Finalists announced for the 2026 Primary Health Care Excellence Awards

We are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Primary Health Care Excellence Awards, recognising the exceptional individuals and teams making a difference to primary health care across Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast.

The awards celebrate the dedication, innovation and achievements of health professionals and organisations working to improve health outcomes, strengthen local services and deliver high-quality, person-centred care to communities across our region.

This year, we received an outstanding response, with nominations highlighting the remarkable work taking place across general practice, Aboriginal health, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, mental health, aged care and primary care administration.

From innovative models of care and improved access to services to decades of dedicated service, the nominations reflect the passion, leadership and commitment of our region’s primary health care workforce.

Healthy North Coast congratulates all nominees and finalists for their contributions and the positive impact they continue to make in their communities.

We are delighted to recognise the following individuals and teams shortlisted across 11 award categories.

Individual Awards

Aboriginal Health Worker or Practitioner Excellence Award

• Michelle Sinclair – Galambila Aboriginal Health Service, Coffs Harbour
• Tarlee Atkinson – Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service, Ballina
• Tyarna Larkin – Human Nature Adventure Therapy, Ballina

Allied Health Professional Excellence Award

• Amanda O’Neill – Coffs Neuro Physio, Coffs Harbour
• Anne Peters – Mid North Coast Allied Health, Coffs Harbour
• Heidi Mortimer – Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre, Coffs Harbour
• Pip Cullen – All Together Therapy, Port Macquarie
• Samantha Ross – Mid North Coast Allied Health, Port Macquarie

Early Career Clinician Excellence Award

• Beck Ellis – headspace Coffs Harbour
• Hunter Leishman – Mid North Coast Allied Health, Port Macquarie
• Tahlia Duroux-Lancaster – Durri ACMS, Nambucca

The Dr Michael Davis Award for GP Excellence

• Dr Deepti Tyagi – Rose Avenue Medical Practice, Coffs Harbour
• Dr Maxine Percival – Maclean Medical, Lower Clarence
• Dr Natalie Lindsay – Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service, Ballina
• Dr Nathan Taylor – Galambila Aboriginal Health Service, Coffs Harbour

Nurse Excellence Award

• Kate Kenna – OneBridge, Ballina
• Kayley Meredith – Coffs Medical Centre, Coffs Harbour
• Samantha McConnell – Ballina Family Medical Centre, Ballina

Pharmacist Excellence Award

• Penny Lee – Wellness Partners Foundation, Lismore
• Warda Alil – TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour

Practice Care Admin Excellence Award

• Casey Shorter – Macksville Medical Centre, Macksville
• Linda Goodwin – Maclean Medical, Lower Clarence
• Simone Balzer – Social Futures / headspace, Northern Rivers

Team Awards

Excellence in Delivery of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health

• Big Uncles and Tiddas – headspace Grafton
• Durri Youth AOD Program – Durri ACMS, Macleay and Nambucca
• Fit Mob – Our Waybarra Way – Hastings Physio & Health, Werin Aboriginal Corporation and partners, Port Macquarie

Excellence and Innovation in Primary Care for Aged Care Residents

• Dr May Thu Zaw & Arthur Hein / Woopi Medical Centre Team – Coffs Coast
• Enhanced Primary Access Team – Flynns Beach Medical Centre, Port Macquarie
• Penny Lee & Jess – Wellness Partners Foundation, Northern NSW

Excellence in Innovation (Digital Health, Evaluation & Research)

• Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic – Health Voyage / Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre
• Evans Head Medical Centre – Evans Head
• Human Nature Adventure Therapy – Northern Rivers

Excellence in Delivery of Mental Health in Primary Care

• headspace Grafton – Clarence Valley
• Lismore Medicare Mental Health Centre Team – Lismore
• The Way Back NSW North Coast – The Buttery, North Coast

Alongside our finalists, Healthy North Coast is proud to acknowledge the recipients of the Recognition of Service Award, honouring individuals who have dedicated 20 years or more to primary health care.

This year’s recipients represent an extraordinary commitment to their professions and communities, with service spanning from 20 years to an incredible 60 years.

Their careers reflect generations of care, leadership, mentorship and service development, helping shape and sustain primary health care across the North Coast.

20–30 Years of Service

• Dr Mark Smith – Evolve Medical
• Dr Robert Clarke – Greenmeadows Medical Centre
• Paul Morris – Durri ACMS
• Dr Dan Ewald – Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service
• Dr Michael Lambrou – Woodburn Health
• Dr Stephen Purss – Flynns Beach Medical Centre
• Karina Masterson – Bay Centre Medical Clinic
• Kayla Bennett – Durri ACMS

31–40 Years of Service

• Dr Anthony Adams – Star Street Medical Centre
• Dr Sam Bouwer – Emmaus Home
• Dr Robert Paton – Star Street Medical Centre
• Dr Richard Deaker – The Lismore Clinic
• Berry Jones – Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre

41–49 Years of Service

• Dr Jane Reffell – Remi Menopause Clinic
• Dr Gregory Bernard Hunter – Riverside General Practice
• Dr Warwick Hain – Jenrik Health
• Megan Savins – Alstonville Medical Centre

50+ Years of Service

• Dr David Cooke – Lighthouse Medical Centre
• Gayleen Aldridge – Your Family Practice
• Dr David Weston Allen – Kingscliff Health

The 2026 Primary Health Care Excellence Awards Evening will take place on Thursday 26 November 2026 at Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour.

The evening will bring together health professionals, colleagues and partners from across the region to celebrate excellence, recognise achievements and acknowledge the people and teams strengthening primary health care in our communities.

Healthy North Coast extends its congratulations to every finalist, nominee and Recognition of Service recipient. Your dedication, compassion and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of people across the North Coast.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Purchase tickets to the 2026 Primary Health Care Excellence Awards