Two registrars with a passion for rural health working in the remote northeast of Arnhem Land have been named the winners of a prestigious scholarship by General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA). 

Dr Mallee Lambert and Dr Niamh Fingleton are the joint recipients of GPRA’s 2026 Kanyini Scholarship, which provides $20,000 each over 12 months to support GP and Rural Generalist (RG) registrars training in rural and remote Northern Territory (NT). 

Interest in GPRA’s scholarship program continues to grow, attracting 32 nominations this year – a 78 per cent increase on last year. 

The full list of 2026 scholarship winners are:

• Dr Mallee Lambert (Nhulunbuy) – Kanyini Scholarship ($20,000)
• Dr Niamh Fingleton (Nhulunbuy) – Kanyini Scholarship ($20,000)
• Dr Gwillym Whittaker (Nhulunbuy) – Dr Debbie Stach Northern Territory GP Registrar of the Year Award ($10,000)
• Dr Sarita Lawler (Katherine) – Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship ($5,000)
• Dr Samuel McLaren (Nhulunbuy) – Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship ($5000)
• Dr Eamon O’Bryan (Darwin) – Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship ($5,000)
• Dr Dimity Norbury (Alice Springs) – Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship ($5,000)
• Dr Lucinda Bek (Nhulunbuy) – Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship ($5,000)

Full details about each scholarship/award can be found here.

GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie said GPRA was proud to support the growth and development of the future GP and RG workforce in the NT.

“The GPRA NT scholarships celebrate GP and RG registrars who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their field, particularly in the areas of First Nations health, rural and remote healthcare, and paediatrics,” he said.

“Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara term connected to care, responsibility, and nurturing, which beautifully reflects this scholarship’s purpose. 

“Our two exceptional Kanyini Scholarship winners perfectly embody this spirit, having earned this support through their profound clinical dedication and clear commitment to delivering vital, culturally competent care to remote Territory communities.

“I congratulate Dr Lambert, Dr Fingleton, and all the recipients of this year’s scholarships.

“We’re proud to support them in their journey and to recognise the vital contribution they’re making to communities across the Territory.” 

Dr Lambert is based in Nhulunbuy, where he has forged strong Yolngu connections as he works towards a rural generalism fellowship with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and develops his skills in anaesthetics, obstetrics, and life support. 

Hailing from Lovett Bay, a water-access-only community in northern Sydney, Dr Lambert’s journey into remote medicine began in 2018 with placements in Papua New Guinea and central Australia.

“Remote medicine changes you,” he said. “It is personal, it is real, and it is inspiring.

“The Kanyini Scholarship will accelerate my journey to become an exceptional rural generalist and help me encourage other young medical practitioners to do the same. 

“I have been deeply touched by both my Yolngu family in Nhulunbuy and the community in Galiwin’ku and each day it validates the decision I made to move to the Top End. 

“The philosophy of Kanyini strongly aligns with my personal values and the integrated way I want to live my life — helping community on country.”

Dr Fingleton, also an ACRRM RG trainee, grew up in Bathurst, New South Wales, and moved to the Gove Peninsula from Newcastle earlier this year. 

She is completing a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with James Cook University while working as a Research Registrar at Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation on a project tackling the neglected tropical disease strongyloidiasis. 

Dr Fingleton, who has previously worked at Gove District Hospital and the Royal Darwin Hospital, said the Kanyini Scholarship would support her transition to learning and working on Yolngu land. 

“The NT has left a lasting impression on me, with the abundance of neglected tropical diseases at your doorstep, the transcendent natural landscape, and the opportunity to add meaningfully to closing the gap in health inequity in Australia,” she said. 

“The health professionals and clinicians I have met on the ground have been nothing short of inspiring, and I feel invigorated by the potential to learn in this environment.”

The 2026 scholarship winners will be formally celebrated at a special function on Saturday 5 September, as part of the third annual Northern Territory GP Registrars Forum.

Dr Dickie said the Darwin forum provided high-quality education, cultural connection and peer support for current and future NT-based registrars. 

“The GPRA NT GP Registrars Forum is more than just a weekend of workshops – it’s a chance for registrars to connect, reflect, and grow alongside others who share the same drive to lead change in general practice,” he said.

“It’s also a moment to celebrate their peers’ achievements – and we’re looking forward to doing just that at the NT Scholarships ceremony.

“As the independent national peak body for future GPs, we are committed to building pathways that support training, leadership and long-term retention in the NT.

“The energy around our annual scholarships shows just how strong that future can be.”

NT-based GP/RG registrars are encouraged to book their spot at the forum. Travel costs are covered by GPRA and registration is open until 21 August 2026.

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