What We Offer

Introducing the Winners of the 2025 Victorian Rural Health Awards

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist Award

Dr Ruwangi Udayasiri Goulburn Valley Health/Shepparton Women’s Health Centre, Shepparton 

Dr. Ruwangi Udayasiri is a Breast and General Surgeon based in Victoria, serving across multiple rural health services, including Goulburn Valley Health, Numurkah Hospital, and Kyabram Health. With expertise in breast, endocrine, and laparoscopic surgery, she is also a Senior Lecturer and Education Facilitator at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health. Dr. Udayasiri is passionate about advancing rural healthcare through clinical practice, education, and community advocacy.

 

Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Award

Dr David Bertovic , Alfred Hospital and Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-Operative, Bairnsdale

David is a General Cardiologist based in Melbourne with a public appointment with Alfred Health, where his primary role is with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit. 

He has special interests in Aboriginal Health and Sports and Exercise Cardiology, and the bulk of his consulting work is in rural areas, including Mildura, Robinvale, Ballarat, Cowes, Wonthaggi, Bairnsdale and Orbost.  

 

 

Outstanding Contribution by a Rising Star Award

Mr Jemuel Pryse, Allied Physiotherapy, Ocean Grove

Jemuel Pryse is a passionate physiotherapist practicing at Allied Physiotherapy in Ocean Grove, where he focuses on restoring function for clients with Osteoarthritis, particularly through the GLAD program. Jem also actively pursues his interest in paediatric neuro physiotherapy and works part-time at Hamlyn Views School, supporting students in maximizing their well-being. Outside of his professional life, Jem enjoys surfing, running, and gym workouts, all of which reinforce his commitment to helping clients return to the activities they love. 

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Multidisciplinary Health Team Award

Ontario Medical Clinic, Mildura

Ontario Medical Clinic is a rural teaching practice in Mildura, Victoria, committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. The multidisciplinary team includes GPs, nurses and an onsite-GP Pharmacist. As a training site for both RACGP and ACRRM registrars, the clinic is passionate about mentoring the next generation of rural doctors and advancing collaborative models of care.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health Award

Mrs Lesley Robinson, West Wimmera Health Service, Nhill 

Lesley Robinson is a Registered Nurse and Credentialled diabetes Educator with over 38years experience – 25 of those have been dedicated to diabetes education in rural Victoria, notably at West Wimmera Health Service and Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative in Horsham. 

As a credentialled Diabetes Educator, Lesley’s role involves helping individuals living with diabetes -or those at risk of developing it, better understand their condition and empower them to take control of their health. 

Lesley is passionate about ensuring that her clients are provided with the tools and knowledge required to make informed choices about their care and live well with diabetes.  

One of the highlights of Lesley’s career was working with the Diabetes Technology Research Group at St Vincents Hospital in Melbourne whose mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes through exceptional research that drives advancement in innovative technologies.  

As a firm believer in the benefits of technology in helping clients to better manage their diabetes, Lesley strongly advocates for better funding and access to insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring. 

Lesley was named Victorian Credentialled Diabetes Educator of the year in 2023. 

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Outreach Provision Award

Dr Julian Yeoh, Austin Health & Alba Health, Myrtleford

Dr Julian Yeoh is an Interventional and Structural Heart Disease Cardiologist at Austin Health and Warringal Private Hospital. Julian completed medical school at the University of Melbourne in 2009 and then cardiology advanced training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 2016.

Julian undertook interventional fellowship training at Austin Health before completing a Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO)/Complete High-Risk Indicated Patient (CHIP) and structural heart disease fellowships at King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom. He has returned to consultant practice in Melbourne in 2020. His clinical interest including coronary angioplasty and complete revascularisation including chronic total occlusion intervention with expertise in coronary calcium modification techniques, intravascular imaging and coronary physiology.

He also has an interest in the management of aortic stenosis with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in addition to other structural heart intervention procedures. Julian is committed to providing comprehensive cardiology services

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Practice Management Award

Mrs Rachael Hatzopoulos, Ashby Street Medical Centre, Trafalgar

Rachael Hatzopoulos is Operations Manager at Ashby Street Medical Centre in Trafalgar as well as 2 other rural & 2 metro practices in Victoria. As a Certified Practice Manager she has an extensive experience in General Practice.

Her previous awards & acknowledgements include AAPM National Practice Manager of the Year 2022 & an Avant Scholarship 2016. Rachael enjoys the diverse & dynamic environment of working in primary care. 

