- WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards winners announced
- Culturally safe Aboriginal maternity care in the spotlight
- Two Lifetime Achievement Honourees
- WA Virtual Emergency Department nursing team recognised
A midwife who is enhancing culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal women and families was among 17 winners heralded at last night's 2026 Western Australian Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards (WANMEA).
For more than two decades, the awards have highlighted the dedication, leadership and compassion of nurses, midwives and teams who deliver exceptional care across the State.
The Midwife of the Year award was presented to Jodee Hollingsworth from St John of God Health Care Group, Midland for her extraordinary leadership and commitment to culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal women and families.
Leading a multidisciplinary team supporting more than 260 women each year, she has played a pivotal role in creating welcoming, community-designed spaces for care.
She has also delivered the Moort Boodjari Mia outreach van, a landmark initiative bringing antenatal and postnatal services directly into community.
The Lifetime Achievement Honour was presented jointly to Graeme Boardley and Dr Catherine Stoddart, recognising two remarkable professionals who have helped shape nursing and midwifery in WA and beyond.
Mr Boardley has devoted more than four decades to improving outcomes for women, babies, and families in a career spanning clinical leadership, workforce reform, education and advocacy.
Dr Stoddart, Brightwater Care Group chief executive officer and a former WA Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, has been a tireless advocate for the profession over 40 years.
The Department of Health's WA Virtual Emