Danila Dilba Health Service and Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

The dedication and leadership of Northern Territory health professionals working in the field of chronic diseases has been celebrated in Darwin this evening.

Minister for Health David Tollner hosted the Chronic Diseases Network Recognition Awards, one of the highlights of the 16th Annual Chronic Diseases Network Conference, which opened today.

“The Chronic Diseases Network Recognition Awards are an opportunity to identify and celebrate the innovation, leadership and achievements of the Northern Territory’s chronic diseases health professionals,” Mr Tollner said.

“Individuals, teams and organisations from across the Territory have been nominated by their peers, colleagues and clients for their contributions to tackling chronic diseases in the NT.

“The awards are testament to the great work being done to improve the health of Territorians and to reduce the likelihood of chronic diseases in our younger generation and generations to come.

“Tonight’s function is also a chance to welcome experts and health workers from across the Territory and Australia to Darwin where they will share their knowledge and skills during the two-day conference.

“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate all of the hardworking health professionals nominated for awards, those highly commended and especially the award winners for their valued contribution to fighting chronic diseases.”

The theme of this year’s conference and awards is ‘Promoting Healthy Childhood – Preventing Chronic Conditions’ and focuses on childhood links to chronic diseases.

2012 Chronic Diseases Network Recognition Awards Winners:

Chronic Disease Health Promotion/Program Delivery (team or organisation)

Award Winner: Health Promotion Team, Casuarina Community Care Centre

Highly Commended: Milikapiti Primary Health Care Team

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Leadership

Award Winner: Barbara Cox, Strong Women Strong Babies Strong Culture Coordinator, Top End West, Department of Health

Highly Commended: Sally Ann Sherman, Manager of the Mobile Health Service, Danila Dilba Health Service

Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Chronic Disease (individual)

Award Winner: Robyn Williams, Senior Lecturer, Charles Darwin University

Highly Commended: Kraut Hauth, Renal Case Manager at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

CDN Conference Theme ‘Promoting Healthy Childhood – Preventing Chronic Conditions’

Award Winner: Pre-school Readiness Program at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

Highly Commended: Beatrice Parry, Child Health Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Nauiu Health Centre