NOMINATIONS are now open for the second National Rural and Remote Health Awards.

The Awards pay tribute to exceptional individual professionals and organisations who have significantly contributed to improving rural and remote health across Australia.

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Open now, the closing date is Monday 8 July 2024.

Following the success of the inaugural Awards last year, Rural Health Pro will hold the second iteration as part of Rural Health Month in November.

The gala presentation event will take place at the National Press Club, Canberra on 6 November 2024.

On the night, guests will hear some of the inspirational stories to be found at the heart of rural and remote health.

The aim is to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the healthcare providers, individuals and groups who strive to keep rural and remote communities healthy.

Rural Health Pro Manager Jessica Rostas told News Of The Area, “In recent times, the Coffs Coast has been impacted by floods and fires, and health professionals have been at the heart of the response, ensuring the community stays healthy.

“We have established the National Rural and Remote Health Awards as an opportunity for community members to recognise and thank those who care for them.

“I encourage the Coffs Coast community to help us celebrate the rural health professionals who have gone the extra mile by submitting a nomination.

“Anyone can nominate, and it’s easy to do at www.ruralhealthpro.org.

“We hope you can get behind the dedicated professionals who keep your community healthy.”

In 2023, the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s Claire Borg was named as a Rising Star finalist.

As Acting Nurse Manager, Claire arrives at work each day with enthusiasm to enhance the services delivered at a ten-bed mental health unit in Kempsey.

Claire has been instrumental in redefining how care is provided, assisting in connecting services to establish a shared vision of delivering respectful, dignified care.

She has built connections with the Aboriginal Dunghutti community and has supported culturally safe service delivery.

Integrating principles of a patient-centred, trauma-informed and recovery-orientated approach in her leadership style, Claire has shown great autonomy, innovatively redesigning the service, supporting staff wellbeing and listening to the community’s needs to provide a welcoming healing space.

“Nominating for the National Rural and Remote Health Awards is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering dedication of individuals and organisations committed to the wellbeing of rural and remote communities,” Jessica said.

In its inaugural year, the Awards received over 200 nominations across the ten categories, with all states and territories represented.

Individuals can be nominated by peers, organisations, patients or themselves.

By Andrea FERRARI