Released 13/07/2017
Joint media release: Meegan Fitzharris MLA and Shane Rattenbury MLA
ACT Health celebrates the outstanding impact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff make towards health care delivery and reconciliation in our community this week, through the 2017 ACT Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris, attended the awards today, which follow NAIDOC Week.
“These awards are an opportunity for us to recognise outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and non-Indigenous employees who are committed to health care delivery and reconciliation in our community,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Recipients have made continued, positive impacts on their workplace in areas like mental health, justice health, sexual health and student engagement.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Steven, Terry, Jason, Debbie and Gaye on their awards and I encourage them to keep working hard to support Canberra to become a more accepting and cohesive community for everyone.”
The winners of the 2017 ACT Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards were:
- ACT Health NAIDOC Award – Outstanding Individual Contribution
Steven Keed – City Mental Health Team
- ACT Health Reconciliation Recognition Employee Award
Debbie Morgan – Registered Nurse, Sexual Health
- ACT Health NAIDOC Award – Outstanding Team Contribution
Terry Sutherland and Jason Hall – Aboriginal Liaison Officers, Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services
- ACT Health Reconciliation Recognition Community Award
Gaye Doolan – Co-ordinator, Indigenous Health and Student Engagement
Commenting on the significance of the awards, Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury said that we must remain sensitive to the often unique issues, barriers and disadvantages facing some members of our community and recognise Canberrans who are committed to improving health care delivery and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The work and commitment of the 2017 award winners is contributing to closing the gap in health and life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, strengthening families and enhancing cultural connectedness. Award recipients should be proud of their role supporting healthier and culturally strong communities,” Mr Rattenbury said.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases