A doctor dedicated to improving health care for women and children has been recognised as the Coffs Harbour Electorate’s 2026 Local Woman of the Year, with the honour acknowledged during NSW Women’s Week, which concludes on International Women’s Day, March 8.
Dr Rebecca Tallis, a GP and founder of the Elara Women and Children’s Clinic in Sawtell, was recognised for her work supporting the health and wellbeing of women and families across the region.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said Dr Tallis had been honoured for her commitment to addressing the health needs of the local community.
“Dr Tallis is a local GP specialising in women’s and children’s health at Elara Clinic, the medical clinic she founded at Sawtell to empower women and nurture children,” Mr Singh said.
He said Dr Tallis established the clinic after identifying a growing need to improve access to services for women and children.
“After identifying a growing need for improving accessibility and equitability for women and children, Dr Tallis set out to create a safe and welcoming space to deliver essential medical services, educational support and resources to promote holistic health and well-being,” he said.
“Dr Tallis and her team assist many local women and children with personalised health care in a calm and supportive setting.”
Mr Singh said Dr Tallis’s work embodied the spirit of the Local Woman of the Year Awards, which celebrate women making meaningful contributions to their communities.
“Her passionate work in our community sums up what the Coffs Harbour Electorate Local Woman of the Year Awards are all about – recognising and celebrating progressive thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovate role models,” he said.
Dr Tallis said she felt honoured to receive the recognition.
“It is such an honour to be recognised for this contribution to the community in an area I feel so passionately about,” Dr Tallis said.
“It took a great deal of grit and perseverance to open the doors and Elara Women and Children’s clinic is absolutely thriving.
“I am so grateful to Gurmesh Singh and to everyone who worked tirelessly to support this much-needed health initiative.
“We can confidently say that we are achieving our goal of improving health services for women and children in our community.”
Dr Tallis attended the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony in Sydney earlier this week alongside Mr Singh, as part of the state’s annual NSW Women’s Week celebrations.
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