Country clinicians recognised for excellence in rural healthcare

The quality, talent and commitment of country clinicians has again been celebrated at the annual Western Australian Rural Health Excellence Awards, as part of the WA Rural Health Conference for 2026.

Hosted by WA Country Health Service and Rural Health West, this year a record 135 nominees were received and assessed by their peers and colleagues to a shortlist of 33 finalists.

On Saturday 14 March, 12 awards for rural health clinicians and clinical teams were awarded, seven going to WA Country Health Service nominees, recognising and honouring them for their extraordinary work in providing excellent care to country communities.

This year’s winners:

In one of many highlights, the WA Country Health Service Older Person Complex Care Team in the South West was honoured with both the Health Team of the Year and the Board Chairs’ Award.

It’s an outstanding acknowledgement of the team, which supports more than 600 older people throughout the region.

Their work exemplifies compassion in action, whilst safeguarding dignity, preventing crisis and ensuring older people in their community remain safe, supported and heard.

Winner of the Aboriginal Health Professional the Year Vernon Dann from the Kimberley was recognised for fostering professional development through mentoring, integrity, compassion and his leadership in delivering culturally responsive care.

Dr Jacinta Cover was the recipient of this year’s Specialist (Non-GP) of the Year Award, she is well-known for her strategic, collaborative approach to governance, safety and workforce sustainability and is highly regarded for her commitment to equitable access to surgical care.

Clinical Leader of the Year was awarded to South West Clinical Nurse Consultant Kim Tracey, who was recognised for her tireless work to reduce health inequities and provide specialist renal services closer to home and enabling patients to return to their communities sooner.

Jane Darlington was named Nurse of The Year, a passionate and tireless educator, she’s spent decades in the East Kimberley championing improved outcomes for children, strengthened neonatal and paediatric emergency responses and led specialist training for nursing, medical, allied health and non-clinical teams.

Two WA Country Health Service healthcare leaders of the future Dr Celia Wong and Dr Catherine Daly took home WA Country Health Service Intern of the Year and WA Country Health Service Resident Medical Officer of the Year, respectively.

WA Country Health Service Chief Executive Jeff Moffet extended his praise to all the winners and nominees.

“We know a career in country healthcare comes with a unique set of challenges and requires a special combination of tenacity, resilience, people skills and professionalism,” he said.

“I’d like to commend you all for your efforts, regardless of whether you went home with an award – your commitment to strengthening healthcare across rural and remote WA has improved countless lives.”