Flinders University has celebrated the dedication of health professionals across the Northern Territory (NT) at the annual Flinders University Rural and Remote Health NT Supervisor Recognition Awards, held on Tuesday 28 October 2025.

The awards recognise doctors, allied health professionals, midwives and nurses who supervise, teach and support students and new staff in health workplaces. Ceremonies took place across Flinders University’s campuses in Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, acknowledging those who generously give their time and expertise to shape the future healthcare workforce.

Flinders University’s Dean, Rural and Remote Health, Professor Robyn Aitken says the Supervisor Recognition Awards highlight the vital contribution of clinical supervisors across the NT. “Our health professionals play a crucial role in training students during their placements and supporting them as they learn about remote contexts they may not have previously encountered,” she says.

Each year, Flinders University facilitates hundreds of health placements in the NT. By the end of 2025, Flinders Rural and Remote Health NT expects to have hosted more than 110 NT-based medical, paramedicine and remote nursing students, along with over 750 health students from across Australia.

These placements provide students with practical experience in rural and remote communities while showcasing the NT as a unique and rewarding destination for health professionals. Professor Aitken expressed her deep gratitude to everyone involved in teaching and supervising. “We can’t thank the doctors, allied health professionals, nurses and midwives enough for giving their time and sharing their valuable knowledge with students. Without their guidance, students would miss the immersive learning experiences that prepare them for their future careers,” she concludes.

One of this year’s awardees, Kylie Straube, Nurse Practitioner and Practice Owner at Remote Territory Healthcare, says she was honoured to be recognised. “I’ve learned just as much from my students as they have from me,” Ms Straube says. “It’s a privilege to support the next generation of nurses who are courageous, innovative and committed to improving care in their communities.”

This year, 18 health professionals and one student were awarded across six major categories for their dedication and commitment in providing support and guidance to the NT’s future health workforce. Now in its eighth year, the awards continue to grow, with 78 nominations received in 2025.

The full list of recipients:

Territory Ambassador
Allied Health: Lisa Wark, Alice Springs
Nursing/Midwifery: Sarah Edgington, Tennant Creek
Medicine: Dr Dan Wilson, Alice Springs

Innovative Supervisor
Allied Health: Dr Nicola Crook, Alice Springs
Nursing/Midwifery: Chester Matthews, Alice Springs
Medicine: Dr Tarun Patel, Tennant Creek

Commitment to Clinical Teaching
Allied Health: Timothy Corcoran, Alice Springs
Nursing/Midwifery: Catherine Connor, Ramingining
Medicine: Dr Yvette Low, Darwin 

Outstanding Regional Supervisors
Central Australia
Allied Health: Amelia Paterson, Alice Springs
Nursing/Midwifery: Nicole Wallis, Alice Springs
Medicine: Dr Christine Sanderson, Alice Springs 

Katherine
Allied Health: Natasha Reece

Top End (includes Arnhem Land region)
Allied Health: Scarlett Budden, Darwin
Nursing/Midwifery: Kylie Straube, Berry Springs
Medicine: Dr Danny Clarke, Nhulunbuy

Champion Collaborator
Dr Nadi Pandithage, Darwin 

Lifetime Achievement
Julia Armenti, Alice Springs 

Trisha Maroney Memorial Prize (awarded to a health professional student on placement within the Katherine region who demonstrates the most significant self-reflection and improvement in cultural safe practice)
Jennifer Gray