The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) and Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation are celebrating a major milestone for the Big Rivers Region, with the first cohort of trainee Aboriginal health practitioners commencing training through Dijan Training.
Ten trainees from across the region have enrolled in the Cert IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care practice—including four from Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service, four from Sunrise Health Service and two from Katherine West Health Board.
The 52-week program will be delivered in Katherine and in community, supported by mentors and supervisors within each trainee’s home service to ensure strong cultural, clinical and workplace support throughout the year.
Dijan Training (East Side Kriol for “this one”) is a community-controlled registered training organisation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunrise Health. It was established following a 2022 concept developed by Sunrise Health’s directors and was formally registered in September 2025.
Sunrise Health CEO Rebecca Bond said the launch of the training marks a proud moment for the region.
‘This is something our directors have worked towards for years—building our own training pathway, in our own region, for our own people,’ she said. ‘These trainees are the future of primary health care in the Big Rivers. They will deliver culturally strong, clinically skilled care in their own communities.’
The Cert IV course is delivered by two senior Aboriginal health practitioner trainers—one male and one female—supported by a further four senior Aboriginal health practitioner trainers delivering sessional topics, alongside experienced clinical educators.
AMSANT Chair Rob McPhee said the program strengthens the long-term sustainability of the Aboriginal community controlled health sector in the NT. The collaboration between Sunrise, Wurli-Wurlinjang and Katherine West reflects a strong, united regional approach to workforce development.
‘Aboriginal health practitioners are at the heart of culturally safe, community-controlled care,’ Mr McPhee said. ‘Growing our own workforce—locally, in region, and under community control—is one of the most powerful ways to improve health outcomes and close the gap.’
The program is now underway, with trainees beginning classroom-based learning in Katherine before continuing supervised practical training within their home communities.
ENDS
Contact details:
Amy Price, 0437 027 156
