The ACT Government has celebrated the incredible work of local allied health professionals at this year's Allied Health Excellence Awards.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the awards recognise those who make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of our community through innovation, leadership, education, research, and collaboration.
"The allied health professionals recognised at this year's awards all contributed to their work in an exemplary way through delivering vital health care services to the community," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"Every Canberran will receive care or support from an allied health professional at some point in their life, whether it is in a hospital, community health centre, GP surgery, mental health services, schools, aged care or disability services.
"The ACT Government remains committed to supporting allied health professionals into the future and ensuring that they continue to grow in their career paths."
The Allied Health Professional of the Year for 2025 is Leah Robinson from Canberra Health Services, who has been recognised for Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence.
"Congratulations to Leah and to all the other award winners and nominees. This year there were more than 100 nominations of skilled professionals working in diverse fields such as physiotherapy, play therapy, microbiology, speech pathology and social work," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"The awards are a testament to the positive impact these allied health workers have right across Canberra and a recognition of their dedication and contribution to strengthening the ACT's health workforce."
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Allied Health Officer, Dr Sue Fitzpatrick:
"The ACT Allied Health Awards celebrate the expertise and leadership of a workforce that is central to the health and wellbeing of our community. Allied health is a driving force in shaping a responsive, inclusive, and sustainable health system.
"These awards honour professionals whose expertise, collaboration, and innovation are improving lives every day and laying the foundation for a healthier future.
"Congratulations to our winners and nominees - you represent the very best of what allied health brings to the ACT."
2025 Allied Health Excellence Awards Winners:
- Allied Health Professional of the Year/Management and Leadership Excellence: Leah Robinson, Canberra Health Services
- Practice Excellence: Bjarne Kragh, Southside Physio
- Allied Health Assistance Excellence: Laura Colgan, Canberra Health Services
- Research Excellence: Carol McCrum, Canberra Health Services
- Education Excellence: Nikki Noakes, Canberra Health Services
- Team Excellence: Adult Acute Mental Health Services Allied Health Team, Canberra Health Services
- Early Career Excellence: Claire Lessels, Canberra Health Services
- Excellence in Provision of Service to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing: Allied Health Team at Yerrabi Yurwang, Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation
- Consumer Recognition: Brie Bobinskas, University of Canberra and Jackie Lee and Briony Abraham, Como Therapy
