The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has recognised four exceptional Queensland general practice leaders and organisations at its 2026 Queensland Fellowship and Awards Ceremony, celebrating their dedication to patients, communities, education, and the future of the profession.
RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester said the award recipients exemplified the very best of Australian general practice and the vital role GPs play in improving the health and wellbeing of communities across the state.
“These award winners demonstrate the compassion, leadership and commitment that make general practice the cornerstone of our healthcare system,” Dr Hester said.
“Whether caring for patients, mentoring future GPs, supporting rural and regional communities, or delivering innovative models of care, each of these recipients is making a significant difference to the lives of Queenslanders.”
The 2026 Queensland award recipients are:
- General Practitioner of the Year: Dr Andrew Spall
- General Practice of the Year: Hawthorne Clinic
- General Practice Supervisor of the Year: Dr Annie George
- General Practitioner in Training of the Year: Dr Charlotte Lovejoy
General Practitioner of the Year
Dr Andrew Spall was recognised for his outstanding service to the Tewantin community and his long-standing commitment to training the next generation of GPs. A respected practice owner and supervisor, he has mentored countless registrars and undertaken External Clinical Teaching visits across Queensland, including in remote and underserved areas.
The awards panel praised Dr Spall’s compassionate approach to patient care and his willingness to go above and beyond to support registrars, including taking on additional trainees requiring extra assistance.
General Practice of the Year
Hawthorne Clinic received Practice of the Year honours for its exceptional commitment to patient care, community engagement, prevention programs and medical education. The Brisbane-based practice has served its community from the same location for more than a century and is renowned for its welcoming culture and comprehensive healthcare services.
The awards panel highlighted the clinic’s strong focus on family-centred care, chronic disease management, preventive health and training future GPs through its support of medical students and teaching excellence.
General Practice Supervisor of the Year
Dr Annie George was recognised for her unwavering dedication to GP training and mentorship. A highly experienced supervisor, she regularly contributes teaching time beyond formal requirements and provides both professional and pastoral support to registrars.
The awards panel described Dr George as an exceptional role model who consistently demonstrates compassionate patient care while creating a supportive learning environment for future specialist GPs.
General Practitioner in Training of the Year
Dr Charlotte Lovejoy, an RACGP Rural Generalist registrar based in Kingaroy, was recognised for her commitment to rural and regional healthcare. Working across both Bunya Pines Medical Centre and Kingaroy Hospital, she provides continuity of care while contributing to acute care services in the community.
Dr Lovejoy was also recognised for her leadership and advocacy, including sharing her experiences as a rural registrar at the RACGP’s GP25 conference and pursuing additional rural skills training in aged care to help meet the needs of regional communities.
Dr Hester said the awards highlighted the extraordinary contribution Queensland GPs, practices, supervisors and registrars make every day.
“These recipients reflect the strength of Queensland general practice, and the profound difference GP care makes in people’s lives,” she said.
“On behalf of the RACGP, I congratulate all award winners and thank them for their outstanding service to patients, communities, and the profession.”
