2026 Recipients

We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards 202! These remarkable individuals and organisations have demonstrated outstanding commitment to rural healthcare across Western Australia.

Categories

Click a category below to view the winner and finalists.

Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year
Allied Health Professional of the Year
Clinical Leader of the Year
Early Career Health Professional of the Year
General Practitioner (GP) of the Year
Health Service Contributor of the Year
Health Team of the Year
Nurse or Midwife of the Year
Specialist (Non-GP) of the Year

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.

Congratulations to the 2026 winner - Vernon Dann

Winner

Vernon Dann

^{Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service and WA Country Health Service, Kimberley}

Finalist

JODY HANSEN

WA Country Health Service, Goldfields and

Bega Garnbirringu Health Service

Finalist

PETER YARRAN

Bega Garnbirringu Health Service

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.

Congratulations to the 2026 winner - Kathryn Braysich

WARHEA-2026-Category-Sponsor-Tiles-Allied-Health-Professional.png

Winner

KATHRYN BRAYSICH

Dental Health Service, WA Centre for Rural Health Locum Dentist

Finalist

DEEPINDER ROSHA

OSECA

Finalist

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.

Congratulations to the 2026 winner - Kim Tracey

Winner

KIM TRACEY

WA Country Health Service, South West

Finalist

SAMANTHA BARBA

Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance

Finalist

CRISTINA TAUCEAN

WA Country Health Service, South West

COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Previously known as 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.

Congratulations to the 2026 winner - Sarah Youngson

Winner

SARAH YOUNGSON

Bridgetown Medical

Finalist

JEMMA MUSTEY

Southern Regional Medical Group

Finalist

SARAH TOMLINSON

WA Country Health Service, Kimberley

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.

Congratulations to the 2026 winner - Richard Taylor

Winner

RICHARD TAYLOR

Panaceum Medical

Finalist

AJIT CHAURASIA

Wongan Hills Medical Centre

Finalist

CARLY ROXBURGH

Pioneer Health Albany

HEALTH TEAM OF THE YEAR

Previously known as Building Healthy Country Communities

This award recognises a team or service that has delivered significant improvements to rural and remote health outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and excellence in care and service delivery. Teams may include a mix of clinical professionals, support staff, administrative personnel, and other roles contributing to the planning, coordination, and delivery of health services.

Congratulations to the 2026 winner - WA Country Health Service, South West - Older Person Complex Care Team

Winner

WA COUNTRY HEALTH SERVICE, SOUTH WEST - OLDER PERSON COMPLEX CARE TEAM

Finalist

JUNIPER GUWARDI NGADU

Finalist

SOUTH WEST ABORIGINAL MEDICAL SERVICE - CHILD HEALTH 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.

Congratulations to the 2026 winner - Jane Darlington