The Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to grow a skilled and sustainable Aboriginal health workforce in the Territory by delivering training locally.
For the first time, an employment pathway trainee pilot program for Aboriginal health workers and practitioners is being delivered on Groote Eylandt.
Minister for Health Steve Edgington said it would provide a closer-to-home learning pathway for Aboriginal people in the region to pursue a career in health.
"Aspiring Aboriginal Health Practitioners can now begin their training journey without having to leave their community and families," he said.
"This program is about growing our own local workforce and ensuring that Aboriginal Territorians can access culturally appropriate healthcare delivered by people they know and trust."
Mr Edgington said the CLP Government was committed to increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people to become health professionals in the Territory.
"We're not just investing in training - we're investing in people, skills and a strong future workforce for the Territory," said Mr Edgington.
"We promised Territorians that 2025 would be a year of action, security and certainty and by helping equip local trainees with new skills we can deliver better health outcomes for Territorians, especially for families and communities in remote and regional areas."
Eight trainees from school leavers to NT Health staff have started the first phase of the new training pilot program.
Trainee Moses Nielsen said the training was inspiring and meant he could stay in his community instead of travelling to the mainland.
"Our teacher is very knowledgeable and understanding and wants all our futures to be successful," he said.
"The training is teaching us to be role models and keeping our community healthy and safe."
The program is designed to build foundational knowledge and skills over time, offering a flexible and supportive training environment.
Trainees can progress at their own pace, with pathways available right through to the Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice - the qualification required to become a registered Aboriginal Health Practitioner.
Delivered by NT Health, the Department of Corporate and Digital Development's Early Careers Team and the Northern Territory Primary Health Network, initial training for the program was provided by Ninti Training.
"A health practitioner is often the first point of contact for patients, and they play a vital role connecting traditional knowledge and western medicine," said Mr Edgington.
"Aboriginal Health Practitioners are at the heart of community health, providing clinical services and care to Aboriginal people across the Territory and our government is all about empowering and supporting the bush."
