The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is calling for nominations for Australia's pre-eminent nursing innovation prize, the Health Minister's Award for Nursing Trailblazers.
Established in partnership with the Australian Government, the award highlights the profound impact nursing innovation has on health care delivery and patient-centred care, recognising nurses who are leading transformative change and reshaping health care in Australia.
The Health Minister's Award puts the spotlight on nurses who are helping transform Australia's health and aged care systems by improving quality of care, keeping their communities healthy, and ensuring access to treatment and care for everyone.
ACN CEO, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN, said nursing trailblazers identify opportunities for improvement and take bold steps to turn their vision into reality.
"Their pioneering contributions flow across the entire health system, benefiting patients and communities all over the country," Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
"Previous winners have led the way with practical solutions in diverse areas such as virtual wound care, mental health recovery camps, needle-phobia, street health services for the vulnerable and disadvantaged, 'virtual' hospitals in the home, and palliative care services in residential aged care facilities.
"Health care innovation is often thought of as cutting-edge technological and medical advances – but innovation that improves processes and the way care is delivered can have just as significant an impact," said Adjunct Professor Zeitz.
ACN is urging Australians to nominate nurses doing new and outstanding things in health care for the Health Minister's Award for Nursing Trailblazers.
Eligible nominees include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and enrolled nurses whose work has significantly advanced health outcomes.
Nominations close 1 June 2026.
The winner will be announced at the National Nursing Forum, to be held from 6-7 August 2026.
