- Outstanding achievement in delivery of public health services recognised
- Tobacco and Vape Regulation team takes out prestigious Director General’s Award
- Dr Maureen Phillips recognised for more than 30 years caring for people who have experienced sexual trauma
- Public-nominated award honours exceptional care for patients undergoing scoliosis surgery
They change lives, champion better care, and go the extra mile for Western Australians, and last night, WA Health’s finest took their turn in the spotlight at the 2026 WA Health Excellence Awards.
Among those honoured were a team taking on illicit tobacco, a doctor with more than 30 years of service supporting people who have experienced sexual trauma, and a co-ordinator helping patients through scoliosis surgery.
These awards shine a spotlight on the people behind exceptional public health care, recognising outstanding achievements, and the dedication of staff improving health outcomes across Western Australia.
The Tobacco and Vape Regulation team claimed the prestigious Director General’s Award for their commitment to removing harmful products from the community.
Since new laws were introduced in May 2026, hundreds of inspections have resulted in more than 90 store closures and the seizure of millions of cigarettes and thousands of vapes.
Dr Maureen Phillips, a Senior Medical Practitioner at the Sexual Assault Resource Centre, received the Minister for Health’s Award for more than 30 years of pivotal work ensuring care for people who have experienced sexual trauma.
Dr Phillips leads and supervises a multidisciplinary team of forensic clinicians within the North Metropolitan Health Service, delivering care across metropolitan, regional, and remote communities.
East Metropolitan Health Service Peri-Operative Coordinator Trish Connery was recognised as this year’s publicly nominated health hero.
Trish brings personalised service, compassion, and practical advice to patients undergoing scoliosis surgery, helping make their journey as comfortable as possible.
The full list of winners across 10 categories is available here .
As stated byHealth Minister Meredith Hammat:
“These awards put a spotlight on the people who make a difference to Western Australians through the care they provide and the work they do every day.
“From tackling illicit tobacco to supporting people through some of their most difficult moments, this year’s winners show the extraordinary breadth of talent and dedication across WA Health.
“These awards are a chance to applaud that work and celebrate the people behind it.
“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists and thank you to the colleagues and teams alongside them who give Western Australians so much to be proud of.”
