Territory first responders honoured for service excellence

Paramedics, staff and volunteers from across the Northern Territory have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community at the St John NT 2026 Excellence Awards at Parliament House in Darwin this evening.

Hosted by Minister for Health The Honourable Steve Edgington MLA, the annual Awards recognise excellence in leadership, clinical practice, education, volunteering and support services across St John NT.

The St John NT 2026 Excellence Awards celebrated Paramedics, Emergency Medical Dispatchers, Patient Transport Officers, volunteers, educators and support staff who demonstrate an outstanding level of professionalism, compassion and commitment to the Territory community.

St John NT CEO Abigail Trewin AM said the Awards were an opportunity to recognise the people who make a difference every day, both on the frontline and behind the scenes.

“Our people work across some of the most challenging and diverse environments in Australia, but what connects them is a genuine commitment to helping others,” Ms Trewin said.

“These Awards recognise people who lead by example, support those around them and consistently demonstrate the professionalism, compassion and dedication our communities expect from St John NT.

“I am incredibly proud of this year’s recipients and of all our staff and volunteers who contribute to the work of St John NT every day.”

Nhulunbuy Intensive Care Paramedic and Area Manager Nicole Patching was named the 2026 Paramedic of the Year in recognition of her leadership, clinical expertise and commitment to her team and the East Arnhem community.

Nicole was recognised for creating a supportive and positive team environment while helping ensure the Nhulunbuy community has access to 24/7 emergency ambulance care. Her strong relationships with local emergency services and health providers, willingness to step in to maintain operational coverage and compassionate approach to patient care were also highlighted by her nominators.

Darwin Paramedic Charlie Sebastian received the Anne-Marie Muscat Compassion Award after being nominated by the mother of a young boy she cared for during a cardiac arrest.

Charlie was recognised not only for her calm clinical leadership during the emergency, but for the compassion she showed the family throughout the experience. After handing her patient over at hospital, Charlie remained with his mother, explaining what was happening, checking on the family and providing reassurance during an overwhelming situation. 

Her nominator described Charlie as demonstrating “exceptional paramedicine” through the combination of clinical excellence and humanity.

The Awards also recognised outstanding achievement and service across clinical care, education, volunteering, operational support and other areas of St John NT.

2026 Excellence Award recipients:

The St John NT 2026 Excellence Awards are supported by Area9, AANT, Charles Darwin University, Ferno, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Channel Nine Darwin, ZOLL Medical Australia, the Australasian College of Paramedicine and Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise.