Jennifer Messell provides a haven for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their latter years at the Juninga Centre. She cares for residents and their families through sickness – often to the end of their lives.
For over 30 years, Jennifer has actively promoted quality, culturally sensitive aged care to vulnerable Indigenous people. She has built intimate connections through listening to their unique stories, seeking to meet their emotional, cultural and spiritual needs.
Jennifer also supports her staff to develop their skills and fulfil their potential, particularly Indigenous employees – successfully retaining some staff for over 20 years.
Jennifer has been celebrated for her nursing excellence, commitment and for being a role model for the values of respect and diversity. She was named Territory Nurse/Midwife of the Year in the 2019 Northern Territory Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards, and in 2023 she was a runner-up in the Excellence in Aged Care Nursing category.