Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) nurses and midwives have been recognised for their passion and dedication in caring for patients as finalists in the 13th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

A total of 27 statewide finalists across nine award categories have been announced, including Team of the Year, the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award, and the consumer-nominated Healing Heart Award, which recognises a nurse or midwife whose compassion, kindness, and professionalism stood out for a patient or family.

Two representatives from NNSWLHD were named as finalists in the NSW awards, including:

• Team of the Year: Kamala Nursing Team, Lismore’s Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service
• New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Thomas Mull-Mathers, Registered Nurse, Tweed Valley Hospital Emergency Department.

The Kamala Nursing Team at Lismore Base Hospital make an exceptional contribution to youth mental health care through innovative, inclusive, and patient-centred service delivery.

Their commitment to excellence is reflected in several quality improvement projects, including a co-designed welcome brochure and video developed in response to consumer feedback —ensuring young people feel informed and welcomed from the moment of admission, and daily embedded LGBTQIA+ initiatives promoting a safe and inclusive environment, as well as a daily on-site school program tailored to each patient's goals, promoting structure, routine, and a sense of normalcy during admission.

The strong team culture is evident in their unwavering support for one another, creating a collaborative and psychologically safe workplace.

Through their dedication to person-centred care, collaborative practice, and continuous improvement, the Kamala Nursing Team has made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people, their families, and the broader health system.

Both finalists were winners in the 2025 NNSWLHD Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, with all winners automatically entered into the statewide awards.

NNSWLHD Director of District Nursing and Midwifery Katharine Duffy congratulated both finalists, saying it was a fantastic achievement for the Local Health District.

“We are so excited to have achieved two finalist nominations in the 2025 NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Awards,” Ms Duffy said.

“Congratulations to our nursing team at Lismore’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service – known as Kamala – who have gone above and beyond to ensure children and young people entering our mental health ward feel less daunted and more confident in our service, including the preparation of a welcome package, complete with interactive video.

“And our congratulations go to Tommy Mull-Mathers, a much-loved member of Tweed Valley Hospital’s Emergency Department, who joined us a graduate nurse in March 2024. Tommy has excelled in the fast-paced ED, showing exceptional communication and clinical assessment skills, while completing all of his competencies and continuing to pursue self-directed education.

“We wish them the best of luck at the upcoming awards ceremony in November.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said this year’s finalists have demonstrated outstanding care or contributed to improved health outcomes in their local community.

“The Nursing and Midwifery Awards acknowledge the passion, dedication and contributions of nurses and midwives across the NSW public health system who support patients and their families during what can be some of the most important or difficult times in their lives,” Ms Pearce said.

“I want to congratulate the finalists for this year’s awards, but I also want to thank all of our nurses and midwives who are integral in ensuring patients receive exceptional care every day across NSW.

“I look forward to celebrating the finalists’ achievements at the Awards ceremony later this year, and to finding out who the winners are.”

NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said all nurses and midwives are highly valued for the vital role they play in the NSW public health system.

“These Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the skills and professionalism of our nurses and midwives and the important work they do in NSW hospitals,” Ms Cross said.

“I’m incredibly proud of the expertise, care, and compassion they provide to patients and their families around the clock across a variety of different clinical and community settings.”

Finalists and winners will be celebrated at the Nursing and Midwifery Awards ceremony, which will be held at NSW Parliament House in late November.

For more information on the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2025 visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/einma.