Maningrida Health Worker recognised

Maningrida’s very own Fabian Smith from Malala Health Services, was awarded Runner Up in the Remote Aboriginal Health Worker category of the Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.  
Fabian, a Kunibidji man and Traditional Owner from Maningrida, holds immense pride in being a conduit for two-way learning, understanding and building better health services. He started working at the health clinic in 1998 and has dedicated himself for the last 25 years to improving the lives and health for people living in Maningrida community.
Most recently, Fabian helped lead the coordination of COVID-19 awareness and vaccination. Combining his clinical and cultural knowledge, his tireless efforts led to increased engagement in the Covid-19 vaccine and management of the pandemic response.  

It has been a lifelong dream for Fabian to complete qualifications health qualifications and he was one of the first to enrol in the Cert II Aboriginal Health training.

Fabian was able to study the course on his country and celebrated his graduation surrounded by family and friends in March 2023.  For his outstanding dedication to his community, studies and health work, Fabian was also awarded the Training Award of Excellence on Graduation Day. He is highly respected by all his colleagues and is sets an excellent example to his peers in health services.  
Fabian proudly accepted his award at a presentation ceremony held in Darwin on 7 December. 
Congratulations to all recipients of the 2023 Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.
Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners are the essential conduit between traditional and western health services. They are critical to closing the health gap by delivering culturally safe, holistic and client focused care in often challenging circumstances and locations.
The awards are an opportunity to showcase outstanding members of these professional groups while recognising and acknowledging the significant contribution they make to their families, communities and the NT healthcare system.
The awards also recognise NT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying qualifications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care training package.