Allied Health Awards

About this award:

The Allied Health Professional of the Year makes an outstanding contribution to clinical excellence, leadership, education and culture. They advocate for evidence-based practice and focus on value-based health care.

AWARD RECIPIENT - Sarah McBurney - Occupational Therapy, Virtual Allied Health Service

Sarah is a highly respected Occupational Therapist. Her passion for establishing the Virtual Allied Health OT service reflects her deep commitment to her patients and rural health care. Sarah tirelessly works to ensure that all MPS sites have access to appropriate OT services. Sarah actively advocates for her patients, securing funding for essential equipment that enables them to transition home safely and improve their quality of life. Her efforts have a profound impact, empowering patients to regain independence and enhancing their overall health and well-being. She strives to elevate the human experience, ensuring that every patient she sees feels heard and receives the quality care they deserve.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Matthew Fuller - Radiation Therapy, Orange

In his work for Cancer Services in Orange, Matthew is not only a highly skilled professional but also a true embodiment of the NSW Health CORE values.  He actively engages colleagues in discussions, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. His ability to assist in building strong relationships across our team has led to improved patient care outcomes and a more cohesive work environment.  In every interaction with both staff and patients, Matthew embodies transparency and honesty. He encourages open dialogue and feedback, creating a culture where colleagues feel safe to express ideas and concerns.

Amber Zell - Physiotherapy, Dubbo

Amber is the Senior Chronic Care Physiotherapist at Dubbo Health Service. Amber is consistently recognised by clients and staff for both her professionalism and warm and engaging demeanour. The breadth of her clinical background, given her willingness to upskill in specialised areas, allows her to facilitate opportunities for continued professional development, empowering her teams and collaborators. She also provides social support for new staff to ensure smooth transition to practice for new graduates and involvement in the local community.

Anna Todd - Psychology, Bloomfield

Anna is an outstanding Senior Clinical Psychologist currently working in the Older Person’s Acute (OPA) Mental Health ward, who is dedicated to her profession.  The whole Bloomfield Psychology team appreciate Anna’s support, guidance and diligence in promoting the psychology profession.  Anna consistently demonstrates an outstanding commitment to clinical excellence, always working hard to ensure an exceptional experience of care for her consumers.  She embraces learning and professional development, having completed older-age specific training.  Anna is always ready and willing to share her learning with her colleagues and she regularly provides in-services and peer training.  

Charlotte Epper - Dietetics, Bathurst

Charlotte collaborates constantly with other dietitians as well as other members of the clinical team. Charlotte collaborates with the team to review malnutrition rates and achieve change on the wards. Charlotte negotiates diet changes with client input when devising their nutrition plans. She is always upskilling and reaching out to others with more expertise in particular areas, to learn more and do the best for her clients. Charlotte mentors the more junior dietitians and does a wonderful job ensuring they achieve their goals and progress to become very capable dietitians.

Eugenie Hendriksen - Dietetics, Bathurst

Eugenie is an outstanding senior dietitian who conducts herself at all times with a high level of professionalism.   Eugenie actively collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to achieve optimal nutrition outcomes for her patients. She seeks input from other team members including other allied health professionals, nursing staff, medical teams and external partners. Eugenie is always open and willing to listen to other colleagues' points of view and values their input.

Jessica Wynne - Social Work, Dubbo

Jess is a dedicated social worker widely recognised by the Dubbo Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Hub for her professionalism and commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. Her ability to bring diverse parties together to address complex mental health and social issues during case management and clinical review has led to better communication and task-sharing to provide better and more consistent healthcare. 

Jessica Apps - Occupational Therapy, Orange

Jessica is highly respected amongst her occupational therapy, allied health and multidisciplinary team. Jessica consistently models respectful and fair interactions with colleagues, patients, family and carers. She is open and transparent with her colleagues and patients through direct and clear communication, whilst actively listening and demonstrating genuine empathy. Jessica works collaboratively to ensure her colleagues and patients feel safe and supported in their care and environments. 

