Helen Lamech Named 2027 Northern Territory Australian of the Year
Diabetes educator recognized for transforming care and community outreach in remote Australia.
1Award for Diabetes Advocacy
Nurse and educator Helen Lamech has been named the 2027 Northern Territory Australian of the Year. This recognition honors her decade-long commitment to reducing diabetes rates in Central Australia. She has spent over 30 years working in the region, focusing on improving health outcomes for populations disproportionately affected by the chronic disease.
2Clinical Innovation in Outback
Lamech established the first nurse-led diabetes clinic in Alice Springs to address local healthcare gaps. She regularly travels to remote communities where diabetes prevalence reaches two in five adults. Her model prioritizes meeting patients in accessible environments like homes, schools, and parks to facilitate better disease management and prevention education.
3Impact Through Mentorship
Beyond direct patient care, Lamech has mentored over 300 health professionals to expand the reach of specialized diabetes services. She estimates having personally treated and educated more than 5,000 individuals across the territory. Her work emphasizes a personalized approach, aiming to integrate health education into the daily lives of remote residents.
4National Stage Ambitions
Lamech plans to leverage her new title to elevate diabetes advocacy to a national level. She will join other state and territory winners at the national Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra on January 25. Her goal is to secure broader support for the strategies she successfully implemented in the territory.
5Recognizing Community Service
The Darwin ceremony also honored four other Territorians for their significant contributions to public service. Pat King was named Senior Australian of the Year for her long-standing volunteer work, which began during the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy. She continues to provide confidential support to police officers as a dedicated volunteer chaplain today.
6Youth Volunteerism Excellence
Eighteen-year-old Taitt Green received recognition for his bravery as a volunteer with St John Ambulance and the NT Fire and Rescue Service. Last year, he risked his life to extinguish a hay shed fire near gas tanks. He also assisted in rescue operations during the severe flooding in Katherine this past March.
7Remote Support Missions
Majors Niall and Michelle Gibson were honored for their roles as remote chaplains with the Salvation Army. The couple spends 100 hours annually flying to isolated cattle stations and towns. They provide essential crisis support and conduct ceremonies for residents in areas where connectivity and access to traditional services are often limited.
8Collective Community Impact
These awards highlight the diverse ways individuals serve the Northern Territory, from clinical health interventions to emergency response and spiritual support. As these winners prepare for the national stage, their collective efforts underscore the importance of grassroots dedication in addressing the unique challenges faced by geographically isolated and vulnerable Australian communities.