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Consumer Advocate Award

Mrs Sally Fraser, Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, Bendigo campus of La Trobe University

Sally Fraser has dedicated more than a decade to consumer advocacy, inspired by her own healthcare journey after major spinal surgeries that left her temporarily reliant on a wheelchair. Her experience and admiration for surgical and allied health professionals motivated her to give back by contributing to the medical field through consumer engagement.

She was first appointed to the Community Advisory Committee at Bendigo Health, later serving on multiple subcommittees. In 2017, with the formation of Safer Care Victoria, she joined the Loddon Mallee Regional Clinical Council. Sally contributed to the surgical and anaesthetic subcommittee and chaired the Consumer Engagement Committee, which authored a paper on visitor restrictions in Loddon Mallee Health Services during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served on Safer Care Victoria’s Consumer Leaders Reference Group during this time.

Sally is an active member of La Trobe University’s Rural Health School, serving on the External Advisory Group and the Rural Health Consumers Panel Advisory Group. Her research interests include consumer panels, and she is currently involved in the RISE4 Skin Cancer project with the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research. She also contributes to the VVMarshman Partnership Grants Review Panel.

With a keen interest in sentinel event reviews, Sally has participated in numerous review panels across Loddon Mallee and more recently for Barwon Health following her relocation.

As a member of Safer Care Victoria’s Consumer Network, she continues to contribute to various projects that strengthen the voice of consumers in healthcare.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Primary Care Nurse or Midwife Award

Mrs Kate Worsfold, Inverloch Healthcare, Inverloch

Kate Worsfold is a dedicated Practice Nurse at Kyabram Regional Clinic, where she has provided compassionate, high-quality care for over 20 years.

With a deep commitment to patient wellbeing and a wealth of experience, she plays a vital role in supporting the health of the local community. 

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist Award

Dr Gregory Hayes, Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre, Lakes Entrance

Dr Greg Hayes graduated from Monash University in 1971 and completed a two-year internship before embarking on a career in General Practice.

Married with four children, Dr Hayes initially worked in Clayton, then spent over 20 years practicing in Beaumaris. During this time, he completed numerous rural locums across Victoria and Southern NSW, from Mildura to Mallacoota and many towns in between.

He also dedicated 4.5 years to working as a rural locum in the Northern Territory, serving exclusively in Indigenous communities across Islands, Coastal, and Central Desert regions.

In 2006, Dr. Hayes returned to General Practice at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland, where he continues to serve the community to this day.

Outstanding Contribution by a Mentor or Supervisor Award

Dr Mehdi Sanatipour, Sunraysia Medical Centre, Red Cliffs

Dr Mehdi Sanatipour has been dedicated to the Mildura region for the past 18 years, making a lasting contribution to the local healthcare community.

Since 2012, Dr Sanatipour has been committed to supervising and training junior doctors. He supervises GP registrars, international medical graduates (IMGs), FSP registrars, and medical students.

Passionate about continuous learning and professional development, he runs regular teaching sessions, invites professionals to present at these sessions, and moderates weekly journal clubs.

Outstanding Contribution by RWAV Student Ambassador Award

Ms Stacy Doan, RWAV Rural Ambassador, Deakin University, Geelong

Stacy Doan is an Allied Health Assistant with Plena Healthcare, supporting physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs in aged care homes across Colac, Anglesea, and Torquay. She is also a final-year Occupational Therapy student in her honours research year, with a strong interest in neuroscience. As a 2024–2025 RWAV Ambassador, Stacy shares her journey with high school students and at RWAV conferences to inspire current and future health professionals.   

Length of Service Awards

Dr Peter Rogers, Healesville Medical Centre, Healesville

 

Dr David Wilson, Lister House Medical Clinic, Horsham

Dr David Wilson has dedicated over 34 years to rural healthcare in Horsham. Initially a GP, he later specialised in obstetrics, pediatrics, and supervision, training other GPs.

David served as the director of Intern training at the local base hospital for over 20 years, and now leads general ruralist training in Pediatrics and Palliative Care. His commitment extends to educating nursing and midwifery students, and has been involved in the delivery of over 10,000 births in the Wimmera region! David’s skills extended as a police surgeon supporting forensic investigations. 

He ran the local asthma camp for kids with asthma in Mildura. He was also instrumental in delivering bone marrow collection and registration, extending his humanitarian efforts with his own bone marrow donation. David also recently took on additional responsibilities following a colleague’s tragic passing. He has been a beloved figure in his community and is truly deserving of this award!

