Our dedicated WBHHS staff and special guests enjoyed a wonderful evening at Hervey Bay RSL, celebrating the WBHHS Staff Excellence Awards.
This annual event is our opportunity to acknowledge the breadth of skill, commitment, passion and professionalism amongst our team.
Our Chief Executive and Board members were joined by guests including the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Hon. Tim Nicholls, the Director General for Queensland Health, Dr David Rosengren, Chief Health Officer, Dr Catherine McDougall, and Tanya Stevenson, CEO of Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, as well as our fabulous staff, decked out in all their finery.
It was inspiring to see the diversity of contributions recognised, from innovation and leadership to compassionate care and teamwork. Each story shared on the night was a reminder of the remarkable work happening every day across our hospitals, community services, and support teams.
Congratulations to all our award winners and finalists, you truly embody our values and commitment to putting people first in everything we do.
The very worthy 2025 Excellence Award recipients are:
Embed Technology Award - Daniel Hall, Principal Applications Specialist, Information and Communication Technology
Foster Partnerships Award - Child, Youth and Family Health, Bundaberg and Rural Community Health Team
Through Patients’ Eyes Award - Lola Bray, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Discharge Manager, Bundaberg
First Nations First Award - Taylor O'Grady, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Advanced First 2000 Days, Bundaberg
Nurturing our People Award - Dr Sara Towle, Staff Specialist Emergency Medicine, Fraser Coast
Strengthening our People Award - WBHHS Learning On-Line (LOL)
Future-Proofing our People Award - Nursing Resource Services, Fraser Coast
Workplace Wellbeing Award - Kylie Slack, Acting Nurse Unit Manager, Team Leader, Child and Youth Mental Health Services, Bundaberg
Volunteers and Career Pathways Award - Bronwyn Quaile, Volunteer
Rural Pathways Award - Renee Kaye, Pharmacist Senior Clinical, Rural
Emerging Talent Award - Ruby Herkes, Registered Nurse Graduate Surgical, Bundaberg
Optimise and Transform Award - WBHHS Environmental Sustainability Initiative, Christina Ongley - Principal Project Officer, Environmental Sustainability
Equity and Access Award - Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, Bundaberg
2025 Board Value Ambassadors
Collaboration Award – Dr Aye Su Mon, RASS - RACF Support Services, Fraser Coast and Kate Greenslade, Senior Contracts and Procurement Officer
Accountability Award – Brad Peaker, Nurse Manager, After Hours Facility Coordinator, Hervey Bay and Denver Minett, Compliance Manager
Respect Award – Kim Hanns, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Fraser Coast and Jessica Williams, Senior Employment Relations Advisor
Excellence Award – Nicole Harris, Financial Controller and Danielle Grubesic, Operational Service Officer, Catering Officer, Bundaberg
CE Values Ambassador – Every Value, Every Day Award - Clara Jenkins, Manager BreastScreen, Bundaberg
Thank you to everyone who took part, those who nominated colleagues, our judges, organisers, and everyone who joined us in celebrating. These awards highlight what makes WBHHS such a special place to work – our people.
Congratulations again to all our finalists and winners, and thank you for continuing to make a difference in the lives of our patients, their families, and our community.