2025 Primary Healthcare Awards highlight the power of recognition and collaboration
The 2025 Murrumbidgee Primary Healthcare Awards brought the region’s primary healthcare workforce together, recognising the people, initiatives and partnerships improving health outcomes across the region.
Hosted by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) in Wagga Wagga on 31 October 2025, the awards celebrated excellence while reinforcing the importance of connection and collaboration in delivering high-quality care. By showcasing local achievements, the event acknowledged the dedication of the workforce and the shared effort required to meet the needs of diverse communities.
MPHN Chair Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff said the awards reflected the strength and commitment of the region’s workforce.
“The judging panels were unanimous; the quality of applications this year was exceptional,” Associate Professor Yoosuff said. “Every submission reflected a deep commitment to community, and it was clear that people were going above and beyond to deliver better health outcomes for our communities.”
Celebrating excellence
The award recipients demonstrated the breadth of primary healthcare delivery in the Murrumbidgee, from prevention and early intervention to leadership and innovation.
The Promoting Healthy Living Award was presented to Dance4wellbeing, a program supporting older adults to stay active and connected through movement and music. Delivered in multiple communities, the initiative brought participants together in community, aged care and online settings, supporting healthy ageing while reducing social isolation.
The Innovation Award recognised George & Matilda Eyecare Griffith for its Voluntary School-Based Vision Screening Program. Delivered within schools, the program improved access for children and families while supporting early identification of vision issues. With more than 60 per cent of participating students requiring further assessment, the initiative showed the value of accessible, preventive care delivered in partnership with schools and families.
The Emerging Leader Award was presented to Angus Drysdale, recognising the importance of building a strong future primary healthcare workforce. As Team Leader of the Wellways Universal Aftercare service, Mr Drysdale supported people across the Murrumbidgee following a suicidal crisis, strengthening service delivery, improving team stability and ensuring timely, compassionate care.
The Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare Award was awarded to Michael Broughan. As a member of Henty’s Local Health Advisory Committee, Mr Broughan worked to improve community access, connection and wellbeing. He supported efforts to attract new services, coordinate local health events, and strengthen aged care and early childhood training, while also advocating for essential worker housing.
Strengthening connection and collaboration
The event highlighted MPHN’s role in contributing to the primary healthcare workforce by acknowledging achievement, sharing effective approaches, and strengthening service coordination. It provided opportunities for professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships that support more coordinated care.
Programs featured through the awards demonstrated the importance of partnership in service delivery, particularly for older people and those living with chronic conditions.
Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff said these initiatives showed how coordinated efforts between clinicians, allied health professionals, community organisations and support staff can address local needs in meaningful ways.
“These awards are about more than recognition; they bring people together to strengthen the way we care for our communities,” Associate Professor Yoosuff said. “They highlight what is possible when services work together with a shared purpose.
“By celebrating and sharing these achievements, we can support the spread of effective, locally driven models of care and continue to improve health outcomes across the Murrumbidgee.”
Award winners and finalists
Promoting Healthy Living
Winner:
Dance4wellbeing
Finalist:
H.E.R – Harden’s Exercise Revolution
Finalist:
In Motion Fitness – Lungs in Action
Innovation
Winner:
Voluntary School-Based Vision Screening Program – George & Matilda Eyecare, Griffith
Finalist:
Perimenopause Online Education Program
Finalist:
CreateSpace Collective – headspace Griffith
Emerging Leader
Winner:
Angus Drysdale
Highly commended:
Brendan van den Clarke
Finalist:
Ellie Worthington
Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare
Winner:
Michael Broughan
Finalist:
Michelle Hutchison
Finalist:
Good Shepherd Family Medical Centre
