Two Yirrkala Health Centre employees have been honoured at this year's Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) Excellence Awards.
Terrance Guyula and Cassandra Daniels accepted their awards at a function hosted by the NT Health Minister Kon Vatskalis at Parliament House last week.
The annual awards recognise the work of AHWs and the difference they make in the lives of their clients.
"AHWs are trusted members of the community who promote a positive health message and strive to improve the wellbeing of community members," Tricia Wake, Acting Director, Remote Health, Department of Health and Families said.
"Yirrkala is a small health centre and for two of our workers to be recognized for excellence is something special. I'd like to extend my congratulations to everyone at Yirrkala Health Centre. As well as recognising individuals, the awards are indicative of a workplace culture that values and nurtures high standards of client care."
Senior AHW, Terrence (Terry) Guyula received both the Remote award and the Legend award, collecting a trophy and study bursaries totalling $4500. Terry's name is on the perpetual "Legend" trophy that is housed at Parliament House.
Terry has worked in communities in East and West Arnhem for over 22 years. In the mid 90s, Terry set up one of the NT's first separate Men's Health Centres, at Gapuwiyak. As a result, the number of Gapuwiyak men seeking health advice tripled.
Terry has a reputation as a role model and a community leader through caring and compassion for his clients. He is strongly devoted to professional development, with interests in palliative care, coronary care, and chronic disease.
Cassandra (Cassie) Daniels received the New Practitioner award, which includes a $1200 study bursary and a voucher to purchase clinical equipment.
Cassie received AHW training through Batchelor Institute and Milikapiti Health Centre. Cassandra has always aspired to be an AHW like her mother and sister, so that she can be involved in primary health care to meet the needs of her community.
"I love my job and attending courses to learn more. It's up to us AHWs to meet the challenge of providing improved primary health care to our clients," Cassandra said.
The AHW Excellence Awards are an ongoing initiative of the Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise and are sponsored by DHF, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing and the Liquor Hospitality Miscellaneous Union.
Release date: 4 December 2009
