Acknowledging significant and long-time contribution, 12 outstanding primary health professionals in Western and Far West NSW will be honoured with a Recognition of Service Award at the 2026 Western NSW Primary Health Excellence Awards.

The Recognition of Service Award celebrates commitment, professionalism and lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of communities across Western NSW.

This year’s recipients represent more than four centuries of combined service across general practice, nursing, Aboriginal health, diagnostic imaging, mental health, community care, education, and workforce development.

Together, they have shaped healthcare services, mentored future generations, and improved access to care for thousands of people living in regional, rural, and remote communities in rural NSW.

Elyce Bennett: Bringing essential imaging closer to home (Bogan Shire)

For six years, Elyce Bennett has improved access to diagnostic imaging for people across rural and remote Western NSW through her expertise, leadership, and commitment to patient care.

Since joining Bogan Shire Medical Centre in 2020, she has expanded local ultrasound services, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for essential scans. Her work has supported earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, and better continuity of care for thousands of patients.

From supporting high-risk pregnancies to providing urgent vascular imaging and helping deliver earlier cancer diagnoses, Elyce’s contribution has strengthened local healthcare services and improved patient outcomes. Her commitment to quality care and workforce development continues to build confidence in healthcare close to home.

Dr Ian Spencer OAM: A lifetime dedicated to rural medicine (Wellington)

For more than 45 years, Dr Ian Spencer OAM has provided outstanding care to rural communities while helping train the next generation of country doctors.

After establishing practices in Bourke and later Wellington, Dr Spencer became one of Australia’s most respected rural GPs and medical educators. Since 1983, he has supervised and mentored GP registrars, sharing the practical knowledge and wisdom gained through decades of rural practice.

Despite his remarkable career, Dr Spencer remains a full-time GP and strong advocate for rural healthcare. His influence extends far beyond the patients he has cared for, with countless doctors benefiting from his guidance, support, and encouragement. His lifelong dedication has strengthened both rural communities and the rural medical workforce.

Michele Pitt: Driving better healthcare in Broken Hill (Broken Hill)

For more than 50 years, Michele Pitt has worked to improve healthcare access and outcomes for communities across Far West NSW.

As Clinical and Strategic Project Officer at Broken Hill GP Super Clinic, Michele has secured funding through 12 successful grant applications, supporting new services, workforce initiatives, and expanded care for local communities.

Her achievements include helping establish one of the first NSW general practices accredited for HbA1C Point-of-Care Testing, reintroducing Yellow Fever vaccination services and strengthening continuity of care for aged care residents through MyMedicare participation.

A passionate advocate for innovation and workforce sustainability, Michele has helped create new opportunities for students, trainees, and healthcare professionals. Her dedication has left a lasting mark on healthcare services throughout the region.

Tongia Fox: Championing the wellbeing of Aboriginal men (Forbes)

Tongia Fox has made a significant contribution to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal men, families, and communities through culturally safe and community-led approaches.

Working with Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation, Tongia has created safe spaces where Aboriginal men can connect with culture, community, and support services. His work sees him leading men’s groups, wellbeing activities, training opportunities, and individual support programs shaped by community needs.

The strong relationships he has built have encouraged many participants to engage with support services for the first time. Through cultural respect, community engagement and genuine care, Tongia has strengthened wellbeing, resilience, and leadership within his local community.

Dr Sandra Gaffney: Four decades of caring for rural communities (Dubbo)

For more than 40 years, Dr Sandra Gaffney has provided trusted and compassionate care to communities across Dubbo, Cobar, and Western NSW.

Her career has spanned general practice, emergency medicine, palliative care, aged care, and hospital-based medicine. Throughout that time, she has supported generations of families while helping ensure people can access quality healthcare close to home.

Since 2015, Dr Gaffney has also mentored medical students through the John Flynn Placement Program, inspiring future doctors to pursue careers in rural medicine. Her dedication, professionalism and generosity have made a lasting difference to both patients and the future healthcare workforce.

Professor Ross Wilson: A life dedicated to rural health (Bathurst)

For more than 50 years, Professor Ross Wilson has combined clinical excellence, education, and advocacy to strengthen healthcare across regional Australia.

