Nine outstanding allied health professionals and teams were recognised at the WA Excellence in Allied Health Awards 2026, held on Tuesday 14 October at the Western Australian Cricket Association.
Congratulations to all the winners, especially Susan Alexander who received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Honour which recognises her incredible career dedicated to building capability, strengthening services and supporting generations of allied health professionals.
As WA’s inaugural Allied Health Education Director, Susan established the first dedicated Allied Health Education Service in WA and has led workforce development initiatives that continue to influence allied health practice across the State.
This year’s award winners are:
- Allied Health Educator of the Year
Lauren Irvine, WA Country Health Service
- Allied Health Researcher of the Year
Joanne Beer, North Metropolitan Health Service
- Allied Health Assistant of the Year
Rodna Lane, Ability WA
- Aboriginal Allied Health Award
Lachlan Sibosado, North Metropolitan Health Service
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year
Georgia Horsburgh, North Metropolitan Health Service
- Allied Health Leader of the Year
Sonya Girdler, Curtin School of Allied Health
- Allied Health Professional of the Year
Azar B-Nejad, South Metropolitan Health Service
- Allied Health Team of the Year
Accessible Collaborative Community Eyecare Service (ACCES) Team, Royal Perth Hospital and University of Western Australia
These awards highlight the incredible work happening across communities throughout WA, from metro hospitals to rural health centres, and the people who go above and beyond every day.
The awards coincided with Allied Health Professions Day (external site), a global celebration of the vital role allied health professionals play across more than 30 professions in WA.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.
