Healthy North Coast
2026 Primary Health Care Excellence Awards

Awarded to a North Coast general practitioner who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and delivery of care. The nominee will have demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: developing a flagship service; developing prevention and self-management strategies; designing, developing or implementing a new model of care; embedding continuous quality improvement processes and strategy within the business; introducing a general practice leadership initiative that directly contributed to improved health outcomes or patient experiences; or fostering a positive workplace culture that enhanced service effectiveness and promoted team wellbeing. 

In simple terms: This award recognises GPs whose leadership has significantly improved how primary care is delivered in their community. 

Example  

This general practitioner has shown strong leadership by developing a specialised service within general practice that improved access for patients who previously faced long wait times or fragmented care. They brought together GPs, allied health professionals and external specialists to create clear pathways, embedded continuous quality improvement, and actively mentored registrars and junior doctors. Their leadership has improved patient experience, strengthened team culture, and created a sustainable service that responds to local community needs. 

Awarded for outstanding primary care nursing leadership and achievement. The nominee will have demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: developing a flagship service; developing prevention and self-management strategies; designing, developing or implementing a nurse-led model of care; embedding continuous quality improvement processes and strategy within the business; introducing a nursing initiative that directly contributed to improved health outcomes or patient experiences; or fostering a positive workplace culture that enhanced service effectiveness and promoted team wellbeing. 

In simple terms: This award recognises primary care nurses whose leadership has significantly improved how primary care is delivered in their community. 

Example  

This nurse led the development of a nurse‑led clinic that provided timely, low‑cost care for patients with acute and chronic health needs. They played a central role in re‑engaging patients who had not accessed care for years, reducing pressure on emergency departments and supporting prevention and self‑management. Through mentoring colleagues and using digital tools to streamline care, their leadership improved access, continuity, and patient confidence in the local health service. 

Awarded for outstanding primary care allied health leadership and achievement. The nominee will have demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: developing a flagship service; improving access to allied health care; designing, developing or implementing a multidisciplinary model of care; supporting prevention, rehabilitation or self-management; embedding continuous quality improvement; introducing an allied health initiative that improved health outcomes or patient experiences; or fostering a positive workplace culture that enhanced service effectiveness and promoted team wellbeing. 

In simple terms: This award recognises allied health professionals whose leadership has significantly improved access, outcomes or continuity of care in their community. 

Example  

This allied health professional developed a multidisciplinary model of care that improved access and outcomes for people with complex health and social needs. They worked closely with general practice, community services and other allied health disciplines to create clearer referral pathways, support self-management and reduce gaps in care. Their leadership strengthened collaboration, improved patient experience and helped embed a sustainable approach to holistic primary care. 

Awarded for outstanding pharmacist leadership and achievement in primary care. The nominee will have demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: improving medication safety; developing pharmacy-led prevention or self-management strategies; supporting chronic disease management; introducing medication review, deprescribing, immunisation or health literacy initiatives; collaborating with general practice and other providers; embedding continuous quality improvement; or fostering a positive workplace culture that enhanced service effectiveness and promoted team wellbeing. 

In simple terms: This award recognises pharmacists whose leadership has improved medication safety, patient outcomes or integration between pharmacy and primary care. 

Example  

This pharmacist introduced innovative pharmacy‑led services that improved medication safety and chronic disease management for patients in the community. By working closely with GPs and nurses, they helped ensure medications were used safely and effectively, particularly for patients with complex needs. Their leadership in education and collaboration strengthened integration between pharmacy and primary care, leading to better health outcomes and patient confidence. 

Awarded for outstanding Aboriginal Health Worker or Practitioner leadership and achievement in primary care. The nominee will have demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: developing a flagship service; developing prevention and self-management strategies; designing, developing or implementing a culturally safe model of care; embedding continuous quality improvement; introducing an initiative that directly contributed to improved outcomes or experiences for First Nations people; supporting Aboriginal workforce leadership; or fostering a positive workplace culture that enhanced service effectiveness and promoted team wellbeing. 

