Exploring Rural Healthcare with Dr Deborah Amott
In our latest episode, we welcome Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, as she shares her journey in rural healthcare. From her roots in Melbourne to …
In our latest episode, we welcome Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, as she shares her journey in rural healthcare. From her roots in Melbourne to …
In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, to …
The Victorian Rural Health Awards are back for the 18th year, and it’s time to nominate and celebrate outstanding rural health professionals.
Since 2005, RWAV, with the support of the Victorian Department of Health, has proudly hosted the annual Victorian Rural Health Awards to recognise the outstanding contributions made by health professionals working in rural communities. The Awards honour the exceptional medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers, and practice managers working across rural Victoria.
Do you know an outstanding rural health professional who should be recognised for their contribution to your community?Â
* MMM refers to Monash Modified Model. The model was developed to better target health workforce programs to attract health professionals to more remote and smaller communities. The MMM classifies metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas according to geographical remoteness, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and town size. You can find your MMM location here.Â
The exception for nominations are ACCOs (Aboriginal Community Controlled Organizations), who can nominate in areas 1-7.Â
To Nominate a candidate for VRHA, please provide the following supporting information whilst filling out the nomination form below.
The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist award recognises a rural doctor who has shown ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care to meet the current and future healthcare needs of their community.
Nominees for this award must be providing comprehensive general practice and emergency care, as well as required components of other medical specialist care in hospital and/or community settings to meet community needs. Eligible other care includes anaesthetics, obstetrics, emergency medicine, surgery, paediatrics, palliative care, internal medicine, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Eligibility criteria:
1.      Peer, organisation or patient nominated
2.      Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2â7 location
3.      Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.
The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist award recognises a rural non-GP specialist who has shown ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care to the community.
Nominees for this award must be providing medical specialist care in a hospital and/or community setting.
Eligibility criteria:
1.      Peer, organisation or patient nominated
2.      Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2â7 location
3.      Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.
The Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health award recognises a health professional, team or organisation that has made significant contributions in providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.
The award recognises both medical and non-medical workers and includes specialists, counsellors, health workers, nurses and many others.
Eligibility criteria:
1.      Peer, organisation, patient or community member nominated
2.      Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2â7 location.
The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Consumer Advocate award recognises the contribution of a consumer, carer or community member from rural Victoria that has made a significant contribution to healthcare. They need to demonstrate how they have used their lived experience to engage with health professionals or health services to improve the quality, accessibility or safety of healthcare. It also recognises an exceptional contribution by a consumer advocate to strengthen the consumer voice in decision making and program planning for the delivery of health services in rural Victoria.
Eligibility criteria:
1. Must have been involved in consumer advocacy activities relating to rural health in the last 12 months
2. Must be peer, organisation, patient or community member nominated.
The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Team award recognises an exceptional team contribution to create a positive difference in the delivery of health care in rural Victoria.
Eligibility criteria:
1. Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2â7 location
2. Must be a team contribution to general practice or allied health, providing excellence in service delivery and improved client outcomes
3. Peer, organisation, patient or community member nominated.
The Outstanding Contribution to Rural Primary Care Nursing award recognises an exceptional rural nurse or midwife who has delivered outstanding patient care, positive outcomes and who performs above the expectations of their role.
Eligibility criteria:
1.      Peer, organisation or patient nominated
2.      Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2â7 location
3.      Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.
The Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health award recognises an allied health professional who has shown professional and personal commitment to regional and rural communities, and has gone above the expectations of their role to provide services to the community.
Eligibility criteria:
1.      Peer, organisation or patient nominated
2.      Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2â7 location
3.      Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.
The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Healthcare Practice Management award recognises a practice manager who has gone above the expectations of their role shown professional and personal commitment to regional and rural communities through their leadership, mentoring and innovation.
Eligibility criteria:
1.      Peer, organisation or community member nominated
2.      Must be currently employed as a practice manager at a rural Victorian practice (MMM 2â7 location)
3.      Must have been working in a rural location for longer than two years.
The Outstanding Contribution to Rural Healthcare Outreach Provision award recognises a health professional, team or organisation that has made significant contributions in providing outreach services to rural and regional communities.
The award recognises both medical and non-medical workers and includes specialists, counsellors, health workers, nurses and others.
