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Medal recipients 2025

Find out about the 2025 Aboriginal Leadership Medal recipients.

Mrs Eva Kafetzis

Attorney-General’s Department

Eva leads the secretariat unit within the Attorney-General’s department – a high-pressure, fast-paced role.

Under her calm, supportive guidance, the unit has become a model for excellence, known for its reliability, responsiveness and integrity.

Across Government, Eva is regarded as an expert in Ministerial and Parliamentary processes. Her advice is regularly sought by various agencies, and she has conducted Whole of Government education sessions.

A people-focused manager, her generosity in mentoring staff has seen her gain the respect of her team and helped AGD secretariat build a strong reputation as a great place to work and develop.

Eva’s integrity with confidential information, strong work ethic and professionalism are all considered beyond reproach.

Mr Tony Shelley

Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

Tony has provided high-level legal and policy advice within NT Government in relation to some of Australia’s most complex land matters.

Currently working in the Aboriginal Land and Sea unit, Tony started with NT Government in 2011 after 30 years as a legal practitioner including at the National Native Title Tribunal.

That experience allowed Tony to lead considerable NT policy reform - including the Aboriginal Economic Participation Framework and Aboriginal Land and Sea Action Plan – and provide instructions for complex land claims including Kenbi Land Claim and the Blue Mud Bay associated Beds and Banks claim.

His leadership has been integral to the vision of Aboriginal economic development while also supporting staff and educating other public servants on land rights issues and legislation.

Mr Don McKinnon

Department of Education and Training

Don has been a technology teacher at Nhulunbuy High School for more than 30 years.

A well-respected member of the community, he has taught multiple generations of local Nhulunbuy youths.

His work has seen many senior students gain the skills required to commence work experience and apply for jobs in the construction and mining industries.

A dedicated teacher, Don is known for running extra classes and practical sessions for year 11 and 12 students to ensure they can confidently prepare for assessments.

And, as a well-connected local, his references have given employers the confidence to employ a number of ex-students in a work trial or apprenticeship.

Ms Angela Brannelly

NT Health

Angela has contributed a lifetime to delivering health care to Territorians.

A true local, she was educated in the NT and joined the Department as an enrolled nurse in training 40-years ago.

Angela has also worked as a register nurse and midwife before, in recent years, joining the NT health executive, working in the largest and most complex frontline service delivery portfolio.

She has worked across the Territory - including postings to Central Australia, Big Rivers and the Barkly region – and has a deep lifelong commitment to improving health outcomes for the Territory’s Aboriginal people.

As the long-serving and more senior executive in Katherine, Angela successfully led the implementation of the new Acacia digital health solution within the local hospital and is a deeply respected member of the health team.

Ms Lorraine Corowa

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Lorraine leads the Territory’s management of biosecurity threats and animal welfare.

With a career spanning almost 4 decades in the NT public sector, she plays a key role protecting our agriculture industry – a key pillar of the economy – from the devastating impact of pests and diseases.

Known for her leadership ability to bring people together, collaborate and have strong outcomes, Lorraine has delivered in wide variety of areas ranging from the COVID outbreak - where she helped negotiate a pathway for seasonal mango workers - to the NT Arts Trail Initiative.

She has facilitated considerable investment in the NT, including an initial $5M investment by the North Australian Infrastructure Fund in the Humpty Doo Barramundi aquaculture farm, and her impact on the Territory has been profound and includes supporting Indigenous enterprise.

Ms Neva McCartney

Department of Tourism and Hospitality

Neva has dedicated her career to the protection, conservation and promotion of NT wildlife, environment and the people who care for it.

Commencing an entry level role at Katherine Parks and Wildlife Commission office, she has played a key role developing the Commission into a robust organisation for 3 decades.

As a senior executive, recent achievements include delivering the Parks Online Booking System and the development of the NT Parks 30-year Masterplan.

Known for her relationship building skills, Neva successfully negotiated the new multi-day walk in Watarrka National Park and has worked effectively to implement Joint Management Agreements across many NT Parks and Reserves.