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Media Release – Winners of the Victorian Rural Health Awards 2023 Announced

Health professionals in rural communities of Victoria receive state-wide recognition for their outstanding contributions to healthcare.

Melbourne, Victoria, 28 June 2023: Rural health professionals and their communities attended last night’s Victoria-wide Awards event to award winners in eleven categories of the 2023 Victorian Rural Health Awards. The event was hosted by the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) with support from the Victorian Department of Health.

The 2023 Victorian Rural Health Awards winners were announced last night at the 18th Virtual Awards event.

Angie Hilton, an Australian actress and director known for her roles on the TV series Stingers, Blue Heelers, and travel shows like What’s Up Down Under and Coxy’s Big Break, hosted the Victorian Rural Health Awards night. Angie is also a resident of regional Victoria.

The Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) congratulates the Winners and Finalists of the 2023 Victorian Rural Health Awards.

The Victorian Rural Health Awards enables peers, teams, and patients to honour the whole spectrum of excellence in healthcare. This includes doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers, and practice managers working across Victoria’s regional and rural communities. The awards also acknowledge General Practitioners who have contributed 35+ years of service.

Meet the 2023 Victorian Rural Health Award Winners:

  1. Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist Award
    A/Prof Rex Pais Prabhu, Swan Hill District Health, Swan Hill
  2. Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Award
    Dr Troy Walker, Nyini Health, A2B, ACC, Deakin & Monash University, Echuca
  3. Outstanding Contribution by a Rising Star Award
    Dr Tanya Johnston, Medical Intern, Grampians Health, Ballarat
  4. Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Team Award
    Kathryn Lynch and the Sunraysia Medical Centre team, Red Cliffs
  5. Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health Award
    Kara Di Dio, Kara Di Dio Speech Pathology, Traralgon
  6. Outstanding Contribution to Rural Outreach Provision Award
    Dr Jennifer Coller, Consultant Cardiologist at Connected Cardiology, Shepparton
  7. Outstanding Contribution to Rural Practice Management Award
    Dianne Loubey, Practice Manager from Otway Medical Clinic, Colac
  8. Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Consumer Advocate Award
    Roslyn Stewart, Hume Mental Health Interim Regional Body, Broadford
  9. Outstanding Contribution to Rural Primary Care Nursing Award
    Claire Oettinger, Get Well Clinic, Healesville
  10. Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist Award
    Dr Suresh Jain, Kilmore Medical Centre, Kilmore

Length of Service Award Recipients for 35+ years of Service:

  • Dr Anne Porter, Whittlesea Medical Clinic, Whittlesea
  • Dr Cheryl Stanbury, Swan Hill Medical Group, Swan Hill
  • Dr Christian Fowler, Maldon Medical Centre, Maldon
  • Dr Eliot Jarman, Goulburn River Group Practice, Seymour
  • Dr Elizabeth Boyd, Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-op, Bairnsdale
  • Dr Jill Ramsey, UFS Medical Centre, Bridge Mall in Ballarat
  • Dr John Dyson-Berry, Lime Medical Clinic, Mildura
  • Dr Myles Chapman, Macleod Street Medical Centre, Bairnsdale
  • Dr Phillip Steele, Federation Clinic, Wodonga
  • Dr Sally Carter, Romsey Medical Centre, Romsey
  • Dr Thomas Anderson, Ballarat Community Health, Smythesdale

The full video from the Victorian Rural Health Awards event is published on the RWAV website www.rwav.com.au/vrha-2023

Below is some information you can use to acknowledge all or your local Victorian Rural Health Awards 2023 Winner.

Media Enquiries

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

For more information please contact:
Evaan Rabel
RWAV Communications Team
P:    03 9349 7800
E:    communications@rwav.com.au
W:   www.rwav.com.au

 
ABOUT RWAV: 
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) is a not-for-profit government-funded organisation mandated with improving quality and access to healthcare for rural, regional and Aboriginal communities in Victoria. RWAV provides specialist services, supported by a range of Grants, in the recruitment, support, development and retention of health professionals in regional Victoria. The agency places GPs, nurses and allied health professionals, arranges locum relief and provides access to government grants and outreach services. RWAV works to ensure sustainability in rural healthcare by advising practices on workforce planning and promoting rural healthcare careers to students. 
Website: www.rwav.com.au  | Phone: 03 9349 7800 |

Quote

“Recently, rural Victoria has been facing ongoing workforce shortages across all health professions. We celebrate the impact of our current rural health workforce and hope that more doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other health professionals will make the decision to work in rural Victoria in the near future.” ~ Lauren Cordwell, Acting CEO of RWAV

“The Length of Service Award is presented to General Practitioners (GPs) who have devoted their careers of more than 35 years to rural communities. This year we have had 11 GPs receive this honour, a win for rural and regional Victoria. This is the first time so many GPs have become eligible for this prestigious accolade.” ~ Lauren Cordwell, Acting CEO of RWAV

“RWAV works together with allied health professionals in rural Victoria. We recognise the importance of allied health care and celebrate all Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health Award nominees at 2023 Victorian Rural Health Awards.” ~ Lauren Cordwell, Acting CEO of RWAV

About the Award Categories

Length of Service Award (35+ years of service)

The Length of Service Award acknowledges the lifetime of dedication and commitment from rural doctors to the well-being of our Victorian rural communities.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award celebrates the future of rural healthcare. 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.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health

This 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.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Practice Management

This 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.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist

This 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.

Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

This 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.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Team

This award recognises an exceptional team contribution to create a positive difference in the delivery of health care in rural Victoria. This award also recognises the importance of a team contribution in providing excellence in service delivery and improved client outcomes.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Outreach Provision

This award recognises a health professional, team or organisation that has made significant contributions in providing outreach services to rural and regional communities.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Consumer Advocate

This award recognises the contribution of a consumer, carer or community member from rural Victoria that has made a significant contribution to healthcare, by using their lived experience to engage with health professionals or health services to improve the quality, accessibility or safety of healthcare.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural Primary Care Nursing

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.

Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist

The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist Award recognises a rural non-GP specialist who has shown an ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care to the community.

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CA, BEc (Acc), RITP, MAICD 

Mat is a Chartered Accountant of 30 years standing with experience as an Auditor, Banker and Registered Liquidator. Joint founding Partner of a Chartered Accounting firm specialising in Corporate Advisory, Business Recovery and Turnaround, Valuations and Forensics, Mat brings his considerable financial experience combined with the commercial learnings gathered running numerous businesses to the Board. Mat was a longstanding Board member of Ballarat Community Health Limited and was a member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee whilst he was on the Board and is well aware of the issues facing the health workforce in regional areas. 

RWAV special responsibilities:
Audit and Risk Committee Member
• People and Culture 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. John was the CEO of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), where he had major involvement in the governance review, 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 John is also on the Board of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians. 

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 practising 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, data/IT security, and strategy.  As a commercial lawyer Jane takes a risk management and pragmatic approach within a legal/ethical framework to analyse issues/problems to find acceptable outcomes. Jane  has for over 8 years been General Counsel for ID (Informed Decisions) which business converts data into knowledge to help organisations make informed decisions about property as it relates to people and place.   She has served over a 20 year period as a Director on health related boards including Breast Screen Victoria, Ballarat Health Services, Victorian Artificial Reproductive Treatment Authority and RWAV. 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 Chao is a highly regarded expert in corporate governance, risk management, and board strategy, with a career spanning the corporate, public, and not-for-profit sectors. A Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Governance Institute of Australia, he advises boards on navigating complexity with clarity and integrity. 

As a former CEO, entrepreneur, and board chair, Roger has successfully scaled ventures, raised capital, and guided high-growth organisations through innovation and disruption. He contributes to director education as a course writer, facilitator, and assessor for both the AICD and Governance Institute, mentoring the next generation of ethical and strategic leaders. 

Roger’s sector expertise includes health, education, AI, law enforcement, sustainability, and emergency management. A frequent speaker, author, and advisor, he is committed to strengthening governance as a foundation for high-performing, purpose-driven organisations. 

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 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

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 life sciences. 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

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 was a Director of Aware Super for nine years, from 2012 to 2021, and Chair of the Investment Committee for three years. She was a member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, the Governance Committee and the Human Resources & Remuneration Committee, which she also chaired.  

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.

LLB BCom FGIA

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 track record in recruitment, project management, and business development, Jo brings strategic leadership and extensive experience to the health, human services, and State Government sectors. She specialises in health professional recruitment and outreach initiatives, and 3GA programs. 

Jo is dedicated to delivering innovative workforce solutions and strengthening clinical governance in support of RWAV’s mission to improve healthcare accessibility across rural and regional Victoria. During her previous tenure at RWAV, she led successful internal change projects and built strong, collaborative relationships with external stakeholders. 

Passionate about uniting communities and driving positive change, Jo is committed to advancing rural healthcare in Victoria through strategic, sustainable, and people-focused initiatives

RN, GradDip(Health Promotion), PRINCE2, Mini MBA Kate is a Registered Nurse 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. With her strengths in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and collaborative partnerships, 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.  

Msc (Fin), FCCA, FGIA, CA

Shay possesses more than two decades of financial management and leadership experience across both commercial and not-for-profit sectors. He has held numerous finance and leadership positions in the United Kingdom and Australia, including roles as chief financial officer, general manager, commercial manager, finance manager, and accountant.

His proven leadership abilities are supported by his fellowship with the Governance Institute of Australia, fellowship with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a Master’s degree in Finance, and an undergraduate qualification in accounting and finance.

In addition, Shay has resided and worked in rural Victoria, providing him with valuable insight into the workforce opportunities and challenges faced by businesses operating in regional communities.

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.

Lauren Cordwell

Chief Executive Officer

BHlthSci(Hons) MPH PostGradDipMgt GAICD AFCHSM

Lauren Cordwell is the Chief Executive Officer at RWAV. She was appointed CEO in August 2023, after serving in various executive roles, including Acting CEO and General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement. 

As an experienced senior executive and health policy analyst, Lauren is committed to finding practical solutions to improve access to quality health care in rural Australia.  

Lauren has over 25 years of experience in health policy and workforce development. Her career is marked by a commitment to equitable health care and the development of initiatives that have lasting benefits. 

At RWAV, Lauren’s approach emphasises partnerships, data, technology and collaborative efforts with communities, health professionals and government agencies. She leads a team of smart, capable individuals who care deeply about making a difference to health outcomes. 

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