Allied health professionals celebrated at Excellence Awards

01 March 2024

鈥嫼诹铣怨贤檚 dedicated allied health clinicians have been recognised at the third annual Excellence in Allied Health Awards, held in Sydney last night.

Health Minister Ryan Park congratulated the 35 finalists and winners in each of the seven categories.

鈥淚 want to thank all our hard-working allied health professionals for the significant contribution they make in delivering patient-centred care to the people of 黑料吃瓜网 every day,鈥 Mr Park said.

鈥淚n particular, I would like to congratulate 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 Allied Health Professional of the Year, Dr Bernadette Brady, who was recognised for their significant contribution to musculoskeletal and pain physiotherapy, both as a clinician and researcher, with a special interest in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations.鈥

鈥淭he 黑料吃瓜网 Government is committed to building the allied health workforce of the future through initiatives such as the Rural Allied Health Educator Program which will create a pipeline of workers to regional 黑料吃瓜网.鈥

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said this was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and skill of allied health staff in 黑料吃瓜网.

鈥淎llied health professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the mental wellbeing of individuals across the state and I鈥檓 incredibly grateful for their dedication,鈥 Ms Jackson said.

鈥淧sychologists, social workers, exercise physiologists, and occupational therapists are just some of the allied health professionals at the forefront of promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for accessible and equitable services for our community.

鈥淭his awards night is just one small way we can acknowledge the hard work of many allied health professionals and the massive difference they make to the lives of their patients and their families every day.鈥

黑料吃瓜网 Health Secretary Susan Pearce said allied health clinicians play a vital role in the health system, working across 23 unique professions including pharmacists, speech pathology, podiatrists and much more.

鈥淚鈥檇 like to congratulate all the recipients of this year鈥檚 Excellence in Allied Health Awards, as well as all the nominees and finalists in each category. Each year, the calibre of the nominees is outstanding,鈥 Ms Pearce said.

鈥淥ne of the special aspects of allied health is that it includes disciplines that engage with a person鈥檚 life from birth, right through to aged care and across every area of the health system.鈥

黑料吃瓜网 Health Chief Allied Health Officer Andrew Davison said it was fantastic to see the level of professionalism, clinical excellence, and compassion on display at the Awards.

鈥淭hese Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the expertise of allied health professionals and reflect on the impact they make to improve patient experience and outcomes,鈥 Mr Davison said.

The winners in each of the seven categories are:

  • Allied Health Professional of the Year Dr Bernadette Brady, South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD)
  • Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year Simone Owen, Hunter New England LHD
  • Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support Person of the Year Jodie Keller, Southern New South Wales LHD
  • Allied Health Researcher of the Year Clinical Associate Professor Sharon Carey, Sydney LHD
  • Allied Health Educator of the Year Rachelle Robinson, South Eastern Sydney LHD
  • Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year Isabella Shearman, Hunter New England LHD
  • Allied Health Leader of the Year Deanne Harris, Hunter New England LHD

For more information, including a full list of finalists, visit 2024 Excellence in Allied Health Awards.