goes beyond ‘just doing the job’, extending to a lifelong commitment to learning, and role modelling to provide exemplary educational support and commitment that builds confidence and autonomy in the future generation to provide safe clinical practice.
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Research/Quality Improvement
Justine Williams - Cardiology Research Coordinator and Cardiac Quality Nurse, and Chair of the Cardiac Research Committee, Cardiac Care Unit, Royal Darwin Hospital
Justine has done an exceptional and sustainable job with very significant results leading to advancing patient outcomes for cardiac patients.
Justine is an active member and investigator in multiple key projects working to improve cardiac patient outcomes, currently including but not limited to:
- Heart Yarning – Expanding Aboriginal Language Video Resources for Cardiac Patients,
- An audit of the willingness of Royal Darwin Hospital patients with Heart Failure to participate in a Heart Failure in the Home Program, and
- Coordinating the Northern Territory Top End Coronary Database
As the Chair of the Division of Medicine Research Committee, Justine provides exceptional leadership, encouraging and leading multidisciplinary staff to take up and present research programs.
Justine has also been an active contributor developing a more streamlined process of approval of research Division of Medicine Research Committee, Cardiac Care Unit, Royal Darwin Hospital.
Excellence in Aged Care Nursing
Caroline Phillips - Clinical Nurse Consultant, Memory Service Aged Care Unit, Population and Primary Health, Top End region
Caroline demonstrated a career long commitment to aged care, taking regular opportunities to continue her professional development beyond the scope of her roles.
Caroline is instrumental in improving care for patients suffering from dementia across the NT by promoting healthy living programs to reduce the risk of dementia and early memory loss services within her day-to-day contact with dementia clients and their families.
Caroline promotes the services of Dementia Support Australia and Dementia Australia in carer support and education for both paid and unpaid family carers ensuring a psychosocial and medical model of care is combined for maximum benefit for the person living with dementia and their carer’s.
She meets monthly with these groups for networking and provides aged care clinical nursing guidance at these meetings for community groups that often do not have access to her high level of geriatric and dementia care nursing skills.
Caroline is a leader in her field, influencing ongoing quality improvement in the provision of Aged care in the wider NT community.
Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Leadership
Priscilla Moore - District Manager, Prison Health and Watch House, Top End Region, NT Health
Priscilla is highly regarded amongst her peers and is an outstanding role model for her team and the nursing students who receive placement at Prison Health.
Priscilla demonstrates inclusive, innovative, courageous and influential leadership. Priscilla has proven to be an outstanding leader by the high rate of staff retention, reputable workplace culture and continued requests from others to join the team.
Priscilla is proud supporter of our Aboriginal workforce, from Aboriginal Health Trainees, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, nurses and senior leaders. Priscilla promotes self-leadership and leads colleagues to improve a client’s experience of the health care system. She aims to influence change in the way staff view risk and are trained by experienced staff who have experience working with risk across different workplaces.
Nursing/Midwifery Aboriginal Health
Alysha Maceachern - Remote Area Nurse, Gunbalanya Health Centre, Top End region
Alysha advocates for her patients and service delivery, and spends an exceptional amount of time engaging and partnering with her patients in their homes and the local clinic. She goes above and beyond the already demanding role, organising medications and follow up and upcoming appointments for the population in which she provides care.
She partners with key stakeholders within her community to ensure best outcomes. She professional and has shown her leadership qualities by acting in positions when required.
Alysha who is currently studying a Masters of Public Health whilst working full time also co-ordinates weekly medical outreach services to 3 remote homelands in the stone country.
Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery
DonateLife NT, NT Health
DonateLife NT collaborates territory-wide across all aspects of the health sector, achieving diverse stakeholder and community engagement awareness for our unique NT contexts, in particular Indigenous, rural & remote communities.
Using a holistic model of care, acknowledging and adapting individual patient and family needs to ensure the provision compassionate, considerate and respectful end of life care, irrespective of the donation outcome.
DonateLife NT developed indigenous led, culturally appropriate patient, family and community education packages and resources to share NT stories and improve understanding for both recipients and organ donors.
The team displays exemplary dedication to facilitate and ensure access for all eligible Territorians to organ donation services, despite the many geographic, logistical and specialist clinical challenges encountered in the NT context.
They frequently engage outside business hours with the broader community during special events, festivals and forums to socialise organ donation conversations, provide education and raise awareness, and sensitively, respectfully celebrate recipient or donor family’s contributions.
Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery
Reetha Girishkumar - Registered Midwife, Jabiru Ward, Darwin Private Hospital
Reetha provides extremely compassionate and empathetic care to all her patients. Showing a genuine interest and care into wellbeing of clients, not only taking routine observations but regularly coming back to check in with holistic wellbeing.
Reetha goes and above and beyond and takes time to get to know extended family members of clients, especially their children. Remembering their names and taking time to chat and laugh with clients and their children.
