CDU wins big at NT Australian of the Year Awards 

 
 

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has featured prominently in this year’s Northern Territorian of the Year Awards with a number of students, researchers and administrators being recognised.

Director of Menzies School of Health Research, Professor Jonathan Carapetis claimed top honors when he was named as the NT Australian of the Year.

A Territorian who has dedicated his life to the health profession, Professor Jonathan Carapetis was presented with the top honour by Chief Minister Clare Martin in a reception at Parliament House on 16 November.

Prof Carapetis has been involved with Menzies for more than 10 years with his ground-breaking research leading to the creation of Australia's first rheumatic heart disease control program.

Prof Carapetis was selected from an impressive group of finalists, including health researcher and fellow Menzies researcher Dr Bart Currie, petrol-sniffing campaigner Blair McFarland, and Aboriginal artist and teacher Miriam-Rose Ungunmeer-Bauinann.

CDU third-year Bachelor of Pharmacy student, Simone Liddy was recognised for her extensive academic achievements, athletic prowess and mentoring of Indigenous students as she was announced as the Young Australian of the Year.

Simone was the first Indigenous Territorian to be awarded a pharmacy cadetship with the Department of Health and Community Services and is soon to be one of the first Aboriginal graduates in a Bachelor of Pharmacy.

CDU research associate Peter Whelan was announced as the Northern Territory's Local Hero.

Mr Whelan, a medical entomologist, has become a respected researcher in his field, working with CDU and University of Tasmania researchers on experiments with new way to control mosquito-borne diseases.

Winners will go onto a national final, to be announced on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra, on the eve of Australia Day.