FCD Health Ltd is a leading healthcare provider in Palmerston, proudly operating the Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible, and patient-centred care while fostering innovation and excellence in healthcare services.
FCD Health Ltd is a proudly registered charity that has been serving the Palmerston community and the greater Northern Territory since its foundation in October 2010. Established with the vision of improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for all Territorians, FCD Health operates the Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic—two key healthcare facilities dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the community.
Our Vision
To lead the way for multidisciplinary primary healthcare, education, and training by fostering innovation, delivering evidence-based care, and promoting community engagement. Guided by a commitment to cultural respect and responsiveness, we aim to build a healthcare future that embraces connected care, telehealth, community clinics, and education hubs—meeting the diverse needs of all Territorians.
Our Mission
To provide holistic, accessible, and equitable primary healthcare while cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals through education and training. Every day, we strive to deliver top-quality, patient-centred care and empower the health workforce to shape a brighter, healthier future for the Northern Territory and beyond.
Through mentorship, hands-on clinical training, and innovative scholarship programs, we are educating and empowering future doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health practitioners to make a lasting impact in the Territory and beyond.
Are you a doctor, nurse, or practice support professional passionate about delivering exceptional healthcare? FCD Health is looking for talented individuals to join our dedicated team. Together, we provide high-quality, patient-centred care to the Palmerston and Greater Darwin community.
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FCD Health is guided by a highly experienced and dedicated Board of Directors, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise in governance, healthcare, and community service.
Our Board is committed to upholding the organisation's mission to provide equitable and quality health care while growing the next generation of health professionals.
Board Chair
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 and Investment and is the new Chair of the FCD Health Board.
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
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 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 brings extensive expertise and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare.
Focused on innovation and collaboration, they drive our mission to improve community health outcomes while supporting the education and development of future healthcare professionals, ensuring excellence in all aspects of our services
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.
Director of Clinical Training and Governance
Chris joined our team in 2014, initially as a Specialist GP and Clinical Supervisor before taking up his current position in mid-2016. With extensive experience in teaching medical students and training general practice registrars, Chris provides vital input into our teaching and training programs as well as clinical oversight of our day to day operations.
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.
At FCD Health, our team of experienced and compassionate general practitioners is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centred care. With diverse expertise across family medicine, chronic disease management, women’s health, mental health, and more, our GPs work collaboratively to meet the unique needs of every patient.
Specialist General Practitioner
Qualifications: MBChB DRCOG DCH MRCGP FRNZCGP FRACGP
A/Professor Chris Harnden joined our team in 2014, initially as a Specialist GP and Clinical Supervisor before taking up his current position in mid-2016. A/Professor Chris Harnden is a highly experienced Specialist General Practitioner at Palmerston GP Super Clinic and also provides care at the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. With extensive experience and qualifications, A/Prof Harnden is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care, particularly in chronic disease management, pediatric care, and family medicine. He is deeply committed to teaching and governance, playing a key role in educating future healthcare professionals. A/Prof Harnden's work in both general practice and urgent care demonstrates his versatility and dedication to improving health outcomes for the community.
Specialist General Practitioner
Qualifications: MBBS FRACGP MRCGP (INT) DCH GCCE
Dr. Lwin Myo is a Specialist General Practitioner at Palmerston GP Super Clinic, where she also works at the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. With a deep commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, Dr. Myo is passionate about serving the diverse, multicultural community in the Northern Territory. Dr Myo has a broad range of clinical interests, including family medicine, chronic disease management, women's health, and pediatric care. Dr. Myo’s extensive qualifications and experience make her a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider, dedicated to addressing the unique needs of her patients.
Specialist General Practitioner
Qualifications: FRACGP MD BNursing(Grad Entry) BMedSci
Dr. Sarah Mills is a Specialist General Practitioner at Palmerston GP Super Clinic and also works at the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Dr. Mills joined the practice in 2020 as a General Practice Registrar and quickly became an integral part of the team. She completed her Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) in 2022. With a strong background in women's health and mental health, Dr. Mills has pursued postgraduate certificates in these areas, ensuring she provides specialized, compassionate care to her patients. Her extensive experience across various specialties, gained during her time at Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals, complements her commitment to delivering patient-centered care. Dr. Mills is dedicated to making a positive impact on her patients' lives through her expertise and caring approach.
Specialist General Practitioner
Qualifications: FRACGP FARGP MBBS
Dr. Adishwer Tapryal is a Specialist General Practitioner at Palmerston GP Super Clinic, where he also provides care at the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Having completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) and a Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP), Dr. Tapryal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his practice. Dr Tapryal specialises in skin cancer care through the Palmerston Skin Cancer Clinic. Dr Tapryal has recently established a Vasectomy Clinic, further expanding his expertise in men's health. Dr. Tapryal is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and is a vital part of our healthcare team.
Senior General Practice Registrar
Qualifications: MD
Dr. Sabeena Irfan Bhat is a dedicated General Practice Registrar, soon to become a Fellow at Palmerston GP Super Clinic, where she is also involved in providing care at the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Originally from Jammu and Kashmir, India, Dr. Bhat relocated to the Northern Territory in 2013. She gained extensive experience working across various specialties at Royal Darwin Hospital before joining our practice in 2022. Dr. Bhat is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and is committed to her ongoing specialty training in General Practice. Her experience in both general practice and the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic makes her a versatile and valuable member of our healthcare team.
Specialist General Practitioner
Qualifications: FRACGP MD
Dr. Alice Sun is a dedicated Specialist General Practitioner. Alice grew up in Darwin and studied medicine here, equipping her with a strong foundation in diverse healthcare needs, particularly those unique to the NT community. Dr. Sun enjoys the breadth of General Practice and is passionate about providing comprehensive care across a wide range of clinical needs. Her commitment to continuous learning and gaining clinical experience ensures that she is well-prepared to address the varied health concerns that come through our doors. Dr. Sun enjoys being a part of the Palmerston GP Super Clinic and Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care team and continues building lasting relationships with her patients, contributing to their long-term health and well-being.
General Practice Registrar
Qualifications: MD
Dr. Anna Philip is a warm and compassionate GP Registrar with experience across hospitals and community clinics in multiple states and territories. Anna takes a holistic, collaborative approach to healthcare, working closely with patients to manage chronic conditions, prevent illness, and improve overall wellbeing.
Anna has a special interest in children’s health, preventative care, and Indigenous health. Anna is currently extending her skills in Public Health and Tropical Medicine, further deepening her commitment to accessible, patient-focused care.
Anna believes in working together with her patients to achieve their health goals and is excited to provide kind, evidence-based care at Palmerston GP Super Clinic.
Your feedback is vital to helping us improve our services and ensure we deliver the highest standard of care. Whether you have suggestions for improvement, compliments about your experience, or concerns that need addressing, we encourage you to share your thoughts with us.
Your voice matters, and by providing feedback, you’re helping us create a better healthcare experience for everyone in the community.