Finalists announced for 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards
From inspiring leaders to rising stars, 33 of WA’s finest rural health professionals and teams have been named finalists for the 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.
Hosted by WA Country Health Service and Rural Health West, the awards honour those whose passion and innovation keep rural and remote communities healthy.
The awards recognise both established leaders and emerging health professionals who go above and beyond to ensure equitable care for country communities.
WA Country Health Service Chief Executive Jeff Moffet said the awards highlight the essential role of health professionals working outside metropolitan areas.
“A career in healthcare comes with a unique set of challenges and requires a special combination of tenacity, resilience, people skills and professionalism,” Mr Moffet said.
“We see nominations come through from people who work in some of the most remote places in Western Australia and it gets harder each year to choose finalists and winners as we read about these incredibly dedicated, compassionate people.”
“Healthcare is a constantly evolving field.
"Our staff are committed to ongoing education and skill improvement, paired with a desire to help others and serve the communities they live in.”
Rural Health West Chief Executive Officer Professor Catherine Elliott commended the calibre of this year’s finalists.
“The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards are about celebrating the people who embody the heart and spirit of rural healthcare,” she said.
“Whether it’s a doctor, nurse, allied health professional or an entire team, these finalists reflect the extraordinary talent, skill and dedication we are privileged to have in rural WA.
“Their work is not only life-changing for patients but vital to the sustainability of our rural health workforce.”
Finalists were selected by a panel of clinicians and representatives from rural health organisations.
Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year
- Vernon Dann - Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service and WA Country Health Service, Kimberley
- Jody Hansen - WA Country Health Service, Goldfields
- Peter Yarran - Bega Garnbirringu Health Services
Allied Health Professional of the Year
- Kathryn Braysich - Dental Health Service
- Deepinder Rosha - Oseca
- Claire Thistleton - Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services
Clinical Leader of the Year
- 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
- Jemma Mustey - Southern Regional Medical Group
- Sarah Tomlinson - WA Country Health Service, Kimberley
- Sarah Youngson - Bridgetown Medical
GP of the Year
- Ajit Chaurasia - Wongan Hills Medical Centre
- Carly Roxburgh - Pioneer Health Albany
- Richard Taylor - Panaceum Medical
Health Team of the Year
- Juniper Guwardi Ngadu
- Child Health Team - South West Aboriginal Medical Service
- Older Person Care Team - WA Country Health Service, South West
Nurse or Midwife of the Year
- Jane Darlington - WA Country Health Service, Kimberley
- Tania Murphy - WA Country Health Service, South West
- Amy Pederson - Pilbara Kimberley University Centres
Specialist (Non-GP) of the Year
- Tom Bowles - WA Country Health Service, Great Southern
- Jacinta Cover - WA Country Health Service, South West
- Allison Morton - St John of God Bunbury Hospital
Young Health Professional of the Year
- Joshua Briotti - WA Country Health Service, Broome
- Emma Calusinski - Pilbara Therapy Services
- Rosalie Gent - Full Circle Therapies Inc
WA Country Health Service Intern of the Year
- 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
- Catherine Daly - WA Country Health Service, South West
- Lewis Weeda - WA Country Health Service, Kimberley