In the words of the client ‘Reetha always went the extra mile for me. My children say she was the “kindest nurse ever” and looked forward to coming back to see her’
NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/Midwifery
Caroline Phillips - Clinical Nurse Consultant, Memory Service Aged Care Unit – Population and Primary Health – Top End Region
Caroline is a registered nurse with over 40 years of service in the NT, predominately in the aged care sector. She has held leadership roles in aged care in both government and non-government services.
Throughout her career Caroline has demonstrated a strong commitment to safety and quality in residential aged care to ensure frail, vulnerable older people have access to high quality culturally appropriate care.
Since 2008 Caroline has been instrumental in growing dementia services across the Top End, establishing memory clinics at Casuarina Plaza and Palmerston, and setting up regular outreach memory clinics to Katherine and Gove.
In 2011 Caroline facilitated the first Geriatric specialist service to Lajamanu and the service has grown from there, utilising telehealth where the service can. Caroline represents the NT on national programs, including the National Dementia Framework, and actively participates in dementia/aged care networks and forums across Darwin.
Charles Darwin University Nurse of the Year
Esther McAdam - Registered Nurse, Inpatient Services - Top End Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, NT Health
Esther demonstrates energy, enthusiasm and passion for creating a safe, responsive and kind therapeutic environment to assist people on their recovery journey.
Esther is a key driver of the establishment of a therapeutic garden that has led to connections to land and country, provided an opportunity for all clients, with quiet spaces for them to rest, heal and offering the opportunity for getting back to nature. Clients have spoken of how much they appreciate these spaces, the opportunities for learning and telling stories of how they have gone onto start their own gardens, resulting in changes to their diets.
Patients always ask about Esther when they are admitted. They see her as a pivotal component for their recovery. Esther is very pro-active in providing comprehensive education to all students, early career nurses and general nurses in the art of mental health nursing (biopsychosocial) and Esther sees this as an important aspect of her work particularly given the changing face of nursing education.
Esther is the person that is there to listen, to support, to provide psychosocial education, to offer an array of activities in a meaningful program. She provides alternatives and options for people to fill their time dependent on their readiness to engage and is a stable pillar for people in at times a chaotic ward environment.
Midwife of the Year
Helen Nenke - Midwife / Child Birth Educator Women, Pandanus – Childbirth Education & Perinatal Support - Anglicare NT
Helen has worked with the Pandanus program providing childbirth and early parenting education to young mothers under 25 years and their partners for the last 8 years. She gives up her time to ensure young mothers across the Top End receive childbirth and early parenting education in a non-bias safe place, equipping young mothers with skills and confidence to be the best mother to their child.
Helen has a non-judgemental approach, and has enabled access to this education for thousands of pregnant women who would likely not have had access otherwise. This is in addition to continuing to work in her nominal position as a Maternal Child Health Nurse and also shifts as a midwife. Helen is a clear example of someone who has committed herself above and beyond to meet a need in the top end with no financial or personal gain. Helen is well known and loved by many families.
2022 recipients
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.
2021 recipients
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.
2020 recipients
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.
2019 recipients
Read the profiles of the 2019 awards recipients.
| Award category | Recipients |
|---|---|
| New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Janry Ballesteros, Post Graduate Registered Nurse, Palmerston Community Care Centre |
| Flinders University Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education | Jaya Thomas, Acting Director of Nursing, Clinical Learning Education and Research Service, Royal Darwin Hospital |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Research | Deidre Widdall, Cognitive Care Project Officer, Cognitive Care Project, Royal Darwin Hospital |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Leadership | Rhonda Powell, Director of Nursing, Primary Health Care, Top End Health Services |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Innovation | Marilou Dellow, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Palmerston Regional Hospital |
| Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare | Trudy Waghorn, Willowra Health Centre Manager Primary Health Care, Central Australia Health Service |
| Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery | Division of Emergency Medicine Nursing Team, Top End Health Service |
| Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery | Elizabeth Hondema Registered Nurse, Gove District Hospital Emergency Department |
| NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/Midwifery | Brycen Brook, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Primary Health Care, Central Australia Health Service |
| Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Jenny Messell, Juninga Service Manager, Australian Regional and Remote Community Services - Aged Care |
2018 recipients
Read the profiles of the 2018 awards recipients.
| Award category | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Greg Smith, Remote Area Nurse, Maningrida Health Centre |
| NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/Midwifery | Jan Gibbett, Clinical Nurse Manager, Outpatients Department, Top End Health Service |
| 1st year Graduate Nurse/Midwife of the year | Jacinta Newman, Registered Nurse, Royal Darwin Hospital Emergency Department |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education and/or Research | Greg Smith, Remote Area Nurse, Maningrida Health Centre |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Hospital Care | Kerry Dole, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Renal Transplant Services, Top End Health Service |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Leadership | Claudia Griffiths, Integrated Health Services Manager, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress |
| Excellence in Mental Health and/or Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing | Jennifer Jenkins, Clinical Nurse Mentor, Remote Alcohol and Other Drugs Workforce Program, Central Australia Health Service |
| Excellence in Midwifery | Sarah Holder, Registered Midwife, Midwifery Group Practice, Royal Darwin Hospital |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Primary and Community Health | Fiona Wake, Safety Quality and Accreditation Manager, Primary Health Care, Top End Health Service |
| Excellence in Remote Primary Health Care Nursing/Midwifery | Emmeline Fletcher, Remote Area Nurse, Borroloola Primary Health Care Centre |
| Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery | Palmerston Community Care Centre |
| Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery | Emily Robinson, Registered Midwife, Royal Darwin Hospital |
2017 recipients
Read the profiles of the 2017 award recipients.
