2026 Finalists

We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards 2026! These remarkable individuals and organisations have demonstrated outstanding commitment to rural healthcare across Western Australia.  

ABORIGINAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises an Aboriginal health professional who delivers culturally safe, responsive and compassionate care in rural WA.  They demonstrate a deep personal and professional commitment to Aboriginal health and actively work to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal communities. 

Sponsored by:


Finalists:

  • Vernon Dann, Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service and WA Country Health Service, Kimberley
  • Jody Hansen, WA Country Health Service, Goldfields and Bega Garnbirringu Health Services
  • Peter Yarran, Bega Garnbirringu Health Services

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises an allied health professional who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural communities. They demonstrate excellence in service delivery and active contribution to rural health. 

Sponsored by:


Finalists:

  • Kathryn Braysich, Dental Health Service, WA Centre for Rural Health and Locum Dentist
  • Deep (Deepinder) Rosha, OSECA
  • Claire Thistleton, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services

CLINICAL LEADER
OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a health professional whose leadership has driven improvements in patient care, access or safety in rural WA.  They inspire excellence, foster collaboration and serve as a role model in rural healthcare.

Sponsored by:


Finalists:

  • Samantha Barba, Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance
  • Cristina Taucean, WA Country Health Service, South West
  • Kim Tracey, WA Country Health Service, South West

COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Previously - People's Choice

This award recognises a health professional who has made a meaningful difference to an individual or community through care and compassion.  This award provides an opportunity for patients or support persons to share personal stories. 

Sponsored by: 


Finalists:

  • Jemma Mustey, Southern Regional Medical Group
  • Sarah Tomlinson, WA Country Health Service, Kimberley
  • Sarah Youngson, Bridgetown Medical

GENERAL PRACTITIONER (GP) OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a general practitioner or rural generalist who has shown exceptional commitment to rural healthcare. The nominee consistently delivers high-quality clinical care and engages deeply with their community. 

Sponsored by:


Finalists:

  • Ajit Chaurasia, Wongan Hills Medical Centre
  • Carly Roxburgh, Pioneer Health Albany
  • Richard Taylor, Panaceum Medical

HEALTH TEAM
OF THE YEAR

Previously - Building Healthy Country Communities

This award recognises a health team or service that has delivered significant improvements to rural health outcomes through collaboration, innovation and excellence in care.



Finalists:

  • Juniper Guwardi Ngadu
  • South West Aboriginal Medical Service - Child Health Team
  • WA Country Health Service - Older Person Complex Care Team

NURSE OR MIDWIFE
OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a nurse or midwife who has consistently delivered high-quality care, exceeded role expectations, and contributed meaningfully to their rural community.

Sponsored by:



Finalists:

  • Jane Darlington, WA Country Health Service, Kimberley
  • Tania Murphy, WA Country Health Service, South West
  • Amy Pedersen, Pilbara Kimberley University Centres

SPECIALIST (NON-GP)
OF THE YEAR

This award recgnises a medical specialist who provides exceptional care and leadership in rural WA either as a resident or visiting specialist.

Sponsored by:


Finalists:

  • Tom Bowles, WA Country Health Service, Great Southern and Great Southern Specialist Centre
  • Jacinta Cover, WA Country Health Service, South West
  • Allison Morton, St John of God Bunbury Hospital and SouthWest Cardiovascular

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
OF THE YEAR

Previously - Rising Star

This award celebrates an emerging health professional who shows exceptional promise, leadership and dedication to rural health.

Sponsored by:


Finalists:

  • Joshua Briotti, WA Country Health Service, Kimberley
  • Emma Calusinski, Pilbara Therapy Services
  • Rosalie Gent, Full Circle Therapies Inc

WA COUNTRY HEALTH SERVICE INTERN OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by:


Finalists:

  • Nicolas Ceravolo, WA Country Health Service, South West
  • Connor Earnshaw, WA Country Health Service, Kimberley
  • Joshua Luhrs, WA Country Health Service, Great Southern
  • Celia Wong, WA Country Health Service, Midwest

WA COUNTRY HEALTH SERVICE RMO OF THE YEAR



Finalists:

  • Catherine Daly, WA Country Health Service, South West
  • Lewis Weeda, WA Country Health Service, Kimberley