Alice Springs resident and Department of Health and Families (DHF) employee Valmai McDonald has received the Northern Territory Administrator's Primary Health Care Individual Medal.
The award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to primary health care in the Northern Territory. It was presented by the Honourable Tom Pauling's wife, Mrs Tessa Pauling, on 1 May at a ceremony at Government House.
Ms McDonald was recognised for her role as DHF Health Promotion Practice and Development Officer in the Health Promotion Strategy Unit.
With typical humility, Ms McDonald said of the honour, "We health promotion people try to make ourselves useful, and it's nice to know that some people find us useful."
DHF colleague Dagmar Schmitt commended Ms McDonald: "Valmai is an extremely well respected and liked health promotion educator, evaluator and facilitator. She's well regarded not only by us, her colleagues in the Health Promotion Strategy Unit, but throughout the Department of Health and Families, and across many non-governmental community and health organisations."
Ms Schmitt, who accepted the award on Ms McDonald's behalf, also acknowledged Ms McDonald's efforts in working on training and development for healthcare workers and community members.
The award is supported by health organisations across the Northern Territory including Medical Services Alliance NT, Council for Remote Area Nurses of Australia, General Practice Network NT, NT General Practice Education, NT Department of Health and Families, and Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health.
Media contacts: Darrel Trueman, 0401 116 203
Release date: 6 May 2009
