IMPACT, ACCESS AND SYSTEM STRENGTH
In 2025, FCD Health strengthened its role as a leader in culturally safe, high-quality primary care and teaching in the Northern Territory. Key achievements included record learner placements, RACGP reaccreditation, urgent care expansion, and a sustainable business model. With full compliance across governance, clinical safety, and financial reporting, FCD Health advanced its strategic goals while deepening partnerships and community impact.
The organisation remains future-focused to drive innovation, regional outreach, and sustainable health outcomes for Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander peoples and all Territorians.
FCD Health’s progress in 202 5reflects deep alignment with our Strategic Plan 2025–2027 and the Objects of our Constitution, delivering measurable outcomes that advance our purpose:
Provision of High-Quality Primary Healthcare
Leadership in Teaching and Workforce Development
Cultural Safety and Community Empowerment
Excellence in Governance and Risk Management
Sustainable Financial Stewardship
These outcomes speak directly to our purpose as a not-for-profit, member-directed entity: to improve the healthand wellbeing of people in the Northern Territory, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through culturally safe, accessible, and innovative care.
Message From the CEO and Board Chair
2025 was a landmark year for FCD Health, one that reaffirmed our values of excellence, equity, and local leadership. I am proud to reflect on the achievements made possible through strong governance, visionary partnerships, and unwavering community trust. The Board worked closely with our Members and Executive to ensure FCD Health remained anchored in cultural integrity while delivering high-quality, innovative care. We saw the realisation of key strategic goals: expanding rural outreach, enhancing clinical teaching, securing dual college accreditation, and embedding health equity at the heart of every service. As Chair, I’ve been inspired by the leadership shown across all levels of the organisation, from staff and supervisors to our CEO and Directors. Together, we have proven that regionally led models can deliver national-level outcomes.
Thank you to our staff, partners, and Members for your dedication and belief in our mission. We look to 2026 with clarity, confidence, and shared ambition.
On behalf of the Board, I extend sincere thanks to our members, staff, partners, and communities. Your support makes our collective impact possible. We celebrate this journey with pride and look forward to an ambitious and meaningful 2026.
Dr Nige Gray
Board Chair
FCD Health’s journey through 2025 was marked by impact, resilience, and a deepening connection to the communities we serve. Across every patient encounter, student placement, and system improvement, our people demonstrated commitment to care that is clinically sound, culturally safe, and community-led.
We delivered over 66,000 appointments, expanded the reach of our PMUCC to avoid an estimated 1,500+ ED presentations, and trained almost 30learners across disciplines. We expanded our engagement with the NT futurehealth workforce with high schools and the STEPS migrant work experience programs. Skin cancer detection doubled, Aboriginal Health Checks rose by 32%, and our non-attendance rate dropped to a record low. These are more than statistics, they are stories of lives supported, systems improved, and trust earned.
Internally, we matured our governance, reduced clinical risk, and strengthened our teaching infrastructure to support the next wave of health leaders. We diversified revenue, embedded digital upgrades, and maintained accreditation standards that place us among Australia’s leading primary care services. I thank our staff, partners, and patients for walking alongside us. I especially acknowledge the Board for its trust and clear strategic oversight. As we look toward 2026, our direction is bold, deeper partnerships, stronger First Nations health leadership, and more integrated models of teaching and care.
Bernie Cummins
Chief Executive Officer
FCD Health Ltd is a not-for-profit primary healthcare organisation dedicated to delivering equitable, high-quality, and culturally inclusive care across the Northern Territory. With a strong presence in Palmerston and surrounding regions, we serve a diverse and growing population through integrated, multidisciplinary services. As a recognised leader in healthcare delivery, we are committed to closing the gap in health outcomes for First Nations peoples and improving access for rural and remote communities. Our work is guided by the core values of H.E.A.L.T.H.: Holistic care, Excellence, Adaptability, Lifelong learning, Teamwork, and Health equity.
In addition to providing care, FCD Health is a formally recognised education and training partner of Flinders University and Charles Darwin University (CDU). We play a vital role in shaping the future healthcare workforce by offering clinical placements, preceptorship, and cultural safety training to Student Doctors, Paramedics, Nurses, Allied Health professionals, and GP Registrars.
