Celebrating Our People: 2025 Somerville Staff Awards

Held during Somerville’s 60th anniversary year, this year’s ceremony honoured the individuals whose dedication, leadership, compassion and innovation help Territorians live the life they want to live. Each award reflects the very best of who we are as an organisation: people who show up for others, work with heart, and embody our values every day.

Below is a recap of the 2025 finalists and award recipients.

Emerging Talent Award

Recognises a new staff member (less than 12 months) who has quickly made a strong impression through their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment.

Finalists
• Augustine Kuriachen – Disability Support Worker, Katherine
• Durgesh Bhattarai – Rostering Officer
• Esharag Gamal – Team Leader, Alice Springs

Winner: Esharag Gamal

Mentor Award

Celebrates an individual who actively supports, guides and develops others — generously sharing their skills, time and knowledge.

Finalists
• Sarah Pollit – Chaplain
• Sinu Thomas – Regional Manager, Katherine
• Venus Ramirez – Independent Living Coordinator, Katherine

Winner: Sinu Thomas

 

Active Support Excellence Award

Recognises a staff member who consistently promotes independence, dignity and meaningful engagement for participants.

Finalists
• Dayanara Rosal – Disability Support Worker, Palmerston
• Joanne Daley – Team Leader, Darwin
• Suparmini – Disability Support Worker, Katherine

Winner: Joanne Daley

Excellence in Teamwork Award

Recognises an individual who strengthens the teams they are part of through collaboration, reliability and a positive spirit.

Finalists
• Bishal Pokhrel – Senior Accountant
• Jitender Singh – Support Coordinator, Alice Springs
• Quisa Damian – Administration Officer, Katherine

Winner: Jitender Singh

Innovation Award

Celebrates someone who has introduced or championed new ideas, approaches or improvements that benefit participants, staff or the wider organisation.

Finalists
• Justin Smedley – Manager, Quality and Practice
• Tamika O’Brien – Workforce & Rostering Coordinator
• Sharnie Bruton – Manager, Support Coordination Services

Winner: Justin Smedley

 

Leadership Award

Recognises an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership across Somerville, upholds quality and safeguarding, and leads with purpose.

Finalists
• Anjana Gauchan – Team Leader, Darwin
• Jennylyn Murillo – Team Leader, Darwin
• Ramesh Khadka – Independent Living Coordinator, Alice Springs

Winner: Anjana Gauchan

Margaret Somerville Award 

First presented ten years ago, the Margaret Somerville Award honours an individual who represents the very best of Somerville’s legacy — someone whose dedication, empathy and positive influence shine through in all they do.

Winner: Gede Mahendra – Team Leader, Darwin

Well done to all finalists, award recipients and staff across the Northern Territory.

This night would not have been possible with the donations from our sponsors, including: Big Mower, Bumble Bean Chocolate, Event Cinemas, Free Spirit Resort, Jape Furnishings, Kingpin, Natural Territory, SeKada Homewares, Territory Gift Baskets, Territory Wildlife Park and Mindil Beach Casino Resort.