Congratulations to this year's Excellence in Allied Health Award nominees and winners!

Awards were handed out at Sydney Education, 17 October 2024.

Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year
Sarah Tan, Occupational Therapy, Canterbury Hospital
 

Sarah is an emerging future leader of clinical excellence. Sarah brings a ‘can-do’ attitude within her team. No challenge is too big, and her enthusiasm is infectious. She strives to deliver the highest quality and level of care to all her patients.

Nominees:

• Christy Fernance, Social work, Canterbury Hospital
• Sayma Ahmed Roja, Speech Pathology, Child and Family Health Services 
• Ella Cooper, Exercise Physiologist, Concord Hospital
• Ornaith Henderson, Speech Pathology, Concord Hospital 
• Jessica Wong, Physiotherapy, Concord Hospital 

Allied Health Researcher of the Year
Dr Cindy Tan, Nutrition and Dietetics, Concord hospital
 

Cindy is committed to conducting meaningful research to improve patient-centred care. She demonstrates a special interest in improving the care of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds which is recognised alongside her efforts to create positive systems changes.  She contributes to the research community through mentoring and supervising and is considered by colleagues to be committed to supporting, growing, empowering and upskilling research practice and fosters a culture of learning and innovation.

Nominees:

• Dr Nicola Clayton, Speech Pathology, Concord Hospital 
• Clinical Professor Lissa Spencer, Physiotherapy, RPA Hospital

Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year
Alex Lavender, Physiotherapy, RPA Hospital

As the Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the year, Alexander has been recognised by peers for his professionalism and contribution to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Allied Health Professionals. He has shown outstanding contribution to advocacy, positive culture, and clinical excellence. Alexander continuously demonstrates passion for working effectively to provide safe, quality and evidence-based care.

Allied Health Educator of the Year
Yat (Ryan) Tam, Radiographer, Concord Hospital 
 

Ryan is an outstanding clinician who contributes to education and improvement of clinical standards. Ryan’s passion for education motivates other Radiographers to engage in learning activities to promote a culture of continued learning, excellence and evidence-based practice within the department.

Nominees:

• Alex Wagner, Physiotherapist, Concord Hospital 
• Gillian Taylor, Speech Pathology, Child and Family Health Services 

Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support person of the Year 
Mohammed Shareef, Pharmacy, Concord Hospital 
 

Mohammed is recognised for his professionalism, versatility, strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to providing safe, patient-centred care. As the Allied Health Assistant / Technician of the year, Mohammed significantly contributes to Allied Health as an integral team player, is highly valuable and efficient and approaches every task with safety and responsibility. His dedication and attention to detail clearly demonstrates high quality care. 

Nominee:

• Hye (Helen) Yun, Nutrition and Dietetics, Concord Hospital 

Allied Health Leader of the Year
Kirrily Stewart, Occupational Therapy, Aged Health, Chronic Care & Rehabilitation
 

Kirrily’s leadership style focuses on collaboration, championing evidence-based practice, and building strong networks with fellow allied health clinicians across the district. Kirrily exemplifies the CORE Values of NSW Health, valuing the experience and ideas of staff, with the experience required to translate ideas into tangible actions and outcomes.

Nominees:

• Vanessa Nube, Podiatry, Sydney Local Health District 
• Perryn Carroll, Digital Health, Sydney Local Health District 
• Georgina Frank, Podiatry, Sydney Local Health District 
• Kerryn Dziamba, Social work, Concord hospital 
• Aparajita (Jita) Gupta, Psychology, Community Health 
• Naome Reid, Allied health / Social work, Community Health 

Allied Health Professional of the Year
Naome Reid, Allied health / Social work, Community Health
 

Naome epitomises commitment to supporting, empowering, and upskilling all within healthcare.  She excels in change management, effectively guiding her teams through transitions with sensitivity and respect. She possesses a strong commitment to empowering her team and fosters a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and motivated. Her strategic vision is evident in her initiatives that drive significant improvements in service delivery and patient outcomes and her leadership is marked by her resilience and adaptability.

• Anne Tunks, Psychologist, Aged Health, Chronic Care & Rehabilitation
• Alexandra Robson, Clinical Psychologist, Community Health 
• Elizabeth Windon, Social work, RPA Hospital
• Regan Tippett, Social work, RPA Hospital 
• Sher Mayne Chan, Physiotherapist, AHCC&R 
• Tess Dedomizio, Occupational Therapy, Concord Hospital 
• Eve Wilson, Occupational Therapy, Concord Hospital 
• Ai Hwee Leow, Diversional Therapy, Balmain Hospital 
• Suzie Ferrie, Nutrition and Dietetics, RPA Hospital
• Elizabeth Lim, Physiotherapist, Child and Family Health Services
• Leesa Adlard, Clinical Psychologist, RPA Hospital
• Helen Tran, Social work, Community health 
• Leon Gantert, Exercise Physiology, Concord Hospital 
• Jannie Cheng, Clinical Psychologist, Community Health

Allied Health Team of the Year 
MAx team (Multi-disciplinary Assessment clinic, Canterbury and Lakemba Community Health Centres)
 

The MAx team provide excellent evidence-based care by constantly adapting and changing their practice to align with emerging evidence. The team show genuine care for their client’s journey and are willing to go the ‘extra mile’ to provide a top-quality service. They demonstrate initiative for implementing service change and prioritise workplace wellbeing for themselves through meaningful workplace activities. 

Nominees:

• Occupational Therapy team, Balmain Hospital
• Child Protection Counselling team, Community Health 
• Centre for STRONG medicine Concord Hospital
• 7E2 Colorectal Allied health team, RPA Hospital
• Home based therapy Occupational Therapists
• Transition Aged Care program
• Cancer survivorship team, Concord Hospital 
• Child Health Information Link – Allied health Intake officers, Community Health 
• Cancer services, Pharmacy, Concord hospital