Dr Sarah Goddard
Indigenous Alumni Award - 2024
Dr Sarah Goddard's journey from her rural upbringing to becoming a respected doctor serving her community reflects her resilience, passion, and dedication. Growing up in the remote outback town of Tennant Creek, Sarah's childhood was profoundly shaped by her mother's illness, leading her to spend countless hours in emergency departments and hospital wards. It was during these formative years that her dream of becoming a doctor began to emerge.
"Growing up in rural and remote emergency departments, with a mum who was unwell, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a doctor. There are photos of me when I was about three, dressing up as a doctor, and I always told anyone who listened that I was going to be a doctor. And here we are. I'm a doctor and I'm living and working in my community, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Her inspiring journey to becoming a doctor began with her acceptance into the University of Newcastle’s Yapug program, a specialised pathway designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enter undergraduate degrees. Sarah then went on to complete a Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle before beginning her residency at Royal Darwin Hospital. She returned to Tennant Creek to complete her training and residency, fuelled by a deep commitment to serving the community that shaped her upbringing.
“Growing up and seeing the disadvantage of, not only Indigenous health, but rural and remote medicine, access to services, and adequate healthcare is something that I’ve been passionate about providing to people’s doorsteps.”
2024 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient | Dr Sarah Goddard 1:24
Sarah is deeply committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous health outcomes by breaking down the language barrier that many First Nations people experience with medical terminology. Her knowledge of the local community allows her to bridge this gap, making a real difference in her patients' lives.
"The health statistics are improving one by one. I hope that I'm a role model for other Indigenous people to follow, but also rural remote practitioners to follow, to get out there, be with their communities, communicate effectively with their patients, and better the health outcomes all around."
Sarah’s impact has been widely recognised. In 2018, she became the first Aboriginal Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine in the Northern Territory. In 2022, she was honoured as Indigenous Doctor of the Year by the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association. Her commitment to her community was further acknowledged when she was named the 2023 Citizen of the Year in Barkly’s Local Government Australia Day Awards. That same year, she was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. In 2024, her leadership was recognised once again as she became the Northern Territory winner of the Australian Excellence in Women’s Leadership.
Today, as the Director of Medical Services for Primary and Public Health across the Barkly, Sarah’s role has come full circle. She now oversees the very communities she once visited as a medical student, providing care and guidance to the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her work often extends beyond the clinic, flying out to isolated cattle stations and Indigenous communities, providing much-needed healthcare services.
"Growing up in Tennant Creek, being a rural, Aboriginal and country girl, going out to these communities and being able to provide healthcare at their front door, in their community, on their land, has allowed people the access to care a lot easier."
Through dedication and compassion, Dr Sarah Goddard is not only transforming lives but also setting an inspiring example for future generations. Her work is a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare and serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of many.
Dr Sarah Goddard
Rural Health Champion Director of Medical Services Primary & Public Health Barkly Region Rural Generalist, Tennant Creek Hospital
Bachelor of Medicine 2015, Yapug Certificate 2007
Growing up in Tennant Creek, being a rural, Aboriginal and country girl, going out to these communities and being able to provide healthcare at their front door, in their community, on their land, has allowed people the access to care a lot easier.
Alumni Excellence Awards
Indigenous Alumni Award
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.