Published on Thursday, 3 July 2025 at 3:53:00 PM
This week DAHS Directors, CEO and staff have been in Perth for the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) Conference. We would like to congratulate Iris Prouse and Catie Carter on their awards.
Iris Prouse, Elder in the Community Award
Iris Prouse is a director at Derby Aboriginal Health Service (DAHS) and her lifelong commitment to Aboriginal Health has profoundly impacted the Derby community. A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she has spent more than 30 years advocating or culturally safe, holistic health care. Her leadership and cultural wisdom continue to shape how services are delivered across the community.
Iris is widely respected for her dedication, humility, and deep connection to culture and country. She has mentored younger generations of health professionals, advised and guided non-indigenous health professionals working in the Kimberley, and shared her knowledge at national state, and community forums. She leads with integrity and compassion.
As an active DAHS board member and the KAMS deputy chair, Iris plays a key role in shaping strategic direction and ensuring community voices remain central. Her strong support for the ACCHO Sector has strengthened partnerships between DAHS and other health providers, while also helping to embed cultural practices into health care delivery to Derby.
Her legacy is one of strength, service, and unwavering commitment to better health outcomes for Aboriginal people. She truly embodies the spirit of this award.
Catie Carter, Contribution by an ACCHS Employee Award
Catie Carter is the Client Services Manager at DAHS and an exceptional employee whose dedication to the Aboriginal Health sector has had a lasting impact on the community. As the friendly face of DAHS, she guarantees that every client feels welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive.
She provides exceptional care to children, youth, and elderly clients, ensuring their needs are met with respect and compassion. Her commitment extends beyond her role as she advocates for all her clients with outside agencies, tirelessly working to secure the best outcomes for them.
Catie is a strong leader who fosters a collaborative and supportive environment for her team. She ensures that all clinic staff are informed about clients' situations, promoting a unified approach to their care. Her ability to diffuse difficult situations with clients experiencing mental health challenges is remarkable. She emphasises their need for comfort and understanding, offering support over criticism while safeguarding her staff.
Her initiatives to improve service delivery reflect her proactive approach to enhancing care. Catie consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring that clients are treated with dignity and that staff are supported. Her leadership, compassion, and advocacy make her an invaluable asset to DAHS and a true champion of Aboriginal Health.
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