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RWAV – Media Release – 2022 Victorian Rural Health Award Winners Announced

Media Release – 17 June 2022
Winners in the Victorian Rural Health Awards 2022 are Announced.

Local health professionals receive state-wide recognition for outstanding contributions to healthcare in rural communities of Victoria in 2022.

Melbourne, Victoria, 17 June 2022: Winners in the 2022 Victorian Rural Health Awards, across eleven categories, were announced last night at the Victoria-wide Virtual Gala Awards event, hosted by the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) with the support of the Victorian Department of Health and attended by nearly 250 rural health professionals and their communities.

Winners of the 2022 Victorian Rural Health Awards were announced last night at the 17th Virtual Gala Awards event with a special MC, Geraldine Hickey, not only an award-winning comedian, but also a Victorian country girl herself. The Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) congratulates the Winners and Finalists of the 2022 Victorian Rural Health Awards.
Since 2005, RWAV with the support of the Victorian Government Department of Health has proudly hosted the awards to recognize the significant role of health professionals contributing to the well-being of our Victorian rural communities.

The Victorian Rural Health Awards (VRHA) are the only platform that enable peers, teams, and patients to honour the whole spectrum of excellence in health care, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers, and practice managers working across regional and rural communities of Victoria.

 The awards also acknowledge the lifetime of dedication from health professionals who have contributed 35+ years of service to rural communities. Among the nominees, the awards celebrated rural general practitioners, rural generalists, outreach providers, nurses, midwives, practice managers and allied health professionals working across rural Victoria.

2022 VICTORIAN RURAL HEALTH AWARDS WINNERS

  1. Outstanding Contribution by a Rising Star: JESSICA BARTON, Podiatrist, Corryong Health, CORRYONG.
  2. Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health: DR ERIN DOLAN, Clinical Psychologist, Erin Dolan and Associates, WARRAGUL.
  3. Outstanding Contribution to Rural Practice Management: JANE GARRETT, Practice Manager, Euroa Medical Clinic, EUROA.
  4. Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: TANYA GEIER, Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Gunditjmara Health Services, Warrnambool.
  5. Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Team: RENEE KELLY, Senior Occupational Therapist & CEO, Lime Therapy, MILDURA.
  6. Outstanding Contribution to Rural Outreach Provision: JACINTA MACCORMACK, Registered Nurse, Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre, DIXONS CREEK.
  7. Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Consumer Advocate: KELLIE O’CALLAGHAN, Principal at Callaghan & Co, Mayor of Latrobe City Council, TRARALGON.
  8. Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist: DR JOHN URIE, GPA and GPO, Bairnsdale Regional Health Services, Bairnsdale Medical Group, BAIRNSDALE.
  9. Outstanding Contribution to Rural Primary Care Nursing: STUART WILLDER, Men’s Health & Urology Nurse Practitioner, Western District Health Service, HAMILTON.
  10. Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist: DR VIJAY RAJ, Psychiatrist, Healthy Mind Solutions, SHEPPARTON.

 LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD:

  • Dr Andrew Kirwan, Woori Yallock Medical Centre, WOORI YALLOCK
  • Dr Antonio, De Sousa, Kilmore Medical Centre, KILMORE
  • Dr James (Cheng) The, Rich River Health Group, ECHUCA
  • Dr David Tillett, Central Medical Group, WODONGA
  • Dr Derek Pope, Ararat Medical Centre, ARARAT
  • Dr Jonathan Barrell, Springs Medical Centre, DAYLESFORD

 MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

For comment, more information or photo opportunity please contact:

Margaret Manson

RWAV Communications Advisor

P:     03 9349 7800 | M: 0407 661 130

E:     communications@rwav.com.au

W:   http://www.rwav.com.au

 ABOUT RWAV: 

Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) is a not-for-profit government funded organisation mandated with improving quality and access to healthcare for rural, regional and Aboriginal communities in Victoria. RWAV provides specialist services, supported by a range Grants, in recruitment, support, development and retention of health professionals in regional Victoria. The agency places GPs, nurses and allied health professionals, arranges locum relief and provides access to government grants and outreach services. RWAV works to ensure sustainability in rural healthcare by advising practices on workforce planning and promoting rural healthcare careers to students. 

| Website: http://www.rwav.com.au  | Phone: 03 9349 7800 |

ABOUT THE VICTORIAN RURAL HEALTH AWARDS (VRHA):

The Victorian Rural Health Awards create a positive ripple effect throughout the entire communities, bringing closer together the nominated individuals, the organisations they represent, and the patients and their families.