| Award category | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Cherie Whitbread |
| NT Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/Midwifery | Denys Spencer |
| 1st Year Graduate Nurse/Midwife of the Year | David Szyc |
| Excellence in Aged, Disability and Residential Nursing | Rosalina Dequina De Guzman |
| Excellence in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing | Pauline Reynolds |
| Client Appreciation Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery | Methinee Intarapanya |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education and/or Research | Cherie Whitbread |
| Excellence in Enrolled Nursing | Charmaine Mack |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Hospital Care | Dana Bailey |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Leadership | Jeanette Berthelsen |
| Excellence in Mental Health Nursing | Ingrid Herbert |
| Excellence in Midwifery | Bettina Dunkley |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Primary and Community Health | Eleanor Crighton |
| Excellence in Remote Health Nursing/Midwifery | Stuart Mobsby |
| Team Award for Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery | Intensive Care Unit - Alice Springs Hospital |
2016 recipients
Read the profiles of the 2016 award recipients.
| Award category | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Diana Baseley: Maternity Unit, Alice Springs Hospital (CAHS) |
| NT Administrator's Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing/Midwifery | Sandra McElligott: Remote Women's Health Educator (CAHS) |
| 1st Year Graduate Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Ingrid Potgieter: Alice Springs Hospital (CAHS) |
| Excellence in Aged, Disability and Residential Nursing | Rosemary Jeffery: Alzheimer's Australia (NGO) |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Education, Research and Innovation | Gina Majid: Paediatrics Ward, Royal Darwin Hospital (TEHS) |
| Excellence in Enrolled Nursing | Kay Stevens: Rehabilitation Ward, Royal Darwin Hospital (TEHS) |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Hospital Care | Lèa Davidson: Preventable Chronic Disease Unit, Alice Springs Hospital (CAHS) |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Leadership | Diana Baseley: Maternity Unit, Alice Springs Hospital (CAHS) |
| Excellence in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing | Kim Meighan: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Nhulunbuy (TEHS) |
| Excellence in Mental Health Nursing | Kym Richardson: Adult Community Mental Health (MHAT), Top End Mental Health Service (TEHS) |
| Excellence in Midwifery | Katie Michell: Midwifery and Women's Health Outreach Team, Yulara, (CAHS) |
| Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Community Health | Emma Louise Corcoran: Flynn Drive Primary Health Care |
| Excellence in Remote Health Nursing/Midwifery | E. Ann Sanotti: Nyrippi Primary Health Care Clinic (CAHS) |
2015 recipients
| Award category | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Jeff Tinsley |
| Education, Research and Innovation | Jeff Tinsley |
| Enrolled Nurse | Maureen Stevens |
| Hospital Care | Alison Bucklar |
| Leadership | Wendy Corkill |
| Mental Health | Ali Thorn |
| Midwifery | Rosie Dowling |
| Primary Health Care | Melissa Mills |
| Remote Area Nursing | Richard Van De Veerdonk |
| Aged, Disability and Residential Care Nursing | Sarah Louise Ryan |
| Graduate Nurse/Midwife | Michelle Mason |
| NT Administrator’s Medal Lifetime Achievement | Mo Davey |
2014 recipients
| Award category | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Graduate of the Year | Clancy Tucker |
| Lifetime Achievement | Elaine McArthur |
| Aged, Disability and Residential Care | Pauline Howard |
| Education, Research and Innovation | Lesley Scott |
| Enrolled Nurse | Sandra Markovich |
| Hospital Care | Susane Dalkie |
| Leadership | Raelene Carroll |
| Midwifery | Tina White |
| Primary Health Care Services | Dorian Dent |
| Remote Health | Martina Grimshaw |
| Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Tina White |
2013 recipients
| Award category | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Graduate of the Year | Woojung Jin |
| Living Legend | Pauline Hateley |
| Aged, Disability and Residential Care | Catherine Brown |
| Education, Research and Innovation | Suresh Sharma |
| Enrolled Nurse | Maria Howman |
| Hospital Care | Tom Harbinson |
| Leadership | Tain Gardiner |
| Mental Health | Leanore Torrens |
| Midwifery | Sheryl Alexander |
| Primary Health Care Services | Coralie Brannelly |
| Remote Health | Michele Smith |
| Nurse/Midwife of the Year | Tain Gardiner |
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