2025 Murrumbidgee Primary Healthcare Awards recognise excellence in regional care
From dance-based mobility programs to school vision screenings and suicide prevention services, the 2025 Murrumbidgee Primary Healthcare Awards spotlighted the people and programs transforming health across the region.
Held in Wagga Wagga on Friday 31 October, the awards ceremony celebrated the outstanding contributions of local people and organisations working to improve health outcomes in their communities.
Hosted by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), the event honoured four major award winners: Dance4wellbeing (Promoting Healthy Living), George & Matilda Eyecare Griffith (Innovation), Angus Drysdale (Emerging Leader), and Michael Broughan (Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare).
MPHN Chair Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff said the awards showcased the depth of commitment across the region.
“The judging panels were unanimous; the quality of applications this year was exceptional,” Associate Professor Yoosuff said.
“Every submission reflected deep commitment to community, and it was clear that across the region, people are going above and beyond to deliver better health outcomes to our people.”
2025 Primary Healthcare winners and finalists
Promoting Healthy Living
Winner: Dance4wellbeing
In August 2024, a new dance-based mobility program came to life across Young, Harden, Cootamundra and Temora. Created for older adults in community, aged care and online settings, Dance4wellbeing is about moving more, feeling better, and ageing well. Through gentle movement and the power of music, participants build strength, balance and confidence – while connecting with others and having fun. With themed sessions and evidence-based falls prevention at its core, the program supports physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing.
Jessica Conneely accepting the Promoting Healthy Living award for Dance4wellbeing.
Finalists:
H.E.R – Harden’s Exercise Revolution
Harden’s Exercise Revolution is bringing movement and connection to people over the age of 60 in Harden, Murrumburrah and nearby communities. Building on the success of local aqua and dance classes, the program offers four weekly sessions to build strength, balance and confidence in everyday movement. Each class promotes healthy habits through peer support, practical tips and plenty of laughs. With evidence-based exercises designed to manage chronic conditions and support ageing well, it’s as much about friendship as it is about fitness.
In Motion Fitness – Lungs in Action
Wagga Wagga’s In Motion Fitness provides the Lungs in Action community exercise program to people living with chronic lung disease, lung cancer and heart conditions. Through safe, evidence-based classes, participants build strength, manage breathlessness and connect with others who understand their journey. The program has expanded to offer four free weekly sessions – plus Golden Warrior, a fitness class for over-60s focused on strength, balance and mobility.
Innovation
Winner: Voluntary School-Based Vision Screening Program – George & Matilda Eyecare, Griffith
At Beelbangera Public School, George & Matilda Eyecare Griffith launched a free vision screening program to help detect eye issues in children early. Held during the school day, the program made it easy for families to access care and follow up using digital tools. Of the 84 children screened, more than 60 percent needed further assessment – highlighting an important gap in eye health.
The team from George & Matilda Eyecare Griffith accepting the Innovation award.
Finalists:
Perimenopause Online Education Program
The Perimenopause Online Education Program is an interactive, cost-effective initiative to improve health literacy among women aged 45 to 55 across the Murrumbidgee region. Led by a dietitian and physiotherapist, the three-session program explored nutrition, exercise and overall wellbeing. Reaching 57 participants, it achieved strong outcomes in confidence, knowledge and access to support – empowering women to better understand and manage this stage of life.
CreateSpace Collective – headspace Griffith
headspace Griffith’s youth-led creative wellbeing program, CreateSpace Collective, provides a safe, non-clinical space where young people can connect over shared meals, creative activities and peer support. By reducing isolation and easing pressure on clinical services, the program is helping young people access care earlier and in ways that feel comfortable and empowering. CreateSpace Collective has fostered strong engagement, improved access to support – and even created youth employment opportunities through lived experience roles.
Emerging Leader
Winner: Angus Drysdale
As Team Leader of the Wellways Universal Aftercare service, Angus Drysdale has played a vital role in supporting people across the Murrumbidgee after a suicidal crisis. In a region with some of the highest suicide rates, Angus has strengthened service delivery, built team stability and ensured that every referral received timely, compassionate care. He has fostered a culture of inclusion, safety and support – improving staff morale and retention – and positioning the service as an essential part of suicide prevention across the region.
Angus Drysdale accepting the Emerging Leader award.
Highly commended:
Brendan van den Clarke
Through NSW Health’s Getting On Track In Time – Got It! program, social worker Brendan van den Clarke delivers early intervention mental health support to children showing challenging behaviours across regional schools. He has strengthened outcomes by mentoring staff, engaging families and stepping into leadership roles whenever needed. Brendan’s culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach has improved child wellbeing, built school capacity and fostered deep trust across communities.
Ellie Worthington
Across Australia, a farmer dies by suicide every 10 days. Ellie Worthington is dedicated to changing that – bringing mental health care to the people who feed the nation yet often put their own wellbeing last. As the Farmgate Counsellor at Griffith Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Ellie has made support accessible for farming communities across the Murrumbidgee. Through personal, on-site engagement, she builds trust and helps farmers and families seek care they might otherwise avoid.
Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare
Winner: Michael Broughan
As a member of Henty’s Local Health Advisory Committee, Mick Broughan has worked tirelessly to improve access, connection and wellbeing across the community. He has helped attract new services, coordinate health events, support aged care and early childhood training, and advocate for essential worker housing – all contributing to a healthier, more connected Henty. Mick’s dedication has brought people together and strengthened the heart of his community.
Michael Broughan accepting the Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare award.
Finalists:
Michelle Hutchison
As leader of Griffith’s Drug and Alcohol team, Michelle Hutchison is creating lasting change for people seeking drug and alcohol support. With a strong focus on access, equity and cultural safety, she introduced dry blood spot testing, championed subsidised treatment for vulnerable clients and helped build a more inclusive, supportive service model. Her leadership has improved early detection, strengthened community trust and earned districtwide recognition.
Good Shepherd Family Medical Centre
Wagga Wagga’s Good Shepherd Family Medical Centre is setting the standard for patient-centred care. Since June 2024, the team has delivered culturally inclusive services with a strong focus on prevention, chronic disease management and early skin cancer detection. Their dedication has improved health outcomes, reduced hospital admissions and achieved an incredible 99 percent patient satisfaction rate – helping create a healthier, more informed community.
Thank you to our sponsors
The 2025 Murrumbidgee Primary Healthcare Awards were proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsor National Audits Group, Silver Sponsor the University of New South Wales Rural Clinical Schools, and Bronze Sponsor Medcast. Thank you for your generous support.