Length of Service Award

The Length of Service Award honours GPs who have spent the past 35 years or more providing exceptional health care to the people of remote, rural and regional VIC. The service can be cumulative or consecutive, and GPs who are currently practising or have been working for 35 or more years in rural VIC (RA2-5 or MMM2-7) are eligible.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist

The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist award recognises a rural doctor who has shown ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care to meet the current and future healthcare needs of their community. Nominees for this award must be providing comprehensive general practice and emergency care, as well as required components of other medical specialist care in hospital and/or community settings to meet community needs. Eligible other care includes anaesthetics, obstetrics, emergency medicine, surgery, paediatrics, palliative care, internal medicine, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Eligibility criteria:
1.       Peer, organisation or patient nominated
2.       Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2–7 location
3.       Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist

The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist award recognises a rural non-GP specialist who has shown ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care to the community.
Nominees for this award must be providing medical specialist care in a hospital and/or community setting.
Eligibility criteria:
1.       Peer, organisation or patient nominated
2.       Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2–7 location
3.       Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.

Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

The Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health award recognises a health professional, team or organisation that has made significant contributions in providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities. The award recognises both medical and non-medical workers and includes specialists, counsellors, health workers, nurses and many others.
Eligibility criteria:
1.       Peer, organisation, patient or community member nominated
2.       Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2–7 location.

NEW AWARD: Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Consumer Advocate

The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Consumer Advocate award recognises the contribution of a consumer, carer or community member from rural Victoria that has made a significant contribution to healthcare. They need to demonstrate how they have used their lived experience to engage with health professionals or health services to improve the quality, accessibility or safety of healthcare. It also recognises an exceptional contribution by a consumer advocate to strengthen the consumer voice in decision making and program planning for the delivery of health services in rural Victoria.
Eligibility criteria:
1. Must have been involved in consumer advocacy activities relating to rural health in the last 12 months
2. Must be peer, organisation, patient or community member nominated.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Team

The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Team award recognises an exceptional team contribution to create a positive difference in the delivery of health care in rural Victoria.

Eligibility criteria:
1. Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2–7 location
2. Must be a team contribution to general practice or allied health, providing excellence in service delivery and improved client outcomes
3.Peer, organisation, patient or community member nominated.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Primary Care Nursing

The Outstanding Contribution to Rural Primary Care Nursing award recognises an exceptional rural nurse or midwife who has delivered outstanding patient care, positive outcomes and who performs above the expectations of their role.
Eligibility criteria:
1.       Peer, organisation or patient nominated
2.       Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2–7 location
3.       Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health

The Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health award recognises an allied health professional who has shown professional and personal commitment to regional and rural communities, and has gone above the expectations of their role to provide services to the community.
Eligibility criteria:
1.       Peer, organisation or patient nominated
2.       Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2–7 location
3.       Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Healthcare Practice Management

The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Healthcare Practice Management award recognises a practice manager who has gone above the expectations of their role shown professional and personal commitment to regional and rural communities through their leadership, mentoring and innovation.
Eligibility criteria:
1.       Peer, organisation or community member nominated
2.       Must be currently employed as a practice manager at a rural Victorian practice (MMM 2–7 location)
3.       Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Healthcare Outreach Provision

The Outstanding Contribution to Rural Healthcare Outreach Provision award recognises a health professional, team or organisation that has made significant contributions in providing outreach services to rural and regional communities. The award recognises both medical and non-medical workers and includes specialists, counsellors, health workers, nurses and others.
Eligibility criteria:
1.       Peer, organisation, patient or community member nominated
2.       Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2–7 location. If MMM1 location is identified, the service is delivered in an Aboriginal Medical Service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award celebrates the future of rural health care. Each year we recognise a junior health professional who has shown a true passion for rural health and is intent on dedicating their career to rural communities.
Eligibility criteria:
1.       Supervisor or organisation nominated
2.       Open to all health professionals
3.       Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2–7 location;
4.       Has been practising for less than four years.