Julie Quosdorf - Social Work, Bathurst

Julie is a valuable asset to the mental health team in Bathurst. Julie supports Panorama Clinic patients to work to achieve the best possible outcomes during their inpatient stay. She has a strong link with many community resources and promotes good communication to improve clinical outcomes. Julie goes above and beyond to ensure patients are able to make informed and confident decisions about their care and treatment.

Kathryn Perry - Speech Pathology, Cowra

Kate commenced in her role as a new graduate Speech Pathologist and has progressed to a level 3 due to her dedication, extensive knowledge and commitment to her practice. Kate assists with the  Cowra Community Health Complex Care meeting every month bringing multiple disciplines together to manage palliative and complex clients in the community. Kate has stepped up into the Community Health manager’s role when needed over the last few years and actively engaged with the staff to provide support and address concerns, displaying a collaborative and supportive approach. 

Lucy Cusack - Physiotherapy, Molong

Lucy is highly motivated by her desire to deliver excellent outcomes to all of her clients, and is passionate about her role in creating accessible and high quality healthcare for the residents of Molong and surrounds. Lucy always works in collaboration with the family and carers of her patients to ensure they feel included and have control over their health journey. Lucy is consistently respectful of all staff and patients and understands that there are different perspectives of equal value and all must be taken in to account to deliver the best possible healthcare. Lucy takes ownership of her work and is proud to deliver high quality outcomes for her patients. 

Lydia Riley - Physiotherapy, Dubbo

Lydia has been exceptional in exhibiting the CORE values at work. Within her role, she liaises with the inpatient rehab team at Walanmarra, the physio team at the acute setting, community services for suitable referrals including the Movement Disorder Clinic and the Neurodegenerative Community Care team, Brain injury Outreach and Spinal Outreach service providers. She is very respectful with people from linguistically diverse backgrounds, using appropriate language to empower people, following a person-centred goal-setting approach for rehabilitation. She has been involved with a diverse range of complex case presentations related to neurological and age-related issues, particularly balance and mobility.

Stephanie Toll - Occupational Therapy, Virtual Allied Health Service

Steph is a passionate Occupational Therapist (OT) working in the Virtual Allied Health Team. Steph shows incredible commitment to the growth of the OT profession in Western NSW by demonstrating the impact of OT in facilitating safe, sustainable and timely discharges. Steph’s work within the virtual service exemplifies her commitment to providing value-based rural healthcare to people living in remote areas of our District. Steph is respected by her peers for her ability to build rapport with patients and facilitate complex discharges while addressing the unique barriers encountered when working virtually in rural health.  

About this award:

The Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year demonstrates exceptional commitment, professionalism, and compassionate care to all patients. They are committed to improving and advocating for the culturally appropriate health care of Aboriginal people and communities and are proud to be an allied health professional working in NSW Health. The Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year demonstrates their leadership through passionate advocacy for their profession by contributing to the growth and development of the Aboriginal allied health workforce in NSW Health.

AWARD RECIPIENT - Kali Morgan - Welfare, Bloomfield

Kali works in the Infant, Child Youth and Family Mental Health Service Safeguards Team. She is widely recognised for her high level, culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal children, young people and their families. Her involvement in and leadership of key research activities and inclusion of culturally significant artwork in inpatient areas is also widely known and respected. Her cultural leadership and expertise are additionally valued and she provides input and advice into service development initiatives. 

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Tara Swainston - Occupational Therapy, Dubbo

Tara is an occupational therapist at Walanmarra. Tara is both clinically skilled and a strong advocate for culturally appropriate care. Tara promotes culturally appropriate care by ensuring that the right people are involved in decision making, is mindful of customs and practices within men's and women's business and supports connection to Country. She also supports the team by sharing knowledge with her colleagues to ensure respectful, responsive and culturally sensitive clinical care.

About this award:

The Allied Health Educator of the Year has made exemplary contributions to the education of others to improve allied health services. This could include teaching of allied health professional peers, students, other health disciplines, patients, or the general public. They are proud to be an allied health professional working in NSW Health. Their activities have been impactful to improve the practice standards of allied health professionals, the knowledge of specific health conditions or the understanding of allied health services. Education provided can be part of a formal teaching role or in an informal capacity.

