The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is proud to announce the finalists in this year’s inaugural awards program, celebrating excellence in primary care across the Western and Far West NSW region.
WNSW PHN has developed the awards program to showcase the outstanding individuals, organisations and services making a difference to the health and wellbeing of communities across the region. The awards will culminate in a gala evening event in Dubbo on 12 November 2026, bringing together health professionals, community organisations and stakeholders to celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership and long-term contribution within the primary care sector.
The awards program aims to strengthen relationships across the primary health sector and highlight the contribution of people and organisations improving health outcomes in our regional communities.
An independent external judging panel of respected health leaders and clinicians have selected the winners and finalists across five award categories, with the winners under embargo until 12 November 2026.
Meet our finalists
Excellence in General Practice
- Broken Hill GP Super Clinic
- Williams Street Surgery
- WeCare Health
Excellence in Aboriginal Health
- Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC)
- Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service
- Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Services
- Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation
Excellence in Innovation
- Orange City Council – My Care Future
- Western NSW Local Health District Healthy Ageing Team
- Connected Care in the Community – Risk of Hospitalisation (ROH) Collaborative
Excellence in Primary Care
- Mission Australia – The Way Back Universal Aftercare Service
- Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (South Eastern Section)
- Orange City Council – My Care Future
Emerging Leader Award
- Dr Guozhi (George) Zhang
- Dr Pavan Tumkur Phanindra
- Dr Rebecca Gough
In addition to these categories, 12 individuals will receive Recognition of Service Awards on the night to acknowledge their long-term contributions to the primary healthcare sector across Western and Far West NSW.
The Recognition of Service Award recipients are:
- Elyce Bennett
- Michele Pitt
- Dr Sandra Gaffney
- Nicola Parr
- Bonny Stephens
- Helen Callanan
- Dr Annie Fardell Hartley
- Dr Ken Hazelton
- Dr Ian Spencer OAM
- Tongia Fox
- Professor Ross Wilson
- Dr Jennifer Geraghty
Summer Hunt, CEO of the Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC) said the organisation was humbled to be recognised as a finalist in the Excellence in Aboriginal Health category.
“This acknowledgement reflects the dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire CHAC team and, most importantly, the privilege we have to provide care and support to our community.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in the awards and selection process. We are grateful to be recognised alongside others doing such important work in Western NSW.”
Overwhelmed by the response
WNSW PHN Chief Executive Officer Brendon Cutmore said the quality of nominations received highlights the depth of talent, innovation and commitment across the region’s primary health care workforce.
“Primary care professionals and organisations are delivering exceptional care, often in challenging circumstances. These awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the positive impact the primary care sector has on the health and wellbeing of our communities.
“Earlier this year, we received more than 60 nominations, and we were overwhelmed by the number and the calibre of nominations received.
“We are incredibly excited to bring the sector together in November to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the positive impacts on the communities in our region,” Mr Cutmore said.
“Remarkable dedication, clinical courage and deep community impact”
Independent judging panel member Dr Joseph Grace said selecting finalists and winners was a challenge due to the exceptional standard of nominations received.
“The standard of all the nominations across the board was exceptionally high. Selecting the winners was a genuine challenge, as every single submission demonstrated remarkable dedication, clinical courage, and deep community impact in the face of unique regional challenges.
“It has been a deeply inspiring privilege to review their work. Thank you once again for leading such a meaningful and worthwhile initiative,” Dr Grace said.
Tickets on sale now
Tickets for the 2026 Western NSW Primary Health Excellence Awards are now available and will remain on sale until mid-October, with finalists, health professionals, community organisations, stakeholders encouraged to attend.
The dress code is evening glam (black tie optional). Formal evening attire is encouraged including cocktail dresses, gowns, suits and tuxedos.
The awards evening will be held in Dubbo on 12 November 2026.
For more information about the awards or to purchase tickets, visit the Western NSW Primary Health Excellence Awards webpage.
