Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I warmly welcome you to Government House this evening.

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1 SPEECH BY HER HONOUR THE HONOURABLE SALLY THOMAS AC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY ON THE OCCASION OF THE Reception for the presentation of the Administrator s Medals in Primary Health Care 2014 Government House Thursday, 28 August 2014 Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I warmly welcome you to Government House this evening. I begin by acknowledging the Larrakia people, traditional owners of the land on which this historic house stands. Now in its seventh year, the Administrator s Medals in Primary Health Care give us the opportunity to recognise the exceptional value and outstanding service of our primary health care professionals in the Northern Territory. Primary health care professionals are fundamental to improving health for all Territorians. This is no small task. The scale and challenges of primary health care here in the Northern Territory are as vast as the Territory itself. All nominees have been identified by other health professionals or members of the public for exhibiting excellence in their field, including remote patient care, eye health and cancer support. This year we are fortunate to recognise seven nominees in the Individual category and eight in the Team category. All nominees Page 1

2 show strong patient advocacy and unwavering dedication to their clients. It would be near impossible to cover all the wonderful things the nominees have done in Primary Health Care so I will highlight a few. Our nominees in the Individual category have made numerous contributions to remote patient care. Joanne Berry has worked as a Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner for over 20 years. She is a highly respected mentor who focusses on prevention as well as treatment to ensure best care. Elizabeth Elphick of Top Health Physiotherapy and Acupuncture has been committed to the health of Territorians for over 30 years. She has a hands-on approach and supports staff to volunteer in Aboriginal Communities. Aboriginal Health Practitioner Jennifer Holt is a great advocate for her patients and conducts health promotion in the clinic and school to educate clients. Through her work with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Utju Health Service, Deborah O Neill provides high standards of clinical care and prevention strategies, such as running fitness and nutrition programs. Jenny Pechey, a Continence and Stoma Nurse Advisor, works in community settings to educate clients and provide support to people of all ages who suffer from these rarely acknowledged conditions. Page 2

3 For over six years, David Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Ampilatwatja Aboriginal Health Service has been committed to ensuring quality primary health care, intervention and improved outcomes for clients. He received two nominations. As an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service, Alison Williams provides support to the community, in particular to the elderly, disadvantaged and young at risk groups, such as Rheumatic Heart Disease clients. Our nominees in the Team category have made various contributions to improving health across the Northern Territory. The Cancer Council Support team and Living with Cancer Forum Project Team are two teams that provide necessary support to cancer clients. The Cancer Council Support team provides care, advocacy and education to Territorians suffering from the impact of cancer. They travel throughout the Territory to engage the community at events such as the Borroloola Show and Katherine Careers Expo. The Living with Cancer Forum Project Team developed and implemented an innovative biannual Forum, that includes keynote speakers and a range of community stakeholder roundtables, to provide more detailed information about available support and health services. The Central Australia Regional Eye Health Program and the Specialist Eye Team at Alice Springs Hospital have all worked tirelessly to support eye health across the Northern Territory. Page 3

4 They have increased eye care services in remote areas, encouraging community residents to have eye checks and providing educational services to ensure eye health and reduce rates of blindness. The Central Australia Regional Eye Health Program received two nominations. Correctional Primary Health Care services approximately 900 clients of the Department of Correctional Services. The team works tirelessly to support and coordinate a large number of diagnostic and adult health checks, to identify and treat a range of conditions to ensure the best possible care. Gorge Health Service has been nominated as a dedicated leader in bringing health care services to the Katherine community. The team has been commended for their friendly, caring natures and willingness to assist at all times. The Maningrida Primary Health Care Team is a dedicated primary health care provider to the Maningrida community and its 40 outstations. They ensure primary health care program work is completed and the highest level of client care possible is maintained. The Remote Alcohol and Other Drugs Workforce Program has successfully introduced alcohol and other drug services to primary health care centres in 30 communities across the Northern Territory. The team provides culturally appropriate services to people in their own communities, wherever possible. Page 4

5 With all of this year s nominations, it is evident the health of the Northern Territory is in good hands. Although only one individual and one team will be receiving Administrator s Medals tonight, all nominees should be proud of their remarkable achievements. You provide an invaluable service to the community and I am honoured to be able to formally recognise the contribution of primary health care professionals through the 2014 Administrator s Medals. It is a pleasure to now invite Helen Summers, Chair of the Associate Membership Committee of Medicare Local Northern Territory, to the lectern. Page 5