In simple terms: This award recognises Aboriginal Health Workers or Practitioners whose leadership has strengthened culturally safe, community-led primary care. 

Example  

This Aboriginal Health Worker led the development of culturally safe, community-informed care that supported Aboriginal people and communities to navigate complex health and disability systems. Working closely with community and Elders, they improved access to services through clear communication, advocacy and trust-building. Their leadership also supported Aboriginal workforce development and helped embed cultural safety across the broader care team, resulting in stronger engagement and improved outcomes. 

Awarded to a practice manager, administrative staff member, care coordinator or support team member who has demonstrated dedication, innovation and leadership in a primary care setting. The nominee will have demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: developing flagship services for communities; designing, developing or implementing a new model of care; improving systems, workflows or patient access; embedding continuous quality improvement processes; introducing an initiative that directly contributed to improved health outcomes or patient experiences; or fostering a positive workplace culture that enhanced service effectiveness and promoted team wellbeing. 

In simple terms: This award recognises practice managers, administration staff, care coordinators and support staff whose leadership has improved how primary care is delivered in their community. 

Example  

This practice administration leader played a pivotal role in transforming how a busy primary care service operates. They led the implementation of new systems and workflows that improved patient flow, supported the introduction of new services, and strengthened staff wellbeing. Through calm leadership during periods of significant change, they enabled clinicians to focus on care delivery, resulting in improved patient experience and a more resilient, high‑performing team. 

This award recognises a clinician in their first five years of practice after graduation in primary health care, such as a GP registrar, nurse, allied health professional, pharmacist or Aboriginal Health Worker or Practitioner, who demonstrates exceptional initiative, leadership potential and a commitment to improving health outcomes. The recipient will have shown dedication to learning, collaboration and innovation in their early career, with a focus on equity and community impact. 

In simple terms: This award recognises clinicians in their first five years of practice after graduation whose emerging leadership has improved how primary care is delivered in their community. 

Example  

This early‑career clinician demonstrated leadership beyond their expected scope by identifying a gap in care and leading a quality improvement initiative to address it. They collaborated with colleagues across disciplines to redesign a pathway that improved access and continuity for patients. Through curiosity, commitment to learning, and a strong focus on equity, they have already made a meaningful contribution to improving primary care in their community. 

This is for individuals who have displayed excellence and consistent dedication to providing quality primary care in our region for 20 or more years.  

Example 

This nominee has dedicated more than two decades to providing consistent, high‑quality primary care to communities across the region. Over many years, they have supported patients through changing circumstances, mentored colleagues, and remained committed to equity and compassionate care. Their long‑standing service has left a lasting impact on patients, families and the primary care workforce 

Awarded to the organisation, clinic/team, and/or service provider that has demonstrated outstanding innovation in primary care. 

Example  

This team identified a significant barrier to access and designed an innovative service to address it using new models of care and digital tools. They tested, evaluated and refined the approach to ensure it met patient needs, particularly for those in regional and underserved communities. The initiative demonstrated clear improvements in access and outcomes and has been embedded into routine practice to ensure long‑term sustainability. 

This is for an organisation, clinic or team that is responsive to the diversity of, and differences in, our communities to address health inequalities for First Nations people.  

Example   

This organisation worked in genuine partnership with Aboriginal community members and Elders to co‑design a culturally safe program that addressed a priority health issue. Care was delivered in ways that respected culture, strengthened trust, and supported Aboriginal workforce leadership. The program led to improved engagement, early identification of health needs, and positive feedback from community about feeling heard and supported. 

Awarded to a general practice, residential aged care home, or partnership between a general practice and residential aged care home that has developed an effective and innovative model of primary care for aged care residents. This award recognises partnerships that strengthen routine and regular care, improve access to timely clinical support, and ensure residents, families, aged care teams and GPs are well supported, including in areas experiencing GP workforce shortages. 

In simple terms: This award recognises general practices, residential aged care homes or partnerships that have built strong, practical and sustainable primary care models for aged care residents, improving everyday care and reducing avoidable escalation to hospital. 