Dr Andrew Gault, Port Fairy Medical Clinic, Port Fairy

 

Dr Daryl Smith, Macleod Street Medical Centre, Bairnsdale

Dr David Monash, Inglis Medical Centre, Sale 

Dr Elizabeth Quin, Springs Medical, Daylesford

Dr Ernan Hession, Swan Hill Primary Health Medical Centre, Swan Hill

Dr Gavin Frawley, Ovens Medical Group, Wangaratta

Dr Gerard Brownstein, Benalla Church Street Surgery, Benalla

Dr. Gerard Brownstein has dedicated his career to rural healthcare in Benalla, North East Victoria, where he has practiced as a rural procedural GP since 1990.

Following six years of hospital training in Australia and overseas, during which he earned the DRACOG and Part 1 FC Anaes UK (Diploma of Anaesthesia), Dr. Brownstein and his young family settled in Benalla to begin a career in rural general practice. Initially joining a four-doctor clinic, he became a Fellow of the RACGP in 1995. Today, that clinic has grown into a thriving 15-doctor practice, providing comprehensive primary care services as well as obstetric, anaesthetic, emergency, and inpatient medical services to Benalla’s 30-bed hospital.

Throughout his 35 years in Benalla, Dr. Brownstein has embraced the challenges and rewards of being both a GP Anaesthetist and Obstetrician, balancing these procedural roles with his general practice. In 2010, he was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Rural Communities Award by Rural Workforce Agency Victoria.

Until April 2024, he maintained a keen interest and practice in GP Anaesthesia, including obstetric anaesthesia, based at Benalla Health. He also held an honorary appointment as a GP Anaesthetist at Albury Wodonga Health. After careful consideration, he decided to step back from anaesthetics, acknowledging the importance of timing in ceasing certain aspects of practice—a decision guided by a specialist colleague’s advice to stop “a year before you start thinking about it.” Dr. Brownstein ceased his obstetric practice in 2018.

A passionate educator, Dr. Brownstein has served as a Melbourne University GP clinical supervisor, supervising GP registrars and junior medical staff at North East Health Wangaratta. In 2022, he contributed to the expert panel developing the new Therapeutic Guidelines on Palliative Care as a GP representative.

His longstanding interest in remote Indigenous medicine has seen him work as a locum on the Tiwi Islands and in the Kimberley. In 2022, he reduced his general practice commitment in Benalla to further pursue this interest and to enjoy more time as a grandfather, handyman, and farmer.

Dr Gregory Stewart, Springs Medical, Daylesford

Dr Hugh Chisholm, Leongatha Healthcare & Gippsland Southern Health Service, Leongatha

Dr Ian Sutherland, Port Fairy Medical Clinic, Port Fairy 

Dr Janis Baker, Broadford Medical Clinic, Broadford 

Dr John Guymer, Wyndham House Clinic, Shepparton

Dr Mary Holland, Flora Hill Medical Centre, Flora Hill

Dr Nicholas Kimpton, Ballarat Medical Centre, Ballarat

Dr Peter Hales, Surf Coast Medical Centre, Torquay

Dr Robert Dawson, Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon

Dr Ross De Steiger, Bairnsdale Medical Group, Bairnsdale

Ms Kerrie Thomsen, Hallmark Integrated Health Services, Bairnsdale

Mrs Lesley Robinson, West Wimmera Health Service, Nhill

The Latest Podcast

Also available on Google, Apple and Spotify podcasts
F E E D B A C K

For nearly 30 years, Catherine has worked as a consultant, senior executive, adviser and government relations specialist with a particular focus on health, social services, social policy and industry development.  Catherine is currently Partner and Co-founder of Evaluate, an economics consulting company, where she is engaged in the evaluation and development of efficient and cost-effective services and policies, principally in relation to health and lifesciences.  Prior to this, Catherine worked in the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries with responsibilities for government relations, stakeholder engagement, policy development, regulatory affairs and communication in Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe.  Catherine is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a past board member of Marriott Support Services, Melbourne City Mission and Victoria Legal Aid.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
• Audit and Risk Committee Member

BAppSci, GradDipBus, MBus, GAICD, FIML

John is an experienced CEO and senior executive who has held many roles in various hospitals, in government (Health Department), and in professional associations related to healthcare. Until recently, John was the CEO of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), where he had major involvement in various sustainability in healthcare initiatives, Indigenous health and ‘Building Respect’ cultural improvement strategies.
John’s expertise encompasses leadership, strategic policy development, professional standards and government relations. At RACS, he led the college through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw the digitisation of a range of member offerings, including aspects of training. He remains a key advocate for good corporate governance and the need for leaner and competent skills-based boards.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
• People and Culture Committee Member

BBus(HRM)

Lauren commenced in the role of Manager People and Culture in August 2018 and is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAV’s People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.

