Southern NSW Local Health District has honoured more than 100 staff members at its 2025 Excellence Awards, held at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre.

Awards were presented across 21 categories recognising achievements in safety, innovation, sustainability, workplace culture, and patient care.

This year’s nominations highlighted the dedication and professionalism of staff from across the district’s diverse services and locations.

Southern NSW Local Health District’s Chief Executive Margaret Bennett presented the Chief Executive’s Award to the Clinical Products Procurement and the Nursing and Midwifery Leadership teams, in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

Board Chair Elizabeth Hoskins presented the prestigious Board Chair Award to Southern’s Research Office team for its significant impact on health research in the region.

District Director of Pharmacy, Alice McKellar, received the Dr Allan Hawke AC Outstanding Leadership Award, recognising her exemplary leadership and influence across the District. Ms McKellar’s team was also recognised for its work improving antimicrobial stewardship in rural settings through virtual clinical rounds, earning both the Keeping People Healthy Award and the ACI Rural Innovation Award.

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said “I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the winners, those nominated, and all the district’s health care workers, who care for the community every day.”

Chief Executive of the Southern NSW Local Health District, Margaret Bennett

“Our staff bring warmth, skill and a deep sense of responsibility to their work. These awards are just one way we can celebrate the passion they bring to our services every day.

“We’re incredibly proud of our staff. Their creativity, collaboration and care are shaping better health outcomes for our communities.

“I’m constantly inspired by the calibre of people we have working across Southern NSW Local Health District. Their work often goes unseen, but it never goes unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do.”

2025 Award Winners Individual Awards

Dr Allan Hawke AC Award for Outstanding Leadership

Winner: Alice McKellar, District Director of Pharmacy Location: Goulburn

Care and Kindness Award

Winner: Clare Calo, Physiotherapist

Location: Queanbeyan

Commitment to Service Award

Winner: Victoria Holland, Associate Director People Services Location: Queanbeyan

Collaborative Staff Member of the Year

Winner: Hayley Lewis, Safe Start Coordinator

Location: Bega Valley

Corporate Support Staff Member of the Year

Winner: Tracy Ryan, Manager Workforce Systems and Analytics Location: Goulburn

Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Darian Jirrup-Jirrup McLeod, Palliative Care Volunteer Service

Location: Eurobodalla

Emerging Leader Award

Winner: Fauve D’Souza, Senior Eating Disorder Clinician Location: Queanbeyan

Elevate Award

Winner: Emily Guy, A/Manager Community Health and Integrated Care, Inland Network

Location: Queanbeyan

Team Awards

Board Chair Award

Winner: Research Office

Location: District-wide

Chief Executive’s Award (Joint winners)

Winner: Nurse Unit Manager / Maternity Unit Manager Pathways 2024

Location: District-wide

Winner: DeliverEASE – Procurement Clinical Product Team Location: District-wide