Example  

A general practice and residential aged care home developed a structured partnership to improve access to timely primary care for residents in a community experiencing GP workforce pressures. The model included regular GP rounding, clear escalation pathways, telehealth support, nurse-led preparation for clinical reviews, stronger communication with families, and proactive care planning for residents with complex or deteriorating health needs. The partnership improved continuity of care, supported aged care staff to respond earlier to changes in residents’ health, strengthened palliative and anticipatory care, and reduced avoidable after-hours escalation or emergency department presentations. 

Excellence in primary mental health care means providing timely, person-centred and culturally safe mental health support or clinical care within a primary care or community setting. This includes early identification, effective intervention and seamless integration with other services to improve mental health and overall wellbeing. This award recognises outstanding innovation, leadership and impact through the delivery of primary care mental health services. 

Example   

This service provides flexible, person‑centred mental health care for people who have struggled to engage with traditional services. Using trauma‑informed and culturally responsive approaches, the team reduced barriers to access and worked closely with families, schools and other services. The program has led to improved wellbeing, stronger engagement, and reduced crisis presentations within the community. 

The HNC Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in primary health care across the North Coast. They honour individuals, teams, and organisations that demonstrate innovation, dedication, and excellence in improving health outcomes in the community. 

Eligible nominees include individuals, teams, and organisations working in primary health care within the Healthy North Coast region. This includes GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers, and administrative staff. Where a category requires registration to practise, nominees must hold current, valid professional registration (for example, AHPRA) and be in good regulatory standing. This does not apply to non-registered roles, such as Aboriginal Health Workers, practice administration staff and self-regulated allied health professionals. 

How do I submit a nomination? 

Nominations can be submitted online via the HNC website. You’ll need to complete a submission form detailing the nominee’s contributions, aligned with the award criteria. 

Individual Awards: 

• The Dr Michael Davis Award for GP Excellence 
• Nurse Excellence Award 
• Allied Health Professional Excellence Award 
• Practice Care Admin Excellence Award 
• Early Career Clinician Excellence Award 
• Aboriginal Health Worker or Practitioner Excellence Award 
• Pharmacist Excellence Award 
• Recognition of Service Award   

Team Awards: 

• Excellence in Innovation (Digital Health, Evaluation & Research) 
• Innovation in Primary Care for Aged Care Residents 
• Excellence in Delivery of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health 
• Excellence in Delivery of Mental Health in Primary Care 

Before shortlisting, all nominations first undergo an eligibility and probity check by the Workforce team, so that only eligible nominations proceed to the judging panels. Nominations will be assessed by an independent judging panel using a structured scoring rubric. Judges will consider how well the nomination aligns with the award category, the impact of the nominee or initiative, relevance to local primary care needs, contribution to equity and access, and the strength of evidence provided. Nominations do not need to be professionally written; clear examples, outcomes, feedback, data or stories are encouraged. 

The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 26 November 2026. The event will be held in person and includes networking opportunities, presentations, and celebration of finalists and winners. 

Yes, nominations must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 4 October 2026. Late submissions may not be considered. 

Yes, self-nominations are welcome. A self-nomination submission will be strengthened by data and/or a letter of support from a colleague or patient. You can also nominate a colleague or another organisation whose work you admire. 

HNC provides a detailed submission guide with tips on writing a strong application, including rubrics, examples and evaluation criteria. 

Finalists and winners will be contacted directly by HNC prior to the awards ceremony. Announcements will be made during and after the event and on HNC’s website and social media channels.  

All judges will declare conflicts of interest prior to assessment. Where a conflict exists, the judge will not assess that submission. An independent scoring process is used to ensure fairness and transparency.

Yes. Where an award category requires registration to practise, nominees must hold current, valid professional registration (for example, AHPRA) and be in good regulatory standing. Before shortlisting, the Workforce team verifies registration and checks for any publicly available regulatory findings or sanctions. Nominees who are not validly registered where required, or whose registration is suspended or cancelled, are not eligible. Registration conditions or notations are considered proportionally rather than resulting in automatic exclusion. This requirement does not apply to non-registered roles, such as Aboriginal Health Workers, practice administration staff and self-regulated allied health professionals.