Sarah shines a second time ahead of 2026 Rural Health Excellence Awards
After a career dedicated to helping country patients get back on their feet, WA Country Health Service Senior Podiatrist Sarah Tomlinson has been named as a finalist in the 2026 Rural Health Excellence Awards.
The Broome-based specialist has been nominated in the Community Health Professional of the Year category – one of 17 WA Country Health Service staff to be named as finalists at the upcoming awards.
Sarah is widely regarded for her commitment to delivering high-quality foot and wound care across the Kimberley, and ensuring patients receive access to specialist services closer to home via remote community outreach.
“My role comes with a high level of responsibility and complexity, and this recognition reflects that commitment, as well as the collaborative efforts of the multidisciplinary teams and communities I work with,” she said.
“In high-risk foot care, reducing the risk of complications such as infection or amputation can be life-changing and being able to deliver that care closer to home is incredibly rewarding.”
Renowned for her compassion, honesty, and advocacy, Sarah has built deep trust with Aboriginal patients through genuine connection and respect by establishing the Kimberley Foot Initiative.
The program has paved the way for around 1,300 referrals and more than 7,500 appointments since 2021 – playing a key role in bringing together multiple disciplines to provide coordinated, evidence-based care for patients with complex active diabetic foot disease.
“I’ve been able to build long-term relationships with patients and see the real impact that early intervention and coordinated care can have on their quality of life,” she said.
“I also greatly value the professional support and shared learning that comes from working alongside other passionate health professionals across different agencies.”
Sarah is no stranger to the awards, having taken out the Rural Allied Health Professional of the Year award in 2023.
She said being named as a finalist for a second time was incredibly rewarding and further fuelled the passion she has for rural and remote health.
“It’s an honour to be recognised again,” she said.
“I feel very privileged to work in the Kimberley and to be part of a community that is committed to improving outcomes for people living in rural areas with complex foot disease.”
The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards are hosted by WA Country Health Service and Rural Health West. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Saturday 14 March 2026.