We operate the Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, which together form the cornerstone of timely, accessible care for thousands of Territorians each year. These sites also serve as clinical teaching environments, building long-term workforce capability and leadership across the NT.
At FCD Health, we are more than a service provider, we are a partner in community wellbeing. Through collaboration, innovation, and culturally responsive care, we are working with Territorians to build a healthier future for all.
Our Board is committed to providing equitable and growinghigh-quality healthcare while nurturing the next generation of healthcareprofessionals.
Board Chair
Taking up a position on the FCD Health Board in August 2023, Dr Gray has worked as a provider of primary health care services, education and supervision for more than three decades. His experience covers the Australian, UK and Canadian health care systems and includes participation on a range of health service Boards and committees. Dr Gray’s knowledge and expertise in the healthcare sector will see him make an invaluable contribution as Chair on the FCD Health Ltd Board.
Director
Professor Brand was appointed to the FCD Health Board in April 2023. Professor Brand teaches and researches corporate law and governance, whistleblowing, social licence to operate and foreign bribery at Flinders University in the College of Business, Government and Law. Professor Brand has significant experience as a director, including directorship of an ASX company (including sitting on its Audit & Risk Committee).
Director
Mr Rick Davies was appointed to the FCD Health Board in 2023. Holding the position of Vice-President Finance and Corporate, Charles Darwin University, Mr Davies has over 25 years’ experience in the financial field, including just under a decade as Executive Director Corporate and Chief Financial Officer at LaTrobe Community Health Centre. With his background in corporate services leadership in both the public and private sector including a Victorian Government Statutory Authority, Mr Davies is a welcome addition to the FCD Health Ltd Board.
Director
Professor Dominic Upton joined the FCD Health Board in February 2025, bringing extensive experience in health leadership, research, and education. As Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Health at Charles Darwin University (CDU), he has led initiatives to address health workforce shortages in the Northern Territory, leading the introduction of new programs, most recently Physiotherapy, Audiology and Medicine. Professor Upton, a Health Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society is committed to improving health outcomes through evidence-based practice. Professor Upton’s leadership aligns with FCD Health’smission to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to the community. His expertise will strengthen the Board’s capacity to respond to local health challenges and support innovative, patient-focused care for the Northern Territory.
Director
Professor Chris Baggoley was in the first cohort of the Flinders University School of Medicine, which commenced in 1974. Professor Baggoley came from Melbourne University, where he graduated with a degree in veterinary science. Professor Baggoley’s clinical career was in Emergency Medicine at Flinders Medical Centre, Ashford Community Hospital, and the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Later, Professor Baggoley became the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the South Australian Health Department, the Chief Executive of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and the CMO for the Australian Government. Professor Baggoley serves on several national boards and committees and is a member of the oversight committee for the WHO Emergency Programme. Professor Baggoley is a welcome addition to the FCD Health Board with a wealth of expertise across health systems.
FCD Health’s Executive Team share a commitment to deliveringhigh-quality, accessible healthcare. Our team is systems-focused and committedto excellence across the service.
Chief Executive Officer
RN, RM, GAICD, AFACHSM, Hon. Fellow Menzies
Bernie Cummins is the Chief Executive Officer of FCD Health, bringing over 35 years of expertise in healthcare and 22 years in executive leadership roles across health systems and operations. With experience spanning hospitals, health services, health departments, and primary care networks in multiple Australian states and territories, Bernie is recognised for her ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive transformational change.
As CEO of FCD Health Ltd, Bernie combines her deep understanding of the healthcare system with a commitment to delivering exceptional patient outcomes. Bernie is a champion for accessible, multidisciplinary care and has led pivotal initiatives to expand health services, particularly for remote and underserved communities. Her strategic vision includes the creation of innovative training pathways that prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to address the unique challenges of the Northern Territory.
Under Bernie’s leadership, FCD Health is setting new standards for culturally responsive, community-focused care while prioritising workforce sustainability and health equity. Her passion for advancing healthcare outcomes and fostering collaboration with professionals and system partners inspires confidence and progress. Bernie’s leadership is a driving force behind FCD Health’s mission to transform healthcare in the Northern Territory and beyond.
