2026 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards winners named

The "amazing winners" of the 2026 HESTA Nursing and Midwifery Awards have been praised for their inspiring commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Australians.

The 20th staging of the national awards featured nine finalists across the three categories – Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year, and Outstanding Organisation – at a ceremony in Melbourne in May.

"Congratulations to our amazing winners and finalists," said Lisa Samuels, Chief Experience Officer at health industry super fund HESTA.

"Their tremendous impact is inspiring and we thank them for their tireless commitment to making a difference every day.

"Nurses and midwives support us during some of our most vulnerable and challenging moments, with the HESTA Awards designed not only to recognise leaders in the sector but also to show gratitude for all they do to support people across the country."

Helen Lamech of Alice Springs won Nurse of the Year, Rochelle Bonning of Campbelltown was named Midwife of the Year, and Recovery Camp of North Wollongong took the prize for Outstanding Organisation.

Each winner will receive $10,000 from the $30,000 prize pool provided by J.P. Morgan, which is to be used for professional development or to improve services or processes.

"The work being celebrated tonight reflects the very best of healthcare in this country," said Nadia Schiavon, Head of Securities Services at J.P. Morgan Australia and New Zealand.

"We are proud to stand alongside HESTA in acknowledging the talent, compassion and commitment of this year's winners and finalists."

The annual awards were established to honour the vital contributions of Australia's nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers, and personal care workers.

The 2026 Hesta Australian Nursing and Midwifery Award Winners

Nurse of the Year:

Helen Lamech, Healthy Living NT; Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Midwife of the Year:

Rochelle Bonning, Campbelltown Hospital; Campbelltown, New South Wales

Outstanding Organisation:

Recovery Camp; North Wollongong, New South Wales

For more information, please visit HESTA's awards hub website.

• HESTA is APHA's Diamond Sponsor

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