Allied health professionals across NSW have been celebrated for their outstanding work and dedication at the annual NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards, held at the Art Gallery of NSW last night.
The annual awards recognise the compassion, commitment, and contributions of allied health clinicians and support staff across the NSW public health system, with 35 finalists considered in seven award categories.
Awards were presented by Minister for Health Ryan Park, Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.
The winners in each of the seven categories are:
- Allied Health Professional of the Year Helen McGregor, Podiatrist, Northern NSW Local Health District
- Allied Health Leader of the Year Tia Croft, Speech Pathologist, South Western Sydney Local Health District
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year Nicole Gregoriou, Social Worker, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
- Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year Ryan Taylor, Physiotherapist, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
- Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support Person of the Year Deanna Stenhouse, Allied Health Assistant, Murrumbidgee Local Health District
- Allied Health Researcher of the Year Meegan Shepherd, Radiation Therapist, Northern Sydney Local Health District
- Allied Health Educator of the Year Georgia Lloyd, Pharmacist, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
For more information on the winners and a full list of finalists, visit 2026 NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards.
The Minns Labor Government understands the important role our workforce plays in the health system and has committed to long-term investments in staff recruitment and retention by:
- abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade
- implementing ratios in our emergency departments
- saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack
- supporting our future health workforce through providing them with study subsidies.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"Every day allied health staff are there for people at every stage of life by stepping up to meet complex challenges, delivering care that exceeds expectations and strengthens our health system.
"The Allied Health Awards help recognise excellence and acknowledge the dedication of all allied health professionals and their support staff across our entire health system. I want to thank all finalists for their contribution to our health system and extend my congratulations to this year's award winners.
"It was an honour to present the award to NSW's Allied Health Professional of the Year Helen McGregor. Helen has played an instrumental role in the High Risk Foot Service at Lismore Base Hospital and fostered innovative programs like the Pedorthics multidisciplinary clinic, improving access to custom footwear for local community members. Helen has also been a great support to her colleagues - recognised as a dedicated mentor and educator by her peers."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"The Allied Health Awards reflect the strength of our allied health workforce, whose expertise across many settings- including mental health - plays an important role in improving patient outcomes.
"I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all of our allied health staff for their commitment towards driving the highest standards of care for our communities."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research David Harris:
"Across NSW, allied health professionals and their support staff consistently go above and beyond, supporting patients, families and communities.
"I congratulate all the finalists and would particularly like to highlight the achievements of Meegan Shepherd, winner of the Allied Health Researcher of the Year. Meegan is a radiation therapist with nearly 20 years of experience working in cancer care. Meegan leads and contributes to multiple clinical trials across gastro-intestinal, adaptive-radiotherapy and AI-enabled radiotherapy. Her research has directly improved cancer treatment protocols in NSW, improving outcomes for patients."
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:
"I want to thank all of our nominees, finalists, and winners for the incredible work they do in a wide variety of roles, right across the state.
"Allied health professionals, assistants, and support staff make a profound impact and enrich health every day in many ways through their professionalism and dedication towards delivering outstanding patient centric care."
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Chief Allied Health Officer Andrew Davison:
"The Excellence in Allied Health Awards are a celebration of individual achievement and recognition of the vital role allied health professionals play in the public health system, across 23 unique professions."
