The Territory’s top primary health professionals have been honoured at the 2026 Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) Health Professional of the Year Awards, proudly supported by Charles Darwin University.
The primary health workforce in the NT plays a vital role in delivering care across some of Australia’s most challenging and rewarding environments. These annual awards recognise the individuals and teams whose expertise and compassion help improve health outcomes and strengthen communities across the Territory.
The awards dinner, held at the Darwin Convention Centre, brought together around 270 guests to celebrate the people delivering vital primary healthcare in some of Australia’s most unique and geographically dispersed communities.
NT PHN Chief Executive Officer, Paul Connolly, said the awards, which are now in their ninth year, provide an important opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions of the Territory’s primary healthcare workforce.
“The people who make up our health workforce are one of the Territory’s greatest strengths. Their knowledge, dedication and commitment help ensure Territorians can access care, no matter where they live,” Mr Connolly said.
“Behind every appointment, outreach visit and improved health outcome is a team of people working together. This includes clinicians, Aboriginal health teams, support staff, administrators and leaders who understand their communities and keep showing up for them.
“These awards recognise the people who go beyond what is expected, find new ways to deliver care and make a real difference in the lives of Territorians. Their work is not always easy, but it matters deeply.
“To this year’s finalists and winners, thank you for your commitment, your compassion and the contribution you make to a healthier Northern Territory.”
2026 NT PHN Health Professional of the Year Award winners:
- Carpentaria’s Allied Health Practitioner of the Year – Anna Stybowski, Podiatrist, Danila Dilba Health Service
- AMSANT’s Aboriginal Health Practitioner or Worker of the Year – Ashton Guyula, Public Health Community Worker, Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation
- ACRRM’s General Practitioner of the Year – Dr Mark Myerscough, General Practitioner, Danila Dilba Health Service
- NT Health’s Nurse/Midwife of the Year – Moana Kerr, Remote Area Nurse, Sunrise Aboriginal Health Corporation
- Area9’s Primary Healthcare Service of the Year – Danila Dilba Health Service
- Northpharm’s Primary Healthcare Team of the Year – Manayingkarirra Primary Health Skin Week Team, Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
- CDU’s Rising Star of the Year – Katrina Villaflores, Training & Development Coordinator, Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
- Public Guardian and Trustee’s Support Person of the Year – Kaye Panuve, Business Support Manager, Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation
The 2026 NT PHN Health Professional of the Year Awards were supported by Charles Darwin University, AMSANT, ACRRM, Carpentaria, NT Health, Area9, Northpharm and the Public Guardian and Trustee.
This year, the Health Professional of the Year Awards were held alongside Compass 2026, NT PHN’s biennial conference for primary healthcare professionals in the Northern Territory.
