Two Northern NSW nurses are in the running for statewide honours after being named finalists in the 2026 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Lismore-based Clinical Nurse Consultant Jane Newman is a finalist for the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in women’s health, while Nurse Practitioner Darren Smyth is a finalist for the Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award for his work in Alcohol and Other Drugs Services across Northern NSW.
They are among 29 finalists across nine categories in the 14th annual awards.
Northern NSW Local Health District Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Katharine Duffy said both nurses had shown outstanding dedication to patient care over many years.
“Jane’s impact extends far beyond direct clinical care. She has dedicated her career to advocating for women who are vulnerable, isolated or experiencing barriers to healthcare access, ensuring they receive compassionate, safe and culturally appropriate care,” Ms Duffy said.
Ms Newman began nursing in 1978 and has worked across clinical care, management, education and research during a career spanning more than 48 years.
Her experience includes midwifery, gynaecological operating theatre nursing, breast cancer care nursing, sexual health, sexual assault and domestic violence support, and advanced women’s health nursing practice.
“I feel very proud to be acknowledged for my work in women’s health and nursing,” Ms Newman said.
“My interest in women’s health nursing started in the 1980s and has continued to build. Over time, we’ve seen attention and understanding of women’s health grow. It’s all about supporting women, taking the time to listen and hear their stories, and helping them make decisions that give them a happy, healthy life.”
Mr Smyth has more than 30 years’ experience across community, hospital, withdrawal, custodial and consultation-liaison settings. He is known for his ability to connect with people and for bringing stability and encouragement to a work environment that can be challenging.
“Being named a finalist for the NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Awards Leadership Award is an incredible honour and very humbling,” Mr Smyth said.
He said he was particularly proud of developing Nurse Practitioner-led models of care, mentoring clinicians, and supporting the growth of the Nurse Practitioner workforce as co-founder and CEO of Next Gen Nurse Practitioners.
“Most importantly, I am proud of seeing clinicians develop their confidence and capability and helping people who may previously have struggled to access treatment receive compassionate, evidence-based care.”
Their recognition celebrates decades of care, leadership, advocacy, education and mentoring locally.
NSW Health Chief Nurse Jacqui Cross said the awards helped recognise the vital role of nurses and midwives in the public health system.
“Our nurses and midwives work at the very heart of the health system, and I have the privilege of hearing extraordinary stories of the care and compassion they provide to patients and their families each day,” Ms Cross said.
The finalists and winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony at NSW Parliament House on Monday 23 November 2026.
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