Barbara Triantafilis is determined to help break down barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to access healthcare. 

As a registered nurse with NSLHD’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service, Barbara’s work involves raising awareness and advocating for the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to create better health outcomes.

“If I can make one small difference for the better in one patient’s life in a day, I am happy,” she said. 

Her passion and hard work earned her an Exceptional People Award for Healthy Communities. 

“When I received the award last year, I was completely overwhelmed,” she said. 

"I am surrounded by a great team, and I would not have been able to achieve anything without them, so really it should have been a team award!”

Barbara encourages others to nominate a colleague or team who go above and beyond in for patients. 

“I think it is really important that people are recognised for their contributions,” she said. 

“It encourages people to be the best they can be in the workplace – a little recognition goes a long way to making people feel valued and appreciated, so have a think – I am sure there is someone in your workplace who stands out.”

Nominations are open for the 2022 Exceptional People Awards. Visit the EPA webpage to nominate an individual, team and volunteer.

The staff nomination form and guide can be found here. Nominations can also be made by patients and consumers using this link.