A highly respected rural GP, Professor Wilson has spent decades caring for patients in the Bathurst region while also helping train and mentor future healthcare professionals through leadership roles with Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University.

His influence has extended well beyond the consulting room. Through advocacy, teaching, and workforce development, he has helped strengthen access to healthcare, promote rural training opportunities, and support the sustainability of regional health services. His legacy continues to shape the future of rural healthcare.

Nicolla Parr: Compassion, expertise, and community service (Molong)

For more than 30 years, Nicolla Parr has provided exceptional nursing care to communities across regional NSW.

Following a long career as a high-dependency cardiac nurse at Orange Health Service, Nic has spent the past four years supporting patients through Molong HealthOne. Known for her warm and reassuring manner, she delivers high-quality care while responding confidently to both urgent and ongoing health needs.

Her ability to build trust, provide comfort and support patients through challenging circumstances has made her a highly valued healthcare professional within her community. Her contribution reflects the critical role nurses play in delivering person-centred care.

Dr Jennifer Geraghty: A lifetime of service and workforce development (Dubbo)

For 35 years, Dr Jennifer Geraghty has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes for communities across Western NSW.

Since beginning practice in Dubbo in 1991, she has provided compassionate care through general practice, outreach services, Aboriginal health programs, hospital care, and community health initiatives.

Alongside her clinical work, Dr Geraghty has become a respected educator, GP supervisor, and mentor. Through her teaching and support of emerging healthcare professionals, she has influenced generations of doctors who continue to strengthen healthcare in regional communities.

As she prepares to retire this year, her legacy can be seen in both the patients she has cared for and the healthcare professionals she has inspired.

Bonny Stephens: Supporting carers across Western NSW (Orange)

Bonny Stephens has made a lasting difference to the lives of carers throughout Western NSW.

As Manager of the Carer Gateway Program, Bonny has helped strengthen support for people caring for family members experiencing ageing, disability, dementia, serious illness, and grief. Her leadership has ensured carers receive practical information, emotional support, and opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges.

Through education programs, community engagement and workforce development, Bonny has helped create a more compassionate and supportive environment for carers across the region.

Helen Callanan: Building confidence through compassionate conversations (Orange)

Helen Callanan has played an important role in improving community understanding of death, dying, bereavement, and end-of-life care.

Through her leadership in Dying to Know Day events and community education initiatives, she has helped people feel more confident discussing topics that are often considered difficult or uncomfortable.

By bringing together health services, aged care providers and community organisations, Helen has strengthened awareness of advance care planning and helped create safe spaces for meaningful conversations. Her work continues to build more informed and compassionate communities across Western NSW.

Dr Annie Fardell Hartley: Advancing rural mental health and suicide prevention (Dubbo)

For more than 25 years, Dr Annie Fardell Hartley has worked tirelessly to improve mental health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

Her contribution spans clinical practice, research, education, advocacy, and suicide prevention. Born and raised in Dubbo, Annie has remained deeply connected to rural communities while contributing to mental health initiatives at local, state, and national levels.

A passionate advocate for suicide prevention, she has supported numerous organisations and community programs focused on building resilience, strengthening connections and improving access to evidence-based care. Through her leadership and research, she continues to drive meaningful change in mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Ken Hazelton: Four decades of leadership in rural general practice (Orange)

Since establishing practice in Orange in 1981, Dr Ken Hazelton has combined clinical excellence with leadership in education, service development, and public health advocacy.

For more than 40 years, he has provided high-quality care while helping shape the future of rural medicine through his work as an educator, GP supervisor, and mentor. Generations of rural doctors have benefited from his guidance and support.

Dr Hazelton has also been a longstanding advocate for vulnerable communities, particularly in HIV prevention and treatment. His leadership in establishing multidisciplinary services, including the High-Risk Foot Clinic at Orange Base Hospital, has improved outcomes for countless patients.

Together, the recipients of the 2026 Recognition of Service Award represent the passion, commitment, and dedication we are proud to honour as part of this awards program. Their dedication, expertise and commitment have improved lives, strengthened our communities, and helped build a stronger primary health system.