Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff from across the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) were recognised for their exceptional contributions during a special celebration marking NAIDOC Week 2026.
Embracing this year's theme, "50 Years of Deadly”, the annual WBHHS NAIDOC Blak Excellence Awards breakfast honoured staff who continue to make a lasting impact on colleagues, patients and communities.
Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Paul Weir said the WBHHS NAIDOC Blak Excellence Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements, resilience, and cultural contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and teams across the health service.
“The nominees and winners of these awards are making a huge difference by addressing the unique health challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.
“Through their work, they are improving access to culturally safe care, advocating for health equity, and encouraging trust within communities.
“Their commitment to closing the gap in health outcomes is evident in their innovative approaches, compassionate care, and dedication to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to live healthy long lives.
“By celebrating their achievements, we not only honour their efforts but also inspire others to continue striving for excellence and equity in healthcare.”
Paul explained these awards are not just about recognising staff excellence but are also a celebration of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“They remind us of the importance of listening to, learning from, and working alongside First Nations peoples to create a healthcare system that is inclusive, equitable, and culturally safe.”
In congratulating the award winners, Paul thanked them for their invaluable contributions to healthcare, and for being a source of inspiration.
“Your achievements are a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and community spirit - you are all too Deadly.”
These recipients were acknowledged for their leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Team/Community Partnership Award
- Eidsvold MPHS team (winner)
- Desirae Bennett – Alcohol and Other Drugs Service team (highly commended)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Nurse or Midwife of the Year
- Katie Woodhouse, CN Clinical Coach Acute IPU Hervey Bay (winner)
- Charmaine Mullins, CN Mental Health Acute Care team Fraser Coast (highly commended)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Young Warrior of the Year
- Emma MacDonald, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advanced Health Worker Rural Mental Health (winner)
- Codey Gardiner Peer Worker Alcohol and Other Drugs Service, Drug and Alcohol Brief Intervention, Mental health and Specialist Services Fraser Coast (highly commended)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Professional of the Year
- Luke Watson, Cultural Capability Manager (winner)
- Justine Brown, Senior Administration Officer, Medical Imaging Fraser Coast (highly commended)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community Organisation of the Year
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service
- Tania Gear, Registered Nurse, Institute for Urban Indigenous Health