Makisha Tilmouth was awarded the Emerging Health Practitioner Student Award at the recent NT Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards at Parliament House in Darwin.
In March 2019, Makisha commenced as Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) student trainee, with Congress. Makisha faced many challenges with balancing work, family, other commitments, and dealing with some personal struggles throughout her studies however Makisha has now completed her qualification and it has been a rewarding experience.
Makisha aspires to a career in health as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner and be a role model for her children, family and community. Makisha is awaiting her AHPRA registration.
Makisha would like to thank all those who supported her throughout her traineeship – lecturers, mentors and colleagues at CAAC and her family who have been amazing especially her Mum Gloria and Dad Graham.
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 NT Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Award are an opportunity to showcase outstanding members of these professional groups, recognising and acknowledging the significant contribution they make to their families, communities and to the NT healthcare system.
Congress CEO, Donna Ah Chee, was proud to hear the news, saying “Our AHP workforce is so important to our clients, and is a vital part of our culturally responsive primary health care service. We are proud to have a strong and powerful group of AHPs across the organisation, strengthened by our AHP trainee program for which we are currently interviewing the latest recruits. Having local people like Makisha who work hard and stand out in their field is so heartening, and is an inspiration not just to younger Aboriginal people wanting to be an AHP but to all us. Well done Makisha.”
