Join us at Compass 2024, our premier primary healthcare conference in the Northern Territory.

Compass

Compass is our premier professional development and networking event for people working in primary health care in the Northern Territory. We are committed to supporting remote health professionals to access learning, development and networking opportunities.

ABOUT the conference

Hosted by Northern Territory PHN, Compass is the leading conference for primary healthcare professionals in the NT. The event provides the opportunity for general practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals and Aboriginal health workers from across the Territory to collaborate, share knowledge and explore the latest in primary healthcare innovation. 

The event is an approved RACGP Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity (Activity ID: 907848). It provides 11 hours of educational activities and 1 hour reviewing performance.

Compass 2024 will take place at the Darwin Convention Centre on 16 and 17 August 2024.

Register to attend

Registrations for Compass 2024 are now open. To secure your spot, register to attend via our event registration platform. 

This year's PROGRAM

The theme for Compass 2024 is Rethink, Reimagine and Revisit: Innovation in Health. Our program of activities reflects this theme and includes a wide range of keynote speeches, workshops, panel discussions and networking events. Activities focus on practical
applications, cutting-edge research and innovative healthcare solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Northern Territory.

View the Compass 2024 event program.

The program also includes an accredited CPR Assessment (HLTAID009 – CPR Assessment) as part of our commitment to professional development to enhance your CPR skills. The session is RACGP accredited and you can earn your valuable continuing professional development (CPD) points.

Register to attend CPR session

 The event program will continue to be updated as new activities are added.

keynote speakers

Dr Jordan Nguyen 
Innovator, engineer and futurist 

Dr Jordan Nguyen is a pioneering Australian engineer, inventor and visionary dedicated to transforming lives through technology. As the founder and CEO of Psykinetic, he creates groundbreaking solutions that empower individuals with disabilities and enhance quality of life. His innovations include a mind-controlled wheelchair, inclusive gaming technologies and devices that enable control of household appliances through eye movements. 

A passionate advocate for STEAM education, Jordan holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and has taught and supervised numerous research students. He is also the author of “A Human’s Guide to the Future” and an award-winning documentary maker, known for his work on ABC Catalyst’s “Becoming Superhuman” and other global media projects. 

Jordan’s accolades include being named in Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers, Harper’s BAZAAR Visionary Men, and Onalytica’s Top 100 Global Influencers on Virtual Reality. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to technology and media, and he continues to inspire with his vision for a better, more inclusive future. 

MARCOTHOMPSON

Professor Marco Briceno
Chief Executive of NT Health

Professor Briceno has more than 20 years of experience in the medical profession both in Australia and overseas. In addition to clinical medicine, Professor Briceno has extensive executive level experience in driving and leading system level change and contemporary health reforms. Professor Briceno has postgraduate qualifications in Surgery (MRCS England), Rural Generalist Medicine (FACRRM) and Health Service Management (AFACHSM). 

Professor Briceno has extensive experience working across the clinical and corporate sectors of NT Health including in both urban, regional and remote contexts. He has worked as the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Medical Advisor, Deputy Chief Health Officer, Medical Director of the NT Rural Generalist Pathway and Medical Director of the NT Pre-Vocational Medical Assurance Service at NT Health. Professor Briceno also spent 13 years working in the East Arnhem Region as a Doctor and Rural Generalist Surgeon while also undertaking the role of Regional Director of Medical Services and Director of Medical Education and Training. 

Professor Briceno is passionate about providing culturally appropriate, patient centred care as close to home as possible and is committed to delivering sustainable, integrated and high quality health services that meet the needs of the NT’s diverse communities.  

Dr Geoff Thompson AM 
Physician, pioneer, and innovator 

Dr Geoff Thompson is a renowned sports and exercise physician and a trailblazer in medical services in the Northern Territory. As a former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flight surgeon, he played a crucial role in the evacuation efforts during Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Dr. Thompson’s commitment to improving healthcare extends to remote and First Nations communities, often flying himself to provide medical services. 

He is the founding President of Sports Medicine Australia (Northern Territory) and the Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Paralympic Committee. Dr. Thompson’s dedication to advancing sports medicine and his innovative approaches have earned him numerous accolades, including being named the 2020 Northern Territory Australian of the Year. 

Dr Thompson’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to community service, medical excellence, and innovation in healthcare. 

Who should attend?

We welcome primary healthcare practitioners of all specialities and those who are interested in learning and sharing their professional knowledge of a regional or remote setting, including:

  • GPs and other doctors working in primary health care
  • allied health professionals
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners
  • nurses
  • practice staff.

Sponsorship and exhibitors

If you’re interested in sponsoring Compass or attending as an exhibitor, get in touch with us. 

Travel and Accomodation grants

NT healthcare workers in remote areas may be eligible for a grant to help cover travel and accommodation costs to attend the Compass conference.

As part of Compass 2024, we are offering two grants to cover flights and up to three nights’ accommodation:

  • Remote@Compass: Up to $2,000 per person is available to assist with travel-related expenses for health professionals working in remote areas.
  • Mob@Compass: Up to $2,000 per person is available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals from remote regions.
 
Grants do not cover food costs or conference fees.
 
Who is eligible for the Remote@Compass grant?
Eligibility for this grant requires individuals to be part of the health workforce providing services in the private or non-government primary healthcare sector in remote areas classified as MMM 3-7. Eligible professionals include, but are not limited to, general practitioners (GPs), nurses and allied health professionals. Health workforce professionals employed by government agencies or organisations are not eligible to apply.
 
Who is eligible for the Mob@Compass grant?
This grant is specifically designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals who are part of the health service workforce in remote areas. Eligible roles include, but are not limited to, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers/practitioners and allied health assistants.
 

How to apply for a grant

Grant applications are now open. Before applying for a grant, please read our frequently asked questions fact sheet.

To apply, complete the following application form: 


PLEASE NOTE: Both grants are available to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are expended. We recommend applying early to increase your chances of receiving support.

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARDS

 

This year, the Health Professional of the Year Awards will be part of Compass.

These awards celebrate health professionals and practices dedicated to improving health and wellbeing in the Northern Territory.

The event will take place at Frangipani Plaza at the Darwin Convention Centre on 16 August 2024 at 6pm.

Learn more

more information

For enquiries about Compass 2024, please email compass@ntphn.org.au.

SPONSORS

Platinum sponsors

Gold sponsors

Silver sponsors

Health Professional of the Year sponsor