Eligibility criteria:
1.      Peer, organisation, patient or community member nominated
2.      Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2â7 location. If MMM1 location is identified, the service is delivered in an Aboriginal Medical Service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
The Rising Star Award celebrates the future of rural health care. Each year we recognise a junior health professional who has shown a true passion for rural health and is intent on dedicating their career to rural communities.
Eligibility criteria:
1.      Supervisor or organisation nominated
2.      Open to all health professionals
3.      Must be currently practising in a rural Victorian MMM 2â7 location;
4.      Has been practising for less than four years.
P: +61 3 9349 7800
F: +61 3 9820 0401
Wurundjeri Country
Level 6, Tower 4, World Trade Centre
18 – 38 Siddeley Street
Docklands Vic 3008
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) is a not-for-profit government funded organisation improving health care for rural, regional and Aboriginal communities in Victoria.
RWAV provides a range of activities and support to improve the recruitment and retention of health professionals to rural and regional Victoria.
RWAV acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
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.
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.
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.
Kateâs 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.
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.
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.
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 RWAVâs 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, Andreaâs team is dedicated to ensuring that RWAV is a place where people can work well and be well at work.
B Comm MPP EdD DipEd 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 was a Director of Aware Super for nine years, and Chair of the Investment Committee for three years. She was also a member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, the Governance Committee and the REM and HR Committee. Rosemary is currently a member of the Investment Committee of Cbus.
She was the Secretary of the Victorian Psychologists Association Inc for 20 years and knows first-hand the difficulties in attracting and retaining health professionals in rural and regional Victoria.
Dr Louise Manning is a rural GP Obstetrics trainee practising in Central Victoria where she delivers general practice, obstetric and sexual health services. Growing up in a small town she has lived experience of the difficulties accessing healthcare in rural and regional areas, and is dedicated to advocating for equitable health outcomes regardless of geography.
Louise is also a Board Director of the Rural Doctors’ Association of Victoria.
BAppSci GradDipBus MBus GAICD FIML
John Biviano is an experienced senior executive who has held many senior roles in government (Health Dept) and also in professional associations related to healthcare. Until recently, John was the CEO of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, where he oversaw the digitisation of a range of Member offerings, including aspects of training.Â
BA (Politics/Philosophy) BEc GDipBus MBA GAICD FGIA
Roger is an accomplished CEO, Non-Executive Director and Chair with experience in the health, human services, law enforcement, education, transport, and environmental industries â across private, public sector and not-for-profit organisations
.He brings strong governance experience, commercial acumen, risk management and strategy skills combined with a passion for innovation and business development having also been Chair of numerous Finance, Audit, Risk, Investment and Community Advisory Committees.
BMBS MBA FRACP FRACMA FAICD FIML
Assoc Prof Phelps has practiced as a Gastroenterologist and Acute Physician in regional Victoria for more than 20 years.
He trained in safety and quality at Dr Brent Jamesâ Institute at Intermountain Healthcare in the US and has held management and leadership roles in Victoria and Tasmania. More recently he completed a two-year project as Director of Clinical Governance for Central Adelaide Local Health Network.
Grant currently works as an independent consultant providing advice to hospitals and organisations on clinical leadership and safety and quality
LLB BSc MMgt (Strategic Foresight) GAICD
As a lawyer and business consultant Jane has worked with company boards and senior management across a range of areas including IP commercialisation, internet-based businesses, healthcare products/services, privacy and data/IT security. Jane is currently general counsel for .id Consulting â population demographers, economists and forecasters.
Jane served as a director of BreastScreen Victoria for 10 years, is a current director of Ballarat Health Services and chairs RWAVâs Governance Committee.
BMed MMedSci FRACGP FARGP FACRRM DipPractDerm DipMedHyp DipFP DipBusAdmin GAICD
Assoc Prof Rawlin is an experienced General Practitioner and medical educator. He is currently in clinical general practice in suburban Melbourne and previously practiced in rural Victoria for 10 years.
Assoc Prof Rawlin 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.
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.
BBus(HRM)
Lauren commenced in the role of Manager People and Culture in August 2018 and is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAVâs People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.
Laurenâs team is committed to implementing activities and initiatives to support the achievement of RWAVâs strategies and strengthen RWAVâs position as an âEmployer of Choiceâ.
Lauren is an experienced Manager and HR professional, with a career spanning the professional services, automotive, defence, and not-for-profit sectors.
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 Peopleâs health and community engagement.Â