In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2025 and its theme "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy", Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) proudly honours the outstanding contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff through an inaugural NAIDOC Awards.
This year’s recipients exemplify leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations people.
Each recipient was celebrated at a breakfast awards ceremony in Bundaberg.
Health Professional of the Year – Aunty Sandra Fraser
Menu Monitor
With over four decades of dedicated service Aunty Sandra Fraser has been a force within Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service. As a long-serving member of the catering team and now Menu Monitor, her commitment to patient wellbeing and culturally responsive care has left a lasting mark on the organisation and the community it serves.
Aunty Sandra’s work has directly contributed to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader patient cohort. Her diligence, kindness, and attention to detail ensure that meals are more than just nourishment, they are a vital part of a patient’s care experience.
A mentor, a role model, and a steady presence, Aunty Sandra exemplifies the true meaning of legacy. She has supported generations of staff and patients, always leading with humility and a strong moral compass. Through challenges and change, she has remained committed to equity, compassion, and excellence in service.
Allied Health Professional of the Year – Tamara Olive
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advanced Health Worker, Social Work - Bundaberg
Tamara Olive brings unmatched dedication and heart to her role. She builds meaningful rapport with patients and staff, tirelessly advocates for the best outcomes, and ensures continuity of care well beyond discharge.
Tamara’s work often goes unseen but never unappreciated.
Her advocacy, mentorship, and willingness to support her team’s wellbeing are deeply admired. Her humility and relentless pursuit of patient-centred care are testament to her exceptional service.
Community Health Hero – Aunty Jennette Springham
Community Elder – Bundaberg
Aunty Jenny is widely known as a cornerstone of cultural wisdom and community leadership in Bundaberg.
Her volunteer work, participation on advisory committees, and guidance across health, domestic violence, and ambulance recruitment initiatives are just a few examples of her selfless contribution.
Aunty Jenny is not only a valued Elder but a respected leader whose advice helps shape local governance and community services.
Her unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people makes her a truly deserving recipient of this honour.
Nurse or Midwife of the Year – Melanie Pope
Enrolled Nurse – Eidsvold MPHS
Melanie was recognised for her cultural humility, clinical excellence, and unwavering kindness.
Melanie’s calm and compassionate nature allows her to connect deeply with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, often serving as a cultural guide and mentor to her colleagues.
Selected to attend the Indigenous Nurses Conference in Western Australia, Melanie continues to inspire her peers and enrich her workplace with new ideas.
She is a powerful advocate for inclusive and culturally safe healthcare.
Young Warrior of the Year – Taylor O’Grady
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advanced Health Worker Trainee, First 2000 Days – Bundaberg
Taylor has quickly become a rising star within WBHHS.
With energy, compassion, and a strong sense of justice, Taylor is building powerful networks, advocating for youth, and championing health equity.
She actively contributes to community boards and education initiatives, using her voice to ensure young people are heard.
In less than a year, Taylor has made a lasting impact proving that leadership and courage have no age limit.
Health Team of the Year – Galangoor Duwalami Mums and Bubs (Fraser Coast)
The Galangoor Duwalami Primary Health Service has shown extraordinary community spirit and partnership in response to recent flooding.
By opening their doors to the Child Health team, Maternity Midwifery Group Practice, and more, they ensured essential services could continue without disruption.
Their collaboration with WBHHS was seamless and generous, reflecting their unwavering commitment to family and community health. Leaders Stevan Ober and Kim along with their dedicated staff, embody the very best of community-led care.