Lauren’s team is committed to implementing activities and initiatives to support the achievement of RWAV’s strategies and strengthen RWAV’s position as an ‘Employer of Choice’.

Lauren is an experienced Manager and HR professional, with a career spanning the professional services, automotive, defence, and not-for-profit sectors.

CPA
Albert Giorgini is the Senior Advisor to CEO at RWAV.

As an experienced finance executive, with an extensive career in public transport and in the automotive and industrial gas sectors, Albert has honed his skills in driving financial performance improvements with a commercial and business transformation focus.

Through his strategic financial skills, Albert has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to lead and develop large teams in complex and changing environments to achieve the financial and regulatory requirements of the business. His extensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges, equipping him with the expertise to drive impactful change.

Albert has highly developed communication and stakeholder management skills to support his strong planning, analytical and financial performance improvement acumen, always striving to create innovative solutions that drive growth and success.

BMed, MMedSci, FRACGP, FARGP, FACRRM, DipPractDerm, DipMedHyp, DipFP, DipBusAdmin, GAICD

Morton is an experienced GP and medical educator. He is currently in clinical general practice in suburban Melbourne and previously practised in rural Victoria for 10 years. Morton is Chair of the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaborative and a past Chair of the Mental Health Professionals Association and is a board member of the Mental Health Professionals Network. He is also the Medical Director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Victoria. He is a member of the RACGP Victoria Council.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Board Director
• Governance Committee Member
• Chair of Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee

LLB, BSc, MMgt (Strategic Foresight), GAICD

As a lawyer and business consultant, Jane has worked for many years with company boards and executives across a range of areas including IP commercialisation, SaaS businesses, healthcare products/services, privacy compliance and data/IT security. Jane is General Counsel for ID Consulting. She has served as a Director of BreastScreen Victoria, Ballarat Health Services and chairs RWAV’s Governance Committee.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Deputy Chair
• Chair of the Governance Committee
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member

BMBS, MBA, FRACP, FRACMA, FAICD

Grant is a retired physician and gastroenterologist whose specialist
clinical practice was in regional and rural Victoria. In the latter part of his career, Grant moved into management and leadership roles at organisational and system level, with a focus on clinical quality and clinical engagement.
Having worked for government in several jurisdictions, through this, Grant has held leadership roles in the national safety and quality agenda, and has also held major professional level roles including a 2-year period as President of the Adult Division of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians from 2016–18.
Grant teaches clinical governance with a focus on helping healthcare boards and executive teams understand this critical aspect of their work, and consults to organisations on their clinical governance and nclinical leadership.
Grant is an experienced and qualified board director, having attained
Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2018,
and currently chairs a major sporting organisation.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Board Chair
• Nominations and Remuneration Committee Member
• Governance Committee Member

BA (Hons), BEc, Grad Dip Bus, MBA, FGIA, FAICD

Roger is an experienced CEO, Chair, non-executive director, board consultant and course/workshop facilitator, with experience in the health, human services, law enforcement, regional economics, disaster relief, education, transport and environmental industries. He has sat on and chaired numerous private company, public sector and not-for-profit boards and audit and risk committees. Roger has also consulted with numerous boards, published numerous articles and conducted webinars on corporate governance, risk and strategy. He brings strong governance experience, commercial acumen, risk management and strategy skills combined with a passion for innovation and business development.
Currently, Roger chairs the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation, is a director and chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Melba Support Services, and is an independent member of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Roger is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed their Boardroom Mastery program, and is also a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Roger is currently a facilitator, assessor and writer for the Australian Institute of Company Directors and teaches their Company Directors Course,
as well as numerous other short courses.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

BSci(Hons), DipLang, MD, FRACGP, FACRRM, DRANZCOG(Adv), GAICD

Louise is a rural GP obstetrician practising in a number of locations across Central Victoria where she delivers general practice, obstetric and sexual health services. After growing up in a small town, she has lived experience of the difficulties of accessing healthcare in rural and regional areas, and is dedicated to advocating for equitable health outcomes, regardless of geography. In addition to her clinical duties, she undertakes consulting, medical education and advocacy work. She is also a non-executive director and the current President Elect of the RDAV. Louise recently returned to study in 2024 and is undertaking a Masters of Public Health through The University of Melbourne.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
• Audit and Risk Committee Member

Snezana is a Human Resources leader with more than 15 years of experience in management, playing a pivotal role in driving team transformations across diverse industries, including FMCG, automotive, government, and non-profit sectors.

