2023 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards — nominations open

The search for Australia’s best nurses and midwives has begun, with nominations for the 2023 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards now open.

The national awards, taking place in Sydney in May 2023, recognise the nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers and personal care workers who are improving health outcomes by providing outstanding care and support for Australians in need. Next year will mark the 17th year of the awards.

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey thanked nurses and midwives for their work and encouraged Australians to consider submitting a nomination.

“Nurses and midwives around the country have such an incredible impact on patients’ lives. I really encourage all Australians to consider submitting a nomination for a nurse or midwife they know who has made a difference,” Blakey said.

Employers, colleagues and patients have until 5 February 2023 to nominate a nursing or midwifery professional who has demonstrated leadership and innovation, and pursued excellence to deliver high-quality patient care.

Once again, longstanding awards supporter ME is providing the $30,000 prize pool, to be split equally between the winners of each category — Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year and Outstanding Organisation.

Finalists will be announced on 4 April 2023 and winners revealed at the awards ceremony in Sydney on 16 May 2023.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit hestawards.com.au.

Below are the 2022 winners:

Nurse of the Year
Sue Hegarty
Ovarian Cancer Australia
Melbourne, Victoria

Hegarty was recognised for her exceptional advocacy and support for women with ovarian cancer.

Midwife of the Year
Melanie Briggs
Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Welfare Aboriginal Corporation
Binjilaanii Maternity Services, Nowra, NSW

Briggs was recognised for her tireless work to improve First Nations maternal and infant health.

Outstanding Organisation
Beaudesert Hospital Maternity
Beaudesert, Qld

Beaudesert Hospital Maternity was recognised for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of women and babies in rural Queensland.

Image caption (L to R): Jacqui Smith, Beaudesert Hospital; Sue Hegarty, Ovarian Cancer Australia; and Melanie Briggs, Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Welfare Aboriginal Corporation. Image: Supplied.