Healthcare professionals from across New South Wales have been recognised for their dedication and impact at the 13th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, held at Parliament House in Sydney last night.
The awards celebrate the contribution of nurses and midwives to the wellbeing of individuals and communities, from metropolitan centres to remote regional areas.
Among the standout recipients were several winners from the North Coast, with Mid North Coast Local Health District represented in two major categories:
- Katherine Martin, Nursing Unit Manager at Kempsey District Hospital, received the Healing Heart Colleague Award, which recognises peer-nominated individuals who demonstrate exceptional compassion and teamwork.
- The Children’s Ward nursing team at Port Macquarie Base Hospital was awarded Team of the Year, acknowledging their collaborative approach to care and strong community impact.
The event was attended by Minister for Health Ryan Park, Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM, and NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross, who presented the awards to nine individual and team winners from across the state.
“I want to congratulate the winners and all 27 finalists for their incredible achievements in providing the very best care to patients, women and families across NSW,” said Health Minister Ryan Park.
“From metropolitan hospitals to our most remote rural and remote hospitals, nurses and midwives are the heart of the healthcare we provide.”
The awards span a range of categories including leadership, innovation, early career excellence and Aboriginal health contributions.
Full list of award winners:
- Nurse of the Year: Shivam Dhiman, Fairfield Hospital, South Western Sydney LHD
- Midwife of the Year: Svetlana Ilich, Blacktown Hospital, Western Sydney LHD
- Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award: Poumansing Gujraz, South Western Sydney LHD
- New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Jonty Donald, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney LHD
- Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Amy Sutherland, Gilgandra Multipurpose Service, Western NSW LHD
- Healing Heart Consumer Award: Sarah Driver, Bathurst Hospital, Western NSW LHD
- Healing Heart Colleague Award: Katherine Martin, Kempsey District Hospital, Mid North Coast LHD
- Team of the Year: Nursing team, Children’s Ward, Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Mid North Coast LHD
- Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacqueline Jagger, Central Coast LHD
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson praised the vital role nurses and midwives play across diverse fields, from perinatal care to mental health support.
“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our health system, delivering exceptional care in every setting from maternity to mental health services.
“I congratulate all award recipients for their compassion, expertise and dedication to improving lives across our NSW communities.”
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM highlighted the impact of culturally responsive care and recognised the achievements of Aboriginal health professionals.
“The Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards are an important reminder and opportunity to reflect and recognise the commitment, innovation and outstanding care being provided to the people of NSW.”
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross underscored the ongoing evolution of the professions:
“The level of care and expertise nurses and midwives deliver every day truly makes a difference to the wellbeing and experience of patients across all clinical and community settings.
“The Awards help to shine a light on how nurses and midwives across NSW are continually transforming through innovation, education and research to meet the changing needs of our patients, women, families and communities.”
The full list of finalists and further information is available on the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/einma.
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