Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has celebrated the outstanding contribution of health professionals and volunteers from across the region at the 2025 MLHD Excellence Awards held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford paid tribute to the finalists and award winners for their tremendous contributions at the ceremony on Friday, which was attended by more than 200 staff and guests.
“It is an honour to celebrate our winners and finalists this year,” Ms Ludford said.
“The awards are a real showcase of great strengths and achievements and highlight the dedication and professionalism of staff from across the District’s diverse services and locations.”
Awards were presented across 11 categories recognising achievements in safety, innovation, sustainability, workplace culture, and patient care.
The Chief Executive’s Choice Award and the Board Chair’s Choice Award were also presented.
“It was an enormous pleasure to present my Chief Executive’s Choice Award to our Blood Management team and NSW Health Pathology partners,” Ms Ludford said.
“The research they have undertaken on the use of type O negative blood, and the changes they have implemented to optimise the use of this precious resource is outstanding.”
Griffith Drug and Alcohol Clinical Leader, Michelle Hutchison, was announced as MLHD’s Staff Member of the Year, recognising her leadership and approach to patient centred care.
Michelle was also the recipient of the inaugural Jackie Brodie Memorial Award, presented to First Nations staff member who demonstrates strong work ethic, passion for improving health outcomes for all people and commitment to closing the gap for First Nation people.
Volunteer of the Year went to The Little Riverina Band, a trio of siblings from Cootamundra who spend their school holidays sharing the joy of music with residents of the District’s Residential Aged Care services.
2025 AWARD WINNERS:
Keeping people healthy award - 2024 World No Tobacco Day Project
Enriching consumer experience award - Breaking Down Silos - HCV Testing and Treatment
Excellence in healthcare diversity - BreastScreen NSW Greater Southern - Community Navigator Project Albury
Health research award - Carers in MLHD
Enhancing people and culture award - Be A Health Hero - Expanding our Future Health Workforce
Sustainability and environment - Embedding a Culture of Sustainability in the Post Anesthetic Care Unit
Agency for clinical innovation rural innovation award - Green Prescriptions - Bushfire Recovery Mental Health Team
Allied health staff member of the year - Jodie Ridley District Senior Renal Dietitian
Nurse or Midwife of the Year - Michelle Cruse Nurse Practitioner Deniliquin
Volunteer of the Year - The Little Riverina Band Cootamundra
Staff member of the year - Michelle Hutchison Clinical Leader, Griffith Drug and Alcohol Service
Jackie Brodie Memorial Award - Michelle Hutchison Clinical Leader, Griffith Drug and Alcohol Service
Chief Executive's award - Reducing O Negative Red Blood Cell Utilisation and Wastage MLHD Blood Management and NSW Pathology
Board chair's award - The Parker Family, NSW Health Sentinel Chicken Program