Specialist General Practitioner
MBBS FRACGP MRCGP (INT) DCH GCCE
Dr. Lwin Myo is a Specialist General Practitioner at Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, where she holds a key leadership role in supporting health professionals and contributing to clinical governance across the organisation. She is actively involved in mentoring and supervising GP registrars, as well as teaching and supporting the development of medical students, playing an integral role in strengthening the future healthcare workforce.
Dr. Myo is deeply committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and is passionate about supporting the diverse and multicultural community of the Northern Territory. She has a broad range of clinical interests, including family medicine, chronic disease management, women’s health, and paediatric care. Her extensive qualifications, combined with her leadership in clinical education and governance, make Dr. Myo a compassionate and highly skilled healthcare provider, dedicated to addressing the unique needs of her patients while fostering excellence within the clinical team.
Clinic Nurse Manager
Sushma Garbuja joined the FCD Health team in mid-2020 and has since become an invaluable member and leader of the nursing team at Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Sushma’s dedication and leadership were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she tirelessly supported the community and proved herself as a natural leader and mentor. As the Clinic Nurse Manager, Sushma leads the nursing team with compassion, ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality care. Her commitment to excellence in healthcare and her ability to inspire her team make her an essential part of our executive team and the broader clinic community.
Executive Officer
Mads Polson is a committed leader in health administration, with extensive experience in advancing culturally safe and equitable healthcare services. As the Executive Officer of FCD Health, she is dedicated to strengthening healthcare systems that are responsive to the needs of our community and advocating to strengthen culturally responsive primary healthcare. With expertise in health policy, contracts, and service delivery, Mads champions the development of our workforce that leads and delivers healthcare in community-driven ways. She has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs prioritising cultural governance, workforce capacity building, and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Mads’ leadership is grounded in a commitment to self-determination and genuine partnerships, ensuring that healthcare services are not only accessible but also culturally safe and empowering for our community. Through her role, she continues to develop and drive initiatives that embed cultural integrity, improve health outcomes, and create lasting change.
FCD Health delivers holistic, patient-centred healthcare services through our Palmerston GP Super Clinic (PGPSC) and Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (PMUCC). These for initiatives that are supported by a skilled workforce and tailored programs for all Territorians, particularly those from vulnerable and remote populations. In addition to delivering frontline care, FCD Health is a formally recognised education and clinical training partner of Flinders University and CDU, supporting students across medicine, paramedicine, nursing, and allied health disciplines. Our organisation plays a crucial role in developing the Territory’s future healthcare workforce by offering high-quality clinical placements, cultural safety training, and supervision pathways. This dual role as a healthcare provider and a teaching organisation, that positions FCD Health as a cornerstone of workforce development in the Northern Territory.
Please select one of our operation streams to learn more
The Palmerston GP Super Clinic (PGPSC) is a multidisciplinary, culturally safe, and patient-centred hub delivering accessible, inclusive, and responsive care to the Palmerston and Greater Darwin regions.
In 2025, PGPSC delivered over 51,167 appointments, reflecting a strong community demand and a notable increase in patient numbers compared to the previous year. This growth was supported by extended operating hours, including weekends, which improved timely access and service continuity.
Our integrated care model brings together General Practitioners, nurses, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, allied health professionals, and administrative staff to provide wraparound support across the life course.
Notably, our Skin Clinic performed over 1,000 skin checks, resulting in 42 malignant lesions diagnosed and 175 procedures completed. This underscores the clinic’s vital role in early detection and timely intervention.
PGPSC’s commitment to continuity of care, digital innovation, and workforce development makes it a recognised training site. In 2025, the clinic hosted medical students, GP registrars, and health trainees, reinforcing its leadership in clinical education in the Territory.
Our patient base remains diverse
Through extended hours, inclusive care pathways, and evidence-based services, PGPSC continues to deliver on FCD Health’s mission: partnering with Territorians for healthier lives.
The Palmerston Medical Urgent Care Clinic (PMUCC) provides walk-in, after-hours healthcare for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Operating seven days a week, the clinic is a vital access point for timely care, easing pressure on emergency departments across the Greater Darwin region and the broader Top End.