AWARD RECIPIENT - Asta Fung - Speech Pathology, Orange

Asta has consistently made an outstanding contribution to the education and improvement of clinical standards for the speech pathology profession. Asta uses her clinical networks to help link rural and regional speech pathologists with metro and interstate colleagues.  Asta is the lead for the Adult Clinical Forum, coordinating forums and tutorial sessions. Outside of her clinical role, Asta is a lecturer for the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Speech Pathology course and is currently completing her PhD. Both examples demonstrate her passion for the profession and her commitment to contributing to the education of future speech pathologists, whilst also undertaking research to improve clinical standards. 

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Skye Hutchins - Occupational Therapy, Orange

Skye provides formal and informal education to her occupational therapy, allied health and multi-disciplinary team colleagues that is meaningful, relevant, and supports clinical improvement and excellence. Skye introduced education sessions to support learning for occupational therapists.  This uniquely tailored education has developed clinical skills, clinician confidence and patient outcomes. Skye completed rounding with mentees to identify learning gaps, priorities, and needs. She has developed education to meet the specific needs of mentees: their learning styles, patient populations, ward expectations and service needs within the mental health occupational therapy role. 

About this award:

The Allied Health Researcher of the Year has made exemplary contributions to research to enhance allied health practice and services. Their activities have been impactful and can be translated into practice, and they are proud to be an allied health professional working in NSW Health. The Allied Health Researcher of the Year holds a clinical or clinical leadership role and may or may not have protected research time. They may hold a conjoint academic appointment in addition to their clinical role, but this is not their primary role. They may be a higher degree by research student who is achieving at a high level and meets the criteria set out below. They contribute to building capacity to conduct and translate research in allied health services, for example by supervising research students, leading research teams, or mentoring novice researchers. This Award is open to early and experienced researchers. Applications will be assessed based on the impact of their research in NSW Health and how they are supporting clinicians to implement research in clinical practice as well as build research capacity.

AWARD RECIPIENT - Kristie Sweeney – Radiography/Sonography, Bathurst

Kristie is a sonographer and has been undertaking a PhD in her special area of interest related to musculoskeletal injury in sonographers. Her work in this area has been both published and presented at a range of national conferences. The outcomes of her research are being translated into education to reduce risk of injury. Kristie also advises and supports additional research active occurring in her field.

About this award:

The Allied Health Leader of the Year has continuously exhibited excellence in leadership, focusing on the values of teamwork, innovation, service, quality, compassion and integrity. They show exceptional skills to support, mentor and coach staff. The Allied Health Leader of the Year is a visionary. They drive quality improvement in patient care, service delivery and a commitment to value-based health care. They are leaders of a positive culture across professional groups in line with NSW Health's CORE values. They are proud to be an allied health professional working in NSW Health. The nominee does not have to be working in a management or senior role.

AWARD RECIPIENT - Catherine Osborne - Radiation Therapy, Western Cancer Centre Dubbo

Catherine is a highly regarded leader in radiation therapy and demonstrates passion for rural health.  She is committed to her role and to delivering clinical care for patients with cancer. She promotes a culture of collaboration across the team and broader profession, draws on her knowledge and professional relationships to advocate for rural services and to continually lead and build the service, team capability and professional networks.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Jen Walter - Nuclear Medicine Technology, Western Cancer Centre Dubbo

Jen has led the establishment of the first Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning service in our District, providing leadership and knowledge to ensure the smooth and professional operation of the service. She has also shown great dedication in empowering and upskilling staff across the District to support provision of this service to patients in our region. 

Beth Schofield - Coordinator, Regional Allied Health Student Program, WNSWLHD

A physiotherapist by background, Beth is currently leading work in the Regional Allied Health Student Program to increase our District’s capacity for hosting allied health students in clinical placements, an important component of building the workforce pipeline. Beth draws on her strong clinical knowledge and experience, and her own experience in supporting and supervising students to lead the program activities. Beth leads with positivity and genuine care and has a vision for a strong workforce pipeline for our region.

