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The nine finalists selected for the 2026 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards represent "the incredible heart and dedication" of their profession.
The annual national awards, now in their 20th year, recognise excellence across three categories – Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year, and Outstanding Organisation – with three finalists selected in each section.
Debby Blakey, CEO of health industry super fund HESTA, said the standards of excellence showed by this year's awards contenders showed the sector's importance in improving health outcomes for communities across the country.
"Congratulations to all nine finalists. Each one of them represents the incredible heart and dedication of Australian nursing and midwifery at its best," Ms Blakey said.
"Reaching our 20th year of these awards is a proud milestone for us, and a moment to reflect on the remarkable passion and commitment we see in this sector year after year.
"The calibre of this year's finalists is a testament to just how much nurses, midwives, and care organisations continue to shape the health of our communities. We can't wait to celebrate with them in Melbourne next month."
The winners will be announced at a celebratory dinner in Melbourne on Wednesday 14 May, with each sharing a $30,000 prize pool provided by the awards' main sponsor, J.P. Morgan Australia and New Zealand.
Selected from more than 170 nominations by an expert industry panel, the finalists include:
- A Victoria-based midwife ensuring Aboriginal families receive culturally safe support from pregnancy through to postnatal care
- A South Australian nurse who has improved outcomes for children and families experiencing adversity
- A New South Wales organisation running an Australian-first therapy program that doubles as a clinical placement for health students and recovery experience for people living with mental illness.
"Congratulations to the finalists," said J.P. Morgan ANZ's Head of Markets and Securities Services Sales, Stephen Jani.
"You represent the heart of healthcare – advocating for patients and improving outcomes."
The 2026 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards Finalists:
Midwife of the Year
Alison Weatherstone, WA Country Health Service; Shenton Park, Western Australia
Rochelle Bonning, Campbelltown Hospital; Campbelltown, New South Wales
Tamara Porter, Monash Health; Clayton, Victoria
Nurse of the Year
Professor Sandy Middleton, Australian Catholic University; Darlinghurst, NSW
Lauren Elizabeth Lines, Flinders University; Bedford Park, South Australia
Helen Lamech, Healthy Living NT; Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Outstanding Organisation
Maclean Medical; Maclean, NSW
Recovery Camp; North Wollongong, NSW
The HOME Network; Liverpool, NSW
For more information, visit HESTA's awards hub.
- HESTA is APHA's Diamond Sponsor.
Read more: 2025 HESTA Nursing and Midwifery Awards winners named
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