In 2025, PMUCC recorded 15,383 presentations, representing a23% increase from 2024. Notably, 43% of patients were children under 16, affirming the clinic’s critical role in providing family-centred urgent care.
Wait times averaged just 22 minutes, reflecting both clinical efficiency and service responsiveness. The most common presentations included minor injuries, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and wound care.
Importantly when surveyed in July 2025, 92% of patients reported they would have otherwise attended an Emergency Department.
Only 5% of patients attending the PMUCC required referral to hospital, highlighting the clinic’s effectiveness in managing urgent care independently
All Medicare-eligible patients were bulk-billed, ensuring care remained equitable and accessible. As a teaching site, PMUCC supported training for medical and paramedic students, contributing to workforce development and the future capacity of the NT health system.
PMUCC continues to serve as a high-impact, culturally safe, and innovative urgent care solution, delivering real results for patients, families, and the wider health system.
FCD Health continues to invest in building a culturally safe, future-focused, and resilient health workforce. Through strategic partnerships with Flinders University and CDU, we deliver high-quality clinical placements, targeted professional development, and structured leadership pathways to support service excellence and long-term workforce sustainability.
In 2025, we delivered over 30 training and development programs, supporting emerging and established professionals across medicine, nursing, allied health, and administration. Our programs focused on cultural safety, chronic disease management, and digital health literacy, aligning directly with our Strategic Plan and Closing the Gap priorities.
We hosted student doctors and paramedics from both NT and interstate universities, contributing to national workforce pipelines while encouraging long-term retention in the Territory. Our Aboriginal Health Practitioner model, registrar support, and supervisor network reflect our strong ‘grow our own’ philosophy.
We also expanded engagement with the NT’s future health workforce through high school work experience programs and participation in the STEPS migrant employment readiness initiative. These community-based pathways aim to raise awareness of health careers and promote diversity in our workforce.
FCD Health is not just a health service provider, it is a centre of clinical learning, leadership, and long-term workforce transformation in the NT.
In 2025, FCD Health advanced its mission through innovation, cultural safety, and strategic delivery tailored to the Northern Territory’s unique needs.
Clinical Excellence
Expanded urgent and preventive care, improved access, and enhanced multidisciplinary services across Palmerston and the Top End.
Education, Training, and Workforce
Trained over 30 learners including medical students, GP registrars, and embedded teaching as a core function with an Aboriginal Health Practitioner model.
Financial Stewardship and Risk Management
Delivered a sustainable business model, diversified income, and enhanced risk controls to ensure resilience in a shifting funding environment.
Accessible Care
Expanded telehealth and online access, strengthened system integration, and enhanced data-driven service delivery to improve timely, flexible, and efficient urgent care across the NT.
Digital Transformation
Strengthened cyber readiness, upgraded infrastructure, and embedded data-driven decision-making aligned to national standards.
Community Partnerships
Deepened collaboration with NT Health, ACCHOs, PHN, Australian Defence Force, local schools and NFP local communities to improve reach and equity through co-designed services.
FCD Health remains deeply committed to embedding excellence across all aspects of care delivery. In 2025, we continued to deliver high-quality, safe, and patient-centred services underpinned by strong clinical governance and integrated models of care. Building on full ACHS accreditation achieved in late 2024, we continued to strengthen audit, clinical governance, and care quality systems throughout 2025.
Our focus on multidisciplinary, wraparound care enabled the expansion of early intervention services, improved continuity of care, and extended clinic operating hours across both PGPSC and PMUCC—strengthening access for individuals, families, and priority populations.
Through sustained clinical leadership, data-informed improvement, and culturally safe practice, FCD Health continues to deliver care that is responsive, high-quality, and aligned to the needs of the Northern Territory community.
In 2025, FCD Health strengthened its role as a teaching and workforce development hub for the Northern Territory. Our partnerships with Flinders University, Charles Darwin University, and other interstate institutions enabled a year of strong teaching performance, focused on building a locally responsive and culturally competent health workforce.
We hosted a total of 17 medical students, including 11 Flinders University Northern Territory Medical Program students, 4 remedial placements, and 2 interstate students from Western Australia and Queensland. In addition, 3 GP registrars were supported through accredited placements across both PGPSC and PMUCC clinics, underpinned by RACGP and ACRRM accreditation.
