For many Aboriginal families, end‑of‑life care and 'sorry business' are deeply connected to culture, kinship and Country. This is where Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Lorenz Pilkington makes his most significant impact.
Lorenz, who works for Territory Palliative Care at Royal Darwin Hospital, has been acknowledged by Chris Hosking, Chief Executive, NT Health, and Samara Hanley, Executive Director, Aboriginal Health, Engagement and Workforce Division, for his exceptional contribution to culturally safe end‑of‑life care across the Top End.
Lorenz represents the essential bridge between clinical teams and families. His leadership ensures care is guided by cultural authority, supporting patients to stay connected to their Country and upholding kinship structures during life's most sensitive moments.
By guiding culturally appropriate communication and shared decision-making, Lorenz builds the trust needed for truly responsive care.
Reflecting on what makes the role meaningful, he shared: 'It is rewarding to chat with someone who is at end of life yet still able to have a joke and share a laugh with you. The human spirit is such a beautiful thing that makes me feel lucky to have met this person.'
Lorenz is also quick to emphasise that he is part of a collective effort. He is inspired daily by the compassion, professionalism and cultural strength of the entire team he works alongside.
Meaningful impact in our communities
Lorenz's dedication has strengthened cultural safety across the Territory. In Maningrida, he worked with community members to develop educational Advance Personal Planning videos in four local languages. This resource was later featured in the national documentary Living the Life You Please, and Lorenz was invited to attend the Canberra premiere. He also served as the panel spokesperson at the Darwin screening.
His work extends to supporting the youngest patients and their families. Partnering with Dr Sherina Mubiru, Lorenz helped develop culturally appropriate discussion cards and videos for families of children with life‑limiting illnesses. With permission from a child's grandfather, the resource was dedicated to her memory, reflecting the deep cultural respect guiding his work. Lorenz later presented this project at the Sydney Paediatrics Symposium.
These experiences have shaped him personally as well as professionally. As Lorenz explained, 'I have learnt so much from our patients and never take things for granted.' He added that the people he meets remind him to tell his own children and grandchildren how important they are.
Strengthening the future workforce
Lorenz is developing a culturally informed training package to support Aboriginal people who accompany patients for medical travel. This work will support Aboriginal Health Practitioners across the Northern Territory to navigate kinship obligations, cultural protocols and the emotional complexity of patient travel.
His reflections on this work capture the heart of his approach: 'In the end, I believe we receive more than we give. The patients I have worked with have inspired me to become more forgiving and be kind to all.'
Thank you, Lorenz, for your integrity, compassion and tireless commitment. Your leadership strengthens cultural safety across NT Health and ensures Territorians receive respectful care when they need it most.