QUOTES:

“After another challenging year of distancing and isolation, more than ever, we need to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment of our health professionals, especially in rural Victoria. Winning an VRH Award is a lifetime award and it starts with those who take time to nominate someone who is doing an outstanding job. It brings a sense of achievement to the whole local community. We encourage the rural communities in Victoria to nominate someone next year,” said Trevor Carr, CEO, Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV).

“Rural life is about community and helping your local healthcare professional get recognition through the Victorian Rural Health Awards, helps boost local community spirit. Equally, the Victorian Rural Health Awards (VRHA) serve to achieve a broader awareness of the impact of healthcare excellence in rural communities has on the wellbeing and economy of the entire state,” said Trevor Carr, CEO of RWAV.

“No doubt, rural health professionals enjoy unparalleled lifestyle rewards. However, choosing a career in rural health care is not just about lifestyle, but also a clear opportunity to do interesting work and make a difference,” said Lauren Cordwell, GM Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement, RWAV.

“We aim to keep the Rural Health Awards relevant and community focused. Hence, this year we have introduced a Rural Health Consumer Advocate Award. This award is about a very special individual who deeply contributes to the community to ensure those who need it, get better access to the right services,” said Lauren Cordwell, GM Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement, RWAV.

“This community is important to me because it’s my community. And the people who wave at me as I drive past, are often the people I grew up with. My medical skills are just one way I can help my rural community,” said one of the winners of the VRHA 2021,” said Dr Libby Garoni, rural GP from Mount Beauty, Winner of the Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Generalist 2021, while presenting an award to the 2022 Winner in the same category.

Health Minister:

“I am honoured to be part of this evening’s celebration in recognition of the extraordinary contributions made by you all, our passionate and hardworking rural health professionals. The 17th Victorian Rural Health Awards are your awards. Your Celebration,” said the Minster, Hon Martin Foley.

“The last few years have been the most challenging in our health system’s history. Without a doubt you have risen to every challenge with passion and steadfast commitment of providing healthcare to our Victorian rural communities. Each and every time you have saved lives. And for that I sincerely want to thank you.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing work and programs run by RWAV, including Rural Doctor Recruitment Program, the Rural Allied Health Support Program, the Post Placement Professional Support Program for Medical Professionals, Locum Programs and the Professional Development Program.” said the Minster, Hon Martin Foley.

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F E E D B A C K

For nearly 30 years, Catherine has worked as a consultant, senior executive, adviser and government relations specialist with a particular focus on health, social services, social policy and industry development.  Catherine is currently Partner and Co-founder of Evaluate, an economics consulting company, where she is engaged in the evaluation and development of efficient and cost-effective services and policies, principally in relation to health and lifesciences.  Prior to this, Catherine worked in the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries with responsibilities for government relations, stakeholder engagement, policy development, regulatory affairs and communication in Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe.  Catherine is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a past board member of Marriott Support Services, Melbourne City Mission and Victoria Legal Aid.

BAppSci, GradDipBus, MBus, GAICD, FIML

John is an experienced CEO and senior executive who has held many roles in various hospitals, in government (Health Department), and in professional associations related to healthcare. Until recently, John was the CEO of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), where he had major involvement in various sustainability in healthcare initiatives, Indigenous health and ‘Building Respect’ cultural improvement strategies.
John’s expertise encompasses leadership, strategic policy development, professional standards and government relations. At RACS, he led the college through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw the digitisation of a range of member offerings, including aspects of training. He remains a key advocate for good corporate governance and the need for leaner and competent skills-based boards.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
• People and Culture Committee Member

BBus(HRM)

Lauren commenced in the role of Manager People and Culture in August 2018 and is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAV’s People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.

Lauren’s team is committed to implementing activities and initiatives to support the achievement of RWAV’s strategies and strengthen RWAV’s position as an ‘Employer of Choice’.

Lauren is an experienced Manager and HR professional, with a career spanning the professional services, automotive, defence, and not-for-profit sectors.

CPA
Albert Giorgini is the Senior Advisor to CEO at RWAV.

