Clinical Nurse Specialist Tania champions child health in 2026 Rural Health Excellence Awards

For more than two decades, Bunbury-based Clinical Nurse Specialist Tania Murphy has shaped a child-safe, family-centred paediatric service that is recognised across the region for excellence.

Tania also now works as a Health Navigator and has led the development of the Paediatric Assessment Centre at Bunbury Regional Hospital – an embedded care model that keeps families closer to home and reduces the need to travel for treatment.

It’s this important work that has seen her nominated as a finalist in the Nurse or Midwife of the Year category at the 2026 Rural Health Excellence Awards.

For Tania, working in child health and paediatrics, enables her to improve health and wellbeing of communities across the South West.

“The best part of my job is working with children to improve their health outcomes,” she said.

“Working in country WA is ultimately about the people and the paediatric and community team provide an exemplary service to families.”

Tania has built a highly skilled paediatric nursing team, while supporting advanced practice training, and shaping strong partnerships with community child health, midwifery, allied health and education services.

Her advocacy for patient safety has also involved establishing safe escort pathways and designing innovative ward orientation resources for families.

Tania’s collaborative, approachable leadership is valued by colleagues across disciplines, and her commitment to upskilling staff continues to expand paediatric capability in the South West.

Since stepping into the Health Navigator role for children entering care, she has continued to champion equitable, coordinated support for local families.

“It is an overwhelming feeling but I’m also extremely proud to be nominated by my colleagues and peers whom I respect and admire,” she added.

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.