Event held as part of Mental Health Month celebrations.

The Mental Health Service at Sydney Local Health District has celebrated the outstanding work of its staff with the annual Mental Health Service Awards of Excellence.

Staff from across the District gathered at the Concord Centre for Mental Health for the awards, which were held as part of the celebration of Mental Health Month.

Deb Willcox AM, District Chief Executive – who presented the awards alongside Steven Wood, General Manager, Mental Health, and Dr Andrew McDonald, Clinical Director, Mental Health – said it was a real privilege to be part of the day.

"Acknowledging the work of our staff is so important. The people who make up our Mental Health Service do an outstanding job," she said.

“I want to thank all of you for everything you do to provide exceptional care and support for consumers who are often at a very difficult and complex time in their lives.” 

 

2025 Mental Health Service Awards of Excellence

Staff Member of the Year 

Winner – Renae Van Der Pol, Sector Manager, Western, Community Mental Health
Renae led her sector through complex challenges with integrity and excellence, stepping up as Acting Director and inspiring others with her proactive leadership and collaborative spirit.

Highly commended – William Lambert and Fiona McGregor

 

Executive Award 

Winner – Terri Patton
Terri has led transformative service innovations across the Western Sector, championing collaborative care models and fostering a culture of safety, compassion, and empowerment.

 

Winner – Jessica Taylor
Jessica’s leadership in the Acute Unit has driven cultural change, reduced length of stay, and created a respectful, therapeutic environment for both staff and consumers..

 

Safety and Quality Award 

Winner – Seniha Kasif, Director, Pharmacy
Under Seniha’s visionary leadership, our Pharmacy is close to achieving 100% Best Possible Medication Histories for all admitted patients – setting a gold standard for medication safety and quality. During Accreditation Seniha led Standard 4 impeccably.

Highly commended – Emily Bishop and Canterbury Clozapine Clinic (Kloe Pedersen & Aidan Giblin)

Health Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Partnerships Award 

Winner – Safe Haven
(Peter Dixon, Amanda Kelly, John Ashford)
Newtown Safe Haven is recognised as the busiest in NSW, offering a trauma-informed, peer-led alternative to ED that provides hope and connection for people in distress.

Highly commended – Peter Woollett and Kloe Pedersen

 

People and Culture Award 

Winner – Redfern Core Team
Redfern Core Team leads with compassion and innovation, restarting the Eastern Sector DBT program and achieving the lowest rate of CTOs through exceptional consumer engagement.

Winner – Denise Benfield, Senior Clinician, Camperdown Core Team
With more than 45 years in mental health, Denise fosters a culture of positivity and compassion, mentoring junior staff and advocating for the rights of patients with humility and dedication.

Highly commended – Liang (Peter) Shen

 

Emerging Leadership Award 

Winner – Chloe Van Loon, Team Leader, Canterbury Core Team
Chloe stepped up to lead a large community mental health team with courage and care, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring her team with integrity and compassion.

Highly commended – Abby Andrews and Emma Connolly

Consumer Choice Award

Winner – Natalie Johnson, CNC
Natalie’s compassionate care at the Complex Mood Disorders Clinic has transformed lives – her presence made consumers feel safe, heard and supported during some of their most vulnerable moments.

Highly commended – Ann Woo and Kristy Greenup

 

Carer Choice Award 

Winner – Simon Tully, Social Work
Simon’s dedication to carers is unmatched – he’s always available, follows up with care, and ensures practical solutions are in place before discharge and has consistently advocated for better support and services for carers.

 

Allied Health Staff Member of the Year 

Winner – Anna Jackson, Acting Professional Lead, Social Work
Anna stepped up to lead the Social Work team with grace and strength, advocating for vulnerable consumers and driving service improvements while maintaining a full clinical load.

Highly commended – Emma Connolly and Marie Sloman

 

Medical Staff Member of the Year 

Winner – Sylvia Lim Gibson, Director, Clinical Services
Dr Lim-Gibson provided decisive leadership during workforce challenges, ensuring continuity of care and staff wellbeing while mentoring others with compassion and clarity.

Highly commended – Sean Lubbe and Claire Tindale

 

Corporate Services Staff Member of the Year 

Winner – Jacinda Wong, Executive Assistant
Jacinda is the quiet force behind Mental Health Services success – organising events, anticipating needs and supporting staff with grace and professionalism.

Highly commended – Maria Ferriera, Sergey Baryshnikov and Udara Senadeer.

 

Peer Support Worker of the Year 

Winner – Jim Twoomey, Peer Support Worker, Assertive Outreach Team
Jim reignited face-to-face programs post-COVID, creating walking, fishing, and cooking groups that build life skills, social connection and hope for consumers.

Highly commended – Kate Anderson, Kate Keyes, Kloe Pedersen and Santi Ledesma.