Our training environment continued to embed cultural safety, clinical capability, and continuity of supervision—creating real-world learning aligned with rural and remote service needs.
FCD Health also expanded engagement with the future NT health workforce, delivering work experience placements through local high schools, and the STEPS Migrant Program, exposing young and emerging workers to primary care career pathways.
This commitment to education is central to our Strategic Plan and ensures that FCD Health remains a pipeline for the Territory’s future health workforce.
In 2025, FCD Health maintained a strong financial position despite national cost-of-living pressures and the complexity of funding in primary care. Strategic partnerships, billing optimisation through Cubiko, and tight expenditure controls enabled continued growth while safeguarding long-term sustainability.
Revenue increased modestly year-on-year, supported by increased activity (over 66,000 appointments), a high bulk billing rate (89%), and diversified income sources including scholarships, teaching grants, and local partnerships.
Robust governance improvements included the implementation of new financial delegation structures, enhanced budget tracking, and real-time monitoring of appointment efficiency and unbilled items via Cubiko. These measures supported strategic investment in urgent care, skin services, and teaching programs while maintaining operational agility.
These combined efforts have reinforced our reputation as a resilient, accountable, and forward-looking organisation, equipped to navigate change while continuing to deliver high-impact care and education.
FCD Health has prioritised expanding digital health services and enhancing data governance frameworks to improve patient accessibility, service efficiency, and cybersecurity.
These digital advancements positioned FCD Health as a modern, technology-enabled healthcare provider with a strong focus on patient access and safety.
In 2025, FCD Health accelerated its digital health transformation, aligning with national reforms and enhancing both patient experience and clinical efficiency. These efforts supported increased access, optimised billing, and strengthened data governance across our services.
These digital advancements have firmly positioned FCD Health as a technology-enabled, responsive, and secure primary care leader in the NT.
At FCD Health, we believe the most effective healthcare is co-designed with the communities it serves. In 2025, we strengthened our commitment to equity, cultural safety, and inclusion through targeted public health initiatives, deepened partnerships, and tailored service delivery models for diverse populations across the Northern Territory.
These outcomes have significantly enhanced access, promoted early intervention, and strengthened community confidence in our services.
FCD Health continues to be recognised as a trusted, community-led leader in health equity and innovation across the Territory.
FCD Health concluded 2025 in a strong financial position, demonstrating resilience and sound financial stewardship across both PGPSC and PMUCC.
Despite increasing cost pressures, particularly in staffing and IT infrastructure, our results reflect a commitment to financial discipline, with strategic investments in workforce, infrastructure, and service expansion. The audited financial statements, once finalised, will provide further detail.
2025 was a defining year for FCD Health — one marked by resilience, impact, and strategic progress. In the face of a dynamic healthcare environment, we strengthened our core services, scaled our education mission, and deepened our partnerships with communities, government, and universities across the Northern Territory.
Our performance across the pillars of the Strategic Plan 2025–2027 reflects a health service that is future-focused and values-led. We expanded access through multidisciplinary teams, extended operating hours, culturally safe models, and digital health integration. We supported 134 learners, achieved dual GP accreditation (RACGP and ACRRM), and embedded teaching across clinical services. Importantly, we demonstrated strong governance and risk management with quarterly dashboard reporting, demonstrated compliance, and sustained financial stability amid sector-wide funding changes.
FCD Health continues to operate with transparency and accountability under the Members Agreement, Board Charter, and ACNC standards. Our achievements reflect not just service excellence but organisational maturity, data-informed decision-making, and an enduring commitment to health equity.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As we enter 2026, FCD Health is well-positioned to accelerate innovation, grow our footprint, and strengthen workforce capability across the Top End. Key priorities include:
Above all, we remain grounded in our mission to partner with Territorians for a healthier life.
We thank our members, Board, staff, learners, and communities for their trust and partnership throughout 2025. Together, we look ahead to 2026 with optimism, ambition, and a renewed commitment to culturally safe, innovative, and community-connected care.
Discover how FCD Health is shaping the future of community healthcare in the Northern Territory. View our interactive Strategic Plan 2025–2027 and see the priorities guiding our next chapter.
View the Strategic Plan
