Nine of Australia’s most outstanding nurses, midwives and organisations have been announced as finalists in the 2024 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards.

Among the finalists is the Healthy Communities Foundation Australia (HCFA) which is based in Collarenebri.

The HESTA awards are widely recognised in the health industry, acknowledging the outstanding contribution of Australia’s nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers, and personal care workers’ dedication to improving health outcomes. 

A group of industry experts from across the health sector evaluated several exceptional nominations and chose finalists for the categories of Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year, and Outstanding Organisation. 

Healthy Communities Foundation Australia CEO, Mark Burdack is thrilled that Healthy Communities Foundation Australia has been recognised as a finalist for improving access to primary healthcare services in remote and Aboriginal communities.

“It is humbling experience to be selected from numerous nominations by a panel of health experts as health organisation of the year,” said Mr Burdack. “It is a testament to the extraordinary work that our nursing staff do every day across our aged care, mental health and community health programs,” said Mr Burdack.

Mark Burdack, CEO of HCFA IMAGE: HCFA

In addition to providing local access to health care, HCFA has established the Dhirri-li Education for Work Centre to train Aboriginal people for entry level roles in the health and social care system to address lack of employment opportunities, and the social determinants of health.

The Foundation was nominated for its commitment to nurse-led care as demonstrated across various units of the organisation including HealthAccess Community Care - Collarenebri (Rishoniy Caine), HealthAccess Home Care, HealthAccess Mobile Care and HealthAccess Mind Care which involves 2024 Graduate Nurse of the Year, Celeste Russell from Cumborah.

Rishoniy Caine who works in Health Access Community Care in Collarenebri. IMAGE: HCFA

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated the finalists, who were selected from hundreds of nominations from around the country. 

 "Congratulations to all finalists, who represent the epitome of dedication, compassion, and professionalism in the fields of nursing and midwifery. It’s fantastic to learn about their individual stories and accomplishments,” Ms Blakey said.

"We owe a great deal to our nurses, midwives, and the organisations whose work makes a meaningful difference for their communities and healthcare industries around Australia. It’s fantastic the HESTA Awards can help showcase their outstanding work."

 Mr Burdack said he is looking forward to the presentations.

“I am looking forward to attending the award ceremony in Melbourne on 16 May 2024 with members of our nursing team,” he said.