Nomination categories

​ New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year Award (registered nurse or midwife)

Recognises a graduate nurse or midwife who has demonstrated exceptional promise during their first year of practice. This individual shows strong commitment to providing safe, high-quality, compassionate care to people, families and communities, while actively engaging in learning and professional growth.

Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year Award (enrolled or registered nurse or midwife)

Recognises an exceptional Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife who delivers culturally safe, compassionate and high-quality care. This individual demonstrates strong advocacy for improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and contributes to culturally responsive practice across their service.

Nurse and/or Midwifery Team of the Year Award

Celebrates a nursing or midwifery team that delivers services, programs or initiatives that meaningfully benefit people, families, communities and staff. This team excels in collaboration, fosters a positive workplace culture, and consistently demonstrates NSW Health CORE values through high-quality, person-centred care.

Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognises a nurse or midwife whose career has made a sustained, positive and influential contribution to people, families and communities, the health system and the professions of nursing and/or midwifery. This award acknowledges long-standing leadership, impact and dedication to improving care across NSW.

Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award

 Acknowledges a nurse or midwife who demonstrates exceptional leadership in clinical practice, management, education or research. This individual inspires others, strengthens workplace culture, drives improvements in care and champions innovation and professional excellence.

Nurse of the Year Award (assistant, enrolled and registered nurses)

Honours a nurse who exemplifies excellence in practice and embodies NSW Health values. This individual provides culturally safe, high-quality and compassionate care to people, families and communities, demonstrates leadership through everyday actions, contributes to a positive team culture, and shows unwavering commitment to the nursing profession.

Midwife of the Year Award

Honours a midwife who demonstrates outstanding commitment to woman-centred, holistic and culturally safe care. This individual supports women, babies and families during the maternity journey, embodies NSW Health values, contributes to positive team culture and advocates for excellence in midwifery practice.

Healing Heart Award - Consumer nominated (registered nurses and miwives)

Recognises a nurse or midwife who provides extraordinary, compassionate and person-centred care, as experienced directly by consumers. This individual builds trust, connection and empowerment for people, families and communities, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to enhancing the care experience.

Healing Heart Award - Colleague nominated (registered nurses and miwives)

Recognises a nurse or midwife who is an inspiration to their colleagues through their compassion, professionalism and commitment to high-quality care. This individual fosters a positive workplace culture, supports others and contributes to an improved care experience for the people they serve.

Current as at: Tuesday 31 March 2026
Contact page owner: Nursing and Midwifery