As an experienced finance executive, with an extensive career in public transport and in the automotive and industrial gas sectors, Albert has honed his skills in driving financial performance improvements with a commercial and business transformation focus.

Through his strategic financial skills, Albert has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to lead and develop large teams in complex and changing environments to achieve the financial and regulatory requirements of the business. His extensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges, equipping him with the expertise to drive impactful change.

Albert has highly developed communication and stakeholder management skills to support his strong planning, analytical and financial performance improvement acumen, always striving to create innovative solutions that drive growth and success.

BMed, MMedSci, FRACGP, FARGP, FACRRM, DipPractDerm, DipMedHyp, DipFP, DipBusAdmin, GAICD

Morton is an experienced GP and medical educator. He is currently in clinical general practice in suburban Melbourne and previously practised in rural Victoria for 10 years. Morton is Chair of the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaborative and a past Chair of the Mental Health Professionals Association and is a board member of the Mental Health Professionals Network. He is also the Medical Director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Victoria. He is a member of the RACGP Victoria Council.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Board Director
• Governance Committee Member
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member

LLB, BSc, MMgt (Strategic Foresight), GAICD

As a lawyer and business consultant, Jane has worked for many years with company boards and executives across a range of areas including IP commercialisation, SaaS businesses, healthcare products/services, privacy compliance and data/IT security. Jane is General Counsel for ID Consulting. She has served as a Director of BreastScreen Victoria, Ballarat Health Services and chairs RWAV’s Governance Committee.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Chair of the Governance Committee
• Audit and Risk Committee Member

BMBS, MBA, FRACP, FRACMA, FAICD

Grant is a retired physician and gastroenterologist whose specialist
clinical practice was in regional and rural Victoria. In the latter part of his career, Grant moved into management and leadership roles at organisational and system level, with a focus on clinical quality and clinical engagement.
Having worked for government in several jurisdictions, through this, Grant has held leadership roles in the national safety and quality agenda, and has also held major professional level roles including a 2-year period as President of the Adult Division of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians from 2016–18.
Grant teaches clinical governance with a focus on helping healthcare boards and executive teams understand this critical aspect of their work, and consults to organisations on their clinical governance and nclinical leadership.
Grant is an experienced and qualified board director, having attained
Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2018,
and currently chairs a major sporting organisation.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Board Chair
• Chair of the Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee
• Nominations and Remuneration Committee Member

BA (Hons), BEc, Grad Dip Bus, MBA, FGIA, FAICD

Roger is an experienced CEO, Chair, non-executive director, board consultant and course/workshop facilitator, with experience in the health, human services, law enforcement, regional economics, disaster relief, education, transport and environmental industries. He has sat on and chaired numerous private company, public sector and not-for-profit boards and audit and risk committees. Roger has also consulted with numerous boards, published numerous articles and conducted webinars on corporate governance, risk and strategy. He brings strong governance experience, commercial acumen, risk management and strategy skills combined with a passion for innovation and business development.
Currently, Roger chairs the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation, is a director and chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Melba Support Services, and is an independent member of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Roger is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed their Boardroom Mastery program, and is also a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Roger is currently a facilitator, assessor and writer for the Australian Institute of Company Directors and teaches their Company Directors Course,
as well as numerous other short courses.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

BSci(Hons), DipLang, MD, FRACGP, FACRRM, DRANZCOG(Adv), GAICD

Louise is a rural GP obstetrician practising in a number of locations across Central Victoria where she delivers general practice, obstetric and sexual health services. After growing up in a small town, she has lived experience of the difficulties of accessing healthcare in rural and regional areas, and is dedicated to advocating for equitable health outcomes, regardless of geography. In addition to her clinical duties, she undertakes consulting, medical education and advocacy work. She is also a non-executive director and the current President Elect of the RDAV. Louise recently returned to study in 2024 and is undertaking a Masters of Public Health through The University of Melbourne.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
• Audit and Risk Committee Member

Snezana is a Human Resources leader with more than 15 years of experience in management, playing a pivotal role in driving team transformations across diverse industries, including FMCG, automotive, government, and non-profit sectors.

With a curiosity for business and its associated complexities, Snezana fosters collaborative partnerships to cultivate a highly motivated workforce that effectively executes strategic plans.