Emma Marchant - Occupational Therapy, Dubbo

Emma is a long standing member of  the paediatric occupational therapy team at Dubbo Primary and Community Health and is a leader in her field. She is responsible for mentoring, supervising and growing the careers of many of the occupational therapists in the region. Emma takes a strengths based approach in her clinical leadership and management responsibilities, leading evidence based practice and sharing her time, experience and knowledge with her team and colleagues. 

Elizabeth Lennon - Physiotherapy, Bathurst

Liz is the physiotherapy head-of-department at Bathurst Health Service and has been a passionate leader of the physiotherapy service for many years. Her knowledge and leadership is recognised by her team of enthusiastic clinicians. She is widely viewed as a highly professional clinician, efficient and immensely practical. She has contributed directly to many successful patient outcomes and has impacted many patient, carer and family journeys over the years.

About this award:

The Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year has shown exceptional potential during their first two years of practice. They are committed to supporting a positive culture in line with the NSW Health CORE values and are proud to be an allied health professional working in NSW Health. This early career allied health professional demonstrates passion and commitment to the provision of quality, safe and compassionate care to patients and their family and caregivers. They are committed to seeking continuous learning opportunities and are driven to demonstrate emerging clinical excellence for their discipline.

AWARD RECIPIENT - Daniel Lowe - Radiation Therapy, Western Cancer Centre Dubbo

Daniel has been the lead radiation therapist in the implementation of the clinical pathway for Liver Stereotactic Ablative Radiation (SABR) at the Western Cancer Centre Dubbo (WCCD). This has required the development of new CT scanning procedures and protocols, the development of protocols for the clinical use of contrast within the department along with complimentary external breath hold techniques. Daniel has been part of a District project team involving radiation oncology medical physicists, radiation oncologists and medical imaging technologists and collaborated more broadly with metropolitan departments to ensure best procedures and clinical outcomes for our local patients.  

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Madeline McPhan - Psychology, Bloomfield

Maddy commenced at Bloomfield Psychology service as a student neuropsychologist in late 2023, before commencing her training as a Neuropsychology Registrar in early 2024.  Maddy’s clinical skills and ability to communicate clearly have been recognised by her colleagues. Maddy demonstrates commitment to clinical excellence, whether that be in researching evidence and treatment strategies, seeking continuous learning opportunities, participation in the Rural Allied Health Graduate program, or developing networks and connections with other neuropsychologists. 

Amber Foster - Speech Pathology, Allied Health Rural Graduate Program, Bathurst

Amber has enthusiastically embraced an incredibly diverse workload in her first 18 months as a speech pathologist in the Allied Health Rural Graduate Program (AHRGP). She demonstrates a wide range of clinical skills across numerous clinical and leadership areas. Amber shows commitment to evidence-based practice, real world experience, patient-centred care, and multidisciplinary teamwork. She provides holistic and individualised care in a manner not expected of an early career speech pathologist. 

Amelia Clelland - Speech Pathology, Dubbo

Amelia is in her second year as a practicing speech pathologist, working at Dubbo Community Health Centre. She demonstrates a maturity and professionalism usually seen in mid-career speech therapists, is a quiet achiever who diligently prepares for her clients and independently problem solves whilst also knowing when, and how, to reach out for help and professional guidance. She has seamlessly made the leap from student to clinician and consistently strives to provide the best care for her clients and families. 

Michelle Yu - Physiotherapy, Dubbo

Michelle is employed as physiotherapist at Dubbo Health Service and has been an active participant in the Allied Health Rural Graduate Program prior to moving in a permanent appointment in Dubbo. In her time in the District she has worked in a range of clinical areas, not limited to surgical and health promotion, and has led initiatives on early intervention to prevent falls, as well as creating referral pathways for community exercise. Michelle takes initiative in her learning and has demonstrated a commitment to ongoing leadership. 