With a curiosity for business and its associated complexities, Snezana fosters collaborative partnerships to cultivate a highly motivated workforce that effectively executes strategic plans.

BCom, MPP, EdD, DipEd, Claritas/CFA Investment Certificate, MAICD

Rosemary has had a varied career as an academic teaching economics, public policy and industrial relations, and as a consultant, advocate, health union official and as a director. She brings strong governance and strategic skills to the Board, as well as knowledge and depth of experience in health policy, economics and investment.
Rosemary is currently a member of the Investment Committee of Cbus, a major Australian superannuation fund.
She was the Secretary of the Victorian Psychologists Association Inc for 20 years and was Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Medical Scientists’ Association of Victoria, which counts dietitians and audiologists among its members.
Rosemary knows first-hand the difficulties in attracting and retaining health professionals in rural and regional Victoria.
Rosemary is a member of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, and a committee member of Quit Nukes.

RWAV special responsibilities:
• Chair of the People and Culture Committee
• Governance Committee Member

With a rich background of consulting and in-house people and culture roles with the corporate, government and community sectors, Andrea is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAV’s People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.

Andrea has significant experience in leading teams across culture, capability, diversity, equity, leadership, organisational development and learning programs as well as core human resources partnering.

With a strong focus on building and maintaining psychologically safe organisations, Andrea’s team is dedicated to ensuring that RWAV is a place where people can work well and be well at work.

Martin is a governance professional and lawyer with experience in private practice and in-house legal roles. He has been a company secretary for public and private sector organisations across a range of industries including VicTrack, Regis Healthcare Limited and Dairy Australia Limited. He holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) and is a fellow of the GIA.

Social Work (BA Hons), DipSW

With a background in social work and a proven record in recruitment, project management, and business development, Jo brings strategic leadership and a wealth of experience in driving positive outcomes within the health, human services, and State Government sectors.

Jo specialises in managing health professional recruitment and outreach programs, including the More Doctors for Rural Australia and 3GA programs. Her focus is on implementing innovative workforce strategies and clinical governance to bolster RWAV’s mission of enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural and regional Victoria.

Having previously excelled at RWAV, Jo spearheaded successful internal change initiatives while fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders. Her efforts consistently align with RWAV’s strategic direction, ensuring a cohesive approach to driving impactful change.

Beyond her professional expertise, Jo’s passion lies in uniting communities and championing positive transformations in rural healthcare in Victoria.

RN, GradDip(Health Promotion), PRINCE2, Mini MBA

Kate is a Registered Nurse highly experienced in health promotion and project management. Her people and program management skills enable her to be agile and adaptable while maintaining an outcomes focus on improving quality access to primary healthcare.

Kate’s extensive experience working with all levels of government, the community and stakeholders across the sector have provided her with insights into the challenges rural communities and health professionals face. Kate has led the design and delivery of many innovative and strategic health promotion and grants programs, supporting better access to health services, health information and activities across communities. Whilst at RWAV, Kate has led the transformation of the RWAV grants program, enhanced the administration of a number of programs and developed the RWAV allied health portfolio. She has also led the development of the RWAV research program of activities.

Having worked at RWAV since 2020, Kate will continue positively influencing the rural healthcare workforce and access to services.

Msc (Fin), FCCA, FGIA, CA

Shay brings over 20 years of financial
management experience in commercial and not-for-profit organizations. He has a
rich and varied experience in multiple finance and leadership roles in the
United Kingdom and Australia, including CFO, GM Finance & IT, Commercial
Manager Operations, Finance Manager and Accountant.

His extensive leadership experience is
augmented by an FGIA, FCCA, CA, a Masters in Finance and an undergraduate degree in
accounting and finance.

Lauren Cordwell

Chief Executive Officer

BHlthSci(Hons) MPH PostGradDipMgt GAICD AFCHSM

Lauren Cordwell is the Chief Executive Officer at RWAV. Lauren has been an integral part of the RWAV team since 2018, demonstrating a remarkable strategic vision to improve access to health care in rural Victoria. As an experienced senior executive and health policy analyst, she is committed to finding practical solutions to address the challenges preventing communities in rural Australia from accessing affordable and safe healthcare. For over 20 years, Lauren has designed and implemented innovative programs with communities, health professionals and government agencies that continue to have a lasting benefit. Many of these programs relate to primary healthcare, general practice, workforce, First People’s health and community engagement. 

Send this to a friend