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Find out about the 2024 Aboriginal Leadership Medal recipients.

Aaron Scott

Northern Territory Police Force – Fleet Services

Aaron Scott is a dedicated Marine Mechanic whose career journey is as dynamic as the vessels he maintains.

Starting his career as a Light Vehicle Mechanic in 1995 with Northern Territory Police, Fire, and Emergency Services, Aaron quickly showed a strong interest in mechanics. During this time, he also became a qualified Metal Fabricator and was able to apply these skills to make bespoke fabrication projects to support frontline staff.

As his skills evolved, he transitioned to focusing on marine vessels. In 2017, Aaron was instrumental in reviewing all the marine vessels, to make sure they were compliant, safe, and fit for purpose.

Today, Aaron oversees a fleet of 59 vessels that are located right across the Northern Territory.

His positive ‘can do’ attitude makes him the go-to person for Fleet management advice.

Jenny Henwood

Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics

Jenny Henwood has dedicated her career to improving the lives of Territorians through the delivery of remote housing programs.

As the Executive Director of Housing Delivery within the Housing Program Office for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics. She is responsible for the construction of homes in 73 remote communities, 17 Town Camps and urban centres across the Northern Territory.

Jenny has in-depth knowledge of remote communities and regions and is known as a bit of a walking Wikipedia around housing projects.

She has well-established relationships with Traditional Owners, residents and key stakeholders.

Due to these relationships - Jenny and her wider team have achieved many positive housing outcomes, including delivering housing projects ahead of schedule.

Jenny’s passion and dedication are evident in everything she does.

Dr Yuejen Zhao

NT Health

Dr Yuejen Zhao is the principal health economist in the Health Statistics and Informatics branch of the Public Health Division of NT Health.

For 30 years, Dr Zhao has displayed outstanding skills in epidemiology, health economics, demography, biostatistics, and predictive modelling.

Over his career he has published in numerous prestigious journals including the Medical Journal of Australia and British Medical Journal and has been a mentor to many early career researchers.

Dr Zhao's expertise in biostatistical modelling led to the development of prediction models to estimate the influx of COVID-19 admissions to NT hospitals during the pandemic.

Considered a trailblazer in his field, Dr Zhao’s work has been able to assist with policymakers making key decisions.

Dr Sarah Goddard

NT Health

Dr Sarah Goddard is a proud Kaytetye woman from the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.

Sarah started her journey with NT Public Sector in 2011 when she joined NT Health through the National Indigenous Cadetship Program as a Medical Administration Officer at Tennant Creek Hospital. It was from this she pursued her studies in Medicine at the University of Newcastle.

After receiving a Bachelor of Medicine from the University of Newcastle, and completing her junior years at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Sarah now works as a Senior Rural Generalist Doctor in her home town of Tennant Creek.

In 2022 Sarah was awarded Australian Indigenous Doctor of the Year for her dedication to improving health outcomes for her patients, many of whom suffer from chronic diseases.

Living proof dreams are achievable; Sarah's story is one of determination, resilience, and a commitment to community health.

Congratulations Dr Goddard

Marcus Dixon

Department of Education

Marcus Dixon has been working in education roles in the Northern Territory for more than 40 years. From starting as a teacher to working his way up to principal, he assisted in building and founding Durack Primary School and Darwin Middle School.

As founder and Principal of Darwin Middle School, Marcus was key in providing well-rounded education opportunities for students, with a focus on Arts in school.

Over the years, Marcus has mentored many aspirational leaders over time, some of whom are now principals in their own schools.

Marcus has significantly contributed to the growth of leadership capability within the Department of Education.

Hagar Nadjamerrek

Department of Education

Hagar Nadjamerrek is an Assistant Teacher at Gunbalanya School and has been supporting the school for 30 years as a key member of the Early Childhood and Primary School Teaching team.

Hagar is recognised for her leadership in nurturing new teachers and supporting capability development for local staff. She is highly skilled in building and modelling cultural competence in teaching teams.

She allows teachers to understand the language and cultural backgrounds of the students and how this impacts all aspects of the classroom, curriculum, assessment and well-being practices.

Hagar is an active member of the School Board and was influential in the establishment of Gunbalanya School as an Independent Public School and the development of School Business Plans.

She is a dedicated practitioner who embodies the Professional Standards for Assistant Teachers.

Dr Brian Thistleton

Department of Industry Tourism and Trade

Dr Brian Thistleton is the Principal Entomologist in the Plant Biosecurity team and has been with the Department for 22 years.

Known as the father of NT Entomology, Brian has led the Entomology team in providing diagnostic services to the industry and the wider community.

During his time in the department, Brian has contributed to several national diagnostic protocols.

Brian has been a leader in developing pest management techniques to assist growers in managing crops and reducing chemical use.

Much of his work has been adopted nationally and is considered best practice.

Renae Thuy James

Department of Attorney General and Justice

Renae James is a Senior Registrar of the Alice Springs Local Court, which manages operations throughout the region, including circuit courts in remote communities.

This last year has been especially challenging with staff shortages, managing the throngs of media with the Territory’s longest-running Coronial inquest and security issues.

Despite all these challenges, Renae keeps things afloat.

She also manages the recruitment, induction and departure of staff, as well as maintaining daily operations.

Renae is an asset to the team and her work keeps the wheels of justice moving in Alice Springs and surrounds.

Dale Cobban

Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security

Dale Cobban is the Manager of Water Modelling in the Water Resources division and has been an integral part of water resource management across the Northern Territory for the last decade.

Dale is a highly respected water modeller whose work is recognised across Australia and Internationally.

Dale’s broad expertise in groundwater, surface water, and resource management has allowed her to foster innovative programs within the NT Government and foster partnerships with the CSIRO.

Dale is also a senior member of the NT Government flood warning group, which assists emergency services and the Bureau of Meteorology with locations at risk of flash flooding.

Lyn Trindle

Chief Minister and Cabinet

Lyn Trindle is an East Kriol language interpreter with the Aboriginal Interpreter Service in the Big Rivers Regional office.

First starting as a casual interpreter in 2014, Lyn worked up the ranks and is now a full-time permanent member of staff.

Lyn is highly passionate about being a court-based interpreter and always makes sure that people who come into contact with the legal system can understand what is happening to them.

Lyn also mentors new interpreting staff to make sure they feel comfortable in the office space and as part of a team.

Joe Brown

Department of Education

Joe Brown has been a long-serving member of the Northern Territory Public Service and is currently leading the Community Engagement and Local Decision-Making Team for the Department of Education.

Under Joe’s leadership, the Department has seen the commencement of 10 community-led schools, which has allowed the local community to take ownership of decision-making processes.

Joe has also assisted with the formation of 50 schools, launching Local Engagement and Decision-making committees. Establishing this, has given local communities a voice to assist with educating and training children on country.

Another passion for Joe is mentoring. He’s known for supporting early career employees and generously shares his time and knowledge.