Nominations are now open for the inaugural Western NSW Primary Health Excellence Awards, celebrating the people, projects and organisations making a difference in primary health care across Western and Far West NSW.
The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has launched a six-week campaign that asks the primary health sector and the general public to recognise the individuals and organisations that have made the biggest impact.
WNSW PHN Chief Executive Officer Brad Porter said the awards provide an important opportunity to recognise industry innovation, dedication and leadership.
“Across Western and Far West NSW, we have incredible individuals and organisations delivering high-quality care, often in challenging environments.
“These awards are about recognising that dedication, whether it’s a clinician delivering exceptional care, a service innovating to meet community needs, or a team working in partnership to improve patient outcomes.
Mr Porter said the awards are open to everyone and encouraged the community to get involved.
“Anyone can nominate – colleagues, community members, or individuals can nominate themselves. If you know someone who is making a meaningful contribution to primary health care in our region, we encourage you to put their name forward,” he said.
Key dates
Nominations open: 11 May 2026
Nominations close: 22 June 2026
Awards ceremony: 12 November 2026, Dubbo NSW
Award categories
Excellence in Aboriginal Health – recognising culturally safe, community-led approaches that advance equity and self-determination.
Excellence in General Practice – Quality Improvement & Practice Leadership – recognising leadership and continuous improvement in practice settings.
Excellence in Innovation – recognising innovative, evidence-based and digitally enabled care.
Excellence in Primary Care – Organisation – recognising system-level leadership in delivering integrated, high-quality care.
Emerging Leader Award – recognising early-career professionals demonstrating strong leadership potential.
Recognition of Service – acknowledging long-term contribution to the primary health workforce.
Mr Porter said the award categories reflect the diversity of the primary health sector.
“Primary health care is delivered by a wide range of professionals – from general practice and allied health, Mental Health to Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, aged care and community services professionals.
“We want to see that diversity reflected in the nominations so we can celebrate the scale of services delivered in our region,” he said.
Submit a nomination
- Go to the Primary Health Excellence Awards page
- Complete and submit the online nomination form for your category of choice
- All nomination guidelines and eligibility criteria are on the website
WNSW PHN is delivering a short online webinar on 20 May 2026, which will provide guidance on how to submit a nomination and tips for preparing a strong application.
Celebrating the sector
Mr Porter said the awards ceremony in November will be a fantastic way to celebrate the primary health sector in the region.
“The awards ceremony in Dubbo will bring together our primary health community to spotlight their achievements, share stories and celebrate the impact of this work across Western and Far West NSW,” he said.