BCom, MPP, EdD, DipEd, Claritas/CFA Investment Certificate, MAICD

Rosemary has had a varied career as an academic teaching economics, public policy and industrial relations, and as a consultant, advocate, health union official and as a director. She brings strong governance and strategic skills to the Board, as well as knowledge and depth of experience in health policy, economics and investment.
Rosemary is currently a member of the Investment Committee of Cbus, a major Australian superannuation fund.
She was the Secretary of the Victorian Psychologists Association Inc for 20 years and was Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Medical Scientists’ Association of Victoria, which counts dietitians and audiologists among its members.
Rosemary knows first-hand the difficulties in attracting and retaining health professionals in rural and regional Victoria.
Rosemary is a member of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, and a committee member of Quit Nukes.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Chair of the People and Culture Committee
• Governance Committee Member

With a rich background of consulting and in-house people and culture roles with the corporate, government and community sectors, Andrea is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAV’s People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.

Andrea has significant experience in leading teams across culture, capability, diversity, equity, leadership, organisational development and learning programs as well as core human resources partnering.

With a strong focus on building and maintaining psychologically safe organisations, Andrea’s team is dedicated to ensuring that RWAV is a place where people can work well and be well at work.

Martin is a governance professional and lawyer with experience in private practice and in-house legal roles. He has been a company secretary for public and private sector organisations across a range of industries including VicTrack, Regis Healthcare Limited and Dairy Australia Limited. He holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) and is a fellow of the GIA.

Social Work (BA Hons), DipSW

With a background in social work and a proven record in recruitment, project management, and business development, Jo brings strategic leadership and a wealth of experience in driving positive outcomes within the health, human services, and State Government sectors.

Jo specialises in managing health professional recruitment and outreach programs, including the More Doctors for Rural Australia and 3GA programs. Her focus is on implementing innovative workforce strategies and clinical governance to bolster RWAV’s mission of enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural and regional Victoria.

Having previously excelled at RWAV, Jo spearheaded successful internal change initiatives while fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders. Her efforts consistently align with RWAV’s strategic direction, ensuring a cohesive approach to driving impactful change.

Beyond her professional expertise, Jo’s passion lies in uniting communities and championing positive transformations in rural healthcare in Victoria.

RN, GradDip(Health Promotion), PRINCE2, Mini MBA

Kate is a Registered Nurse highly experienced in health promotion and project management. Her people and program management skills enable her to be agile and adaptable while maintaining an outcomes focus on improving quality access to primary healthcare.

Kate’s extensive experience working with all levels of government, the community and stakeholders across the sector have provided her with insights into the challenges rural communities and health professionals face. Kate has led the design and delivery of many innovative and strategic health promotion and grants programs, supporting better access to health services, health information and activities across communities. Whilst at RWAV, Kate has led the transformation of the RWAV grants program, enhanced the administration of a number of programs and developed the RWAV allied health portfolio. She has also led the development of the RWAV research program of activities.

Having worked at RWAV since 2020, Kate will continue positively influencing the rural healthcare workforce and access to services.

Msc (Fin), FCCA, FGIA, CA

Shay brings over 20 years of financial
management experience in commercial and not-for-profit organizations. He has a
rich and varied experience in multiple finance and leadership roles in the
United Kingdom and Australia, including CFO, GM Finance & IT, Commercial
Manager Operations, Finance Manager and Accountant.

His extensive leadership experience is
augmented by an FGIA, FCCA, CA, a Masters in Finance and an undergraduate degree in
accounting and finance.

Lauren Cordwell

Chief Executive Officer

BHlthSci(Hons) MPH PostGradDipMgt GAICD AFCHSM

Lauren Cordwell is the Chief Executive Officer at RWAV. Lauren has been an integral part of the RWAV team since 2018, demonstrating a remarkable strategic vision to improve access to health care in rural Victoria. As an experienced senior executive and health policy analyst, she is committed to finding practical solutions to address the challenges preventing communities in rural Australia from accessing affordable and safe healthcare. For over 20 years, Lauren has designed and implemented innovative programs with communities, health professionals and government agencies that continue to have a lasting benefit. Many of these programs relate to primary healthcare, general practice, workforce, First People’s health and community engagement. 

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