The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network Awards recognise the outstanding achievements and acknowledge the importance of RMCLHN’s workforce, including clinicians, non-clinicians, visiting medical specialists, contractors, volunteers, partner organisations and our Health Advisory Council (HAC) and Governing Board members. This year’s Awards continued to incorporate the annual NAIDOC Week Awards, which acknowledge and celebrate outstanding work in Aboriginal health and wellbeing.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2025 RMCLHN Awards.

Person Centred Award

This award recognises those that build innovative and high performing health service models that deliver outstanding consumer experience and health outcomes.

  • Winner: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Monitored Beds, Riverland General Hospital (RGH)
  • Finalists:
    • Dora Zhang, Wellbeing and Restorative Care Manager, Regional Aged Care Team
    • Administration Services 24/7 Emergency Department Hub and Spoke Team, Riverland General Hospital and Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital

Values Superstar – RMC CARES Award

This award recognises an individual or team that embodies ‘Respect Motivation and Compassion’ in the way that they work with patients, caregivers, service partners, communities and with each other.

  • Winner: Lee-Anne LeGallou, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Outreach Coordinator, Country Health Connect Mallee
  • Finalists:
    • Luke Plaquet, Lifestyle Team Member, Barmera Health Service Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF)
    • Murray Bridge Community Mental Health Team

Inspired Innovation Award

This award recognises those that have achieved sustainable solutions by adapting research and best practice, ideas and initiatives to creatively address local issues

  • Winner: Resuscitation Trolley Project, RMCLHN
  • Finalist: Fracture Clinic, RGH

Excellence in Aboriginal Health Award

This award recognises excellence by individuals or teams in the delivery or support of culturally safe and responsive health services to meet the needs of Aboriginal communities.

  • Winner: Riverland Interprofessional Student Placement Program, RMCLHN
  • Finalist: ED Administration Officers and Nurses, RGH

Excellence in Clinical Care Award

This award recognises excellence by individuals or teams in the delivery of clinical care to meet the needs of consumers of hospital services, community health services or residential aged care services.

  • Winner: Victoria Sutton, Clinical Nurse/Midwife, Midwifery Group Practice, RGH
  • Finalist: Kristy O’Brien, Social Worker – Domestic Violence and Child Protection Project Manager

Excellence in Non-Clinical Services Award

This award recognises excellence by individuals or teams who provide outstanding support, advice and direction in non-clinical care.

  • Winner: Direct Care Attendant Beautification Project, Loxton Hospital Complex RACF
  • Finalists: 
    • Hannah Taylor, Senior NDIS Coordinator, Country Health Connect Riverland
    • Victoria Gazzola, Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, Tailem Bend District Hospital Aged Care

2025 Area of Focus – Everyday Heroes Award

This award recognises those who have made a significant contribution to the area of focus during 2024/25. For 2025, the area of focus is the outstanding achievements of our Everyday Heroes.

  • Winner: Sheryl Giles, Aboriginal Cultural Learning Project Officer, Aboriginal Health
  • Finalists:
    • Transition Care Program, Country Health Connect Riverland
    • Diversional Therapy Team, Loxton Hospital Complex RACF

Young Achiever Award

Our younger staff members are our future leaders. This award recognises the outstanding contribution of our young staff members aged 35 and under.

  • Winner: Brianna Davey, Acting ANUM, Loxton Hospital Complex RACF
  • Finalists:
    • Tayla Groves, Aboriginal Partnerships Project Officer, Aboriginal Health
    • Marlee-Rose England, Dietitian, Country Health Connect Murray Bridge

Outstanding Contribution to RMCLHN by GPs, Contractors and Partners Award

This award recognises our GPs, contractors and partners who have made an outstanding contribution to healthcare in our communities.

  • Winner: Dr Zhi Tan, Locum Medical Registrar, RGH
  • Finalist: Bridge Clinic, Murray Bridge

Outstanding Contribution to RMCLHN by HAC members and volunteers Award

This award recognises our HAC members and volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to healthcare in our communities.

  • Winner: Berri Barmera District HAC
  • Finalists:
    • Barbara Hiscock, Volunteer, Meningie, Tintinara and Coonalpyn
    • Ronny Bromley, Volunteer Transport Officer, Riverland Aboriginal Health

Exceptional Service by an Aboriginal Clinician (NAIDOC Award)

This award recognises excellence by an individual in the delivery of clinical care to meet the needs of consumers of hospital services, community health services or residential aged care services.

  • Winner: Sam Deramore-Denver, Registered Nurse, Mannum District Hospital

Excellence in Aboriginal Patient Care (NAIDOC Award)

This award recognises excellence by individuals or teams in the delivery of patient care to meet the needs of consumers of hospital services, community health services or residential aged care services.

  • Winner: Aboriginal Children’s Clinic, Riverland Aboriginal Health 

Champion of Reconciliation (NAIDOC Award)

This award recognises excellence by an individual or a Group/Team/Site/Hospital who helps to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal peoples.

  • Winner: Cultural Immersion Project, RMCLHN

More information

For more information about the awards, including 2025 winners and finalists, download a copy of the Awards Booklet 2025 (PDF 25.3MB)