Nominate Now!

Award Categories

The following award categories seek to recognise and acknowledge health professionals working in rural and remote Western Australia:

Nominations Open: Wednesday 1 July 2026

Nominations Close: Wednesday 2 September 2026 5.00pm

Eligibility

Please review the below eligibility for all nominations, noting some categories also have their own specific eligibility.

  • At the time of the nomination, all nominees must be delivering health services to rural and remote communities on the mainland of Western Australia, defined as MMM2-7 locations.
  • Unless otherwise stated, at the time of the nomination, nominees must have delivered services in rural WA location for more than two years.
  • Nominations must be submitted by the closing date (2 September 2026) via the official online portal. 
  • Nominations can be submitted by supervisors, peers and organisations. We do not accept self-nominations outside of the Health Team of the Year Award.
  • Community members can submit a nomination for the Health Service Contributor of the Year Award
  • All nominations must be endorsed by a colleague, supervisor or professional peer of the nominee. 
ABORIGINAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises an Aboriginal health professional who delivers culturally safe, responsive, and compassionate care in rural WA. They demonstrate a deep personal and professional commitment to Aboriginal health and actively work to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Selection Criteria:

  • Outline the nominee's career in rural health, including qualifications and service history in Aboriginal health.
  • Describe how the nominee provides person-centred care by collaborating with patients, families, communities and/or healthcare teams. 
  • Provide specific examples of their positive impact on health and wellbeing of the community.

Category Specific Criteria:

  • Nominee must identify as Aboriginal
ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises an allied health professional who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural communities. They demonstrate excellence in service delivery and active contribution to rural health.

Selection Criteria:

  • Outline how the nominee has established their career in rural health. Include a summary of their career and qualifications including length of service in rural practice. 
  • Outline the exceptional qualities of the allied health professional that demonstrate they deserve consideration for this award. 
  • Provide examples of the allied health professional's contribution to the community with specific focus on the positive impact this has had on the wellbeing of the community.

Eligible Allied Health Professions:

  • Aboriginal health worker/health practitioner, allied health assistant/therapy assistant, audiologist, chiropractor, dental hygenist and therapist, dentist, diabetes educator, dietitian, exercise physiologist, mental health professional, nutritionist, occupational therapist, optometrist, paramedic, pharmacist, physiotherapist, psychologist, podiatrist, radiographer, sonographer, speech pathologist
CLINICAL LEADER OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a health professional whose leadership has driven improvements in patient care, access or safety in rural WA. They inspire excellence, foster collaboration and serve as a role model in rural healthcare.

Selection Criteria:

  • Outline the nominee's career and experience in rural practice.
  • Provide examples of leadership in areas such as patient safety, satisfaction or access to care.
  • Describe how their leadership has positively influenced peers and improved community health.
EARLY CAREER HEALTH PROFESIONAL OF THE YEAR

Previously known as Young Professional of the Year

This award celebrates an emerging health professional who shows exceptional promise, leadership and dedication to rural health.

Selection Criteria:

  • Outline the nominee’s early career journey and rural experience, including examples of their contribution to health outcomes, service quality, or safety.
  • Provide examples of how the nominee has demonstrated leadership, initiative, or a proactive approach within their role or team.
  • Show how the nominee engages with the community, colleagues, or professional networks, including involvement in community or volunteer activities where relevant.

Category Specific Criteria:

  • At the time of nomination, nominees must be within the first five years of practicing in their current health profession in a rural or remote location.
GENERAL PRACTITIONER (GP) OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a general practitioner or rural generalist who has shown exceptional commitment to rural healthcare. The nominee consistently delivers high-quality clinical care and engages deeply with their community. 

Selection Criteria:

  • Summarise the nominee's rural career and qualifications.
  • Detail how they have maintained excellence in service, including innovative service delivery models or additional clinical or procedural skills.
  • Provide community impact examples that demonstrate improved health outcomes. 
HEALTH SERVICE CONTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

Previously known as Community Health Professional of the Year

This award recognises an individual working within the rural and remote health system who has made a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of individuals, families, or communities through their contribution, care, and commitment. Nominees may include clinical professionals, support staff, administrative personnel, or others working within health services whose role contributes to positive health outcomes and experiences. This award provides an opportunity for patients, families, carers, and community members to share personal stories that highlight the impact of the nominee’s work.

Selection Criteria:

  • Describe how the nominee has made a meaningful difference to the health, wellbeing, or experience of individuals or the broader community.
  • Provide examples of how the nominee demonstrates compassion, dedication, or excellence in their role, regardless of whether their work is clinical or non-clinical.
  • Explain how the nominee’s actions have improved access to care, service delivery, or the overall experience for patients, families, or community members.

Who Can Be Nominated:

This award is open to individuals working within the health system, including:

  • Clinical staff
  • Administrative and support staff
  • Operational or coordination roles
  • Any role contributing to health service delivery
HEALTH TEAM OF THE YEAR

Previously known as Building Healthy Country Communities

This award recognises a team or service that has delivered significant improvements to rural and remote health outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and excellence in care and service delivery. Teams may include a mix of clinical professionals, support staff, administrative personnel, and other roles contributing to the planning, coordination, and delivery of health services.

Selection Criteria:

  • Describe the team’s work and the measurable or meaningful benefits achieved for individuals or the broader rural community.
  • Highlight how the team worked together and with other agencies, services, or community groups to deliver coordinated and effective care.
  • Explain how the initiative or service has created ongoing, positive change, including improvements to access, service delivery, or community wellbeing.

Category Specific Criteria:

  • Can be self-nominated
  • Open to multidisciplinary teams, including clinical and non-clinical members
  • Can be metro based but must be delivering outreach services in MMM 2-7 locations
NURSE OR MIDWIFE OF THE YEAR

This award recognises a nurse or midwife who has consistently delivered high-quality care, exceeded role expectations, and contributed meaningfully to their rural community.

Selection Criteria:

  • Summarise the nominee's rural nursing or midwifery career.
  • Provide examples of professional excellence and patient outcomes.
  • Describe the nominee's contributions to their community.
SPECIALIST (NON-GP) OF THE YEAR

This award recgnises a medical specialist who provides exceptional care and leadership in rural WA either as a resident or visiting specialist.

Selection Criteria:

  • Outline the nominee's rural career and experience.
  • Describe their commitment to continuity of care and mentorship.
  • Provide examples of how they contribute to workforce development and teamwork.