Riya Master - Dietetics, Allied Health Rural Graduate Program, Dubbo

Riya is a new graduate dietitian in the Allied Health Rural Graduate Program. Since commencing at Dubbo Health Service in February 2024, Riya has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the provision of exceptional clinical care across a range of settings. She has undertaken rotations on medical and surgical wards and also worked across other areas, such as intensive care, which has contributed to her clinical skill development, as well as supporting the team with case-load demands. 

Senthil Rahavan - Speech Pathology, Dubbo

Senthil is a well-respected member of the multidisciplinary team at Walanmarra. He provides individualised, evidence-based assessments and interventions. He actively collaborates with his fellow clinicians and facilitates joint therapy sessions when appropriate to maximise the clinical benefit for patients.  He actively seeks out and systematically critiques the latest research, so he can apply the evidence in his clinical practice. 

About this award:

This award recognises an allied health assistant or technician who consistently provides extraordinary and quality support for allied health professions and allied health services. They actively support a positive culture in line with NSW Health CORE values. This individual demonstrates a commitment to elevating the patient experience by being the backbone of the allied health service. They show professionalism and are a proven team player.

AWARD RECIPIENT - Alan Lloyd – Allied Health Assistant, Dubbo

Alan has worked in a range of areas over his career and is committed to providing care and support to patients. In his current role he works with the physiotherapy team at Walanmarra in Dubbo, to optimise intensity of practice for patients.  He works collaboratively to support the needs of the whole team and has a key role in supporting the hydrotherapy service.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Angela Ellis - Allied Health Assistant, Canowindra

In her role as an allied health assistant, Angela liaises with physiotherapists, nurses, medical staff and patients to provide high quality care, particularly in exercise and rehabilitation groups such as winter low impact exercises, aqua aerobics and chronic disease exercise groups. Angela is approachable and kind.  She is known for quietly empowering people to achieve their goals.

Abha Aryal - Allied Health Assistant, Dubbo

Abha works with the clinical teams in dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology and social work in her role as an allied health assistant at Walanmarra in Dubbo.  She is widely recognised for her kindness, flexibility and a commitment to ongoing learning.  She brings positivity, fresh ideas and a willingness to go above and beyond to support the multidisciplinary team.

Aimee Godwin - Allied Health Assistant, Bloomfield

Aimee works as an allied health assistant in the Amaroo Building on the Bloomfield Campus. She is highly valued by her team and is enthusiastic and committed to her role.  She makes a positive impact on the ward through engagement with the nursing team, coordinating patient meetings, facilitating groups with peer workers and assisting patients and their families.

Cassey Ford - Pharmacy Technician, Orange

Cassey is the team's technician lead and a well recognised mentor for other technicians, trainees and students. She has a deep understanding of medication safety and ensures team actions and performance is in accordance with best practice. She is compassionate and known for her effective communication and for always ensuring patient questions are answered.

Chelsea Bruem - Allied Health Assistant, Orange

Chelsea works as an allied health assistant across physiotherapy and occupational therapy.  She is recognised by her colleagues for her thoughtful and considered contributions to regular groups, ensuring positive patient experience and consideration of individual needs. 

Cheryn Johnson - Fitness Leader, Molong

Cheryn provides services to Molong and surrounding communities, running exercise classes in the community and in residential aged care to maintain health, fitness and community connection. Cheryn is passionate about her role and is key in partnering with patients, building relationships and encouraging patients to keep fit, healthy and happy.

Laura Howarth - Allied Health Assistant, Orange

Laura consistently displays a friendly, supportive and efficient manner and is a valued member of the physiotherapy, sub-acute, community health and ward teams. Laura has played a crucial role across the multidisciplinary team, fostering open communication and collaboration to improve patient care. She additionally has taken on a role in the preadmission clinic, contributing to the efficiency of the service. 

Lisa Hodges - Allied Health Assistant, Wellington

Lisa works hard to ensure the physiotherapy team is productive and efficient in providing care to the community. Lisa supports client care and safe discharge, ensuring that safe mobility plans and falls prevention plans are in place and providing ongoing rehabilitation for patients under the direction of the physiotherapy team. Lisa is instrumental in ensuring the ongoing success of the falls prevention and rehabilitation classes, supporting ongoing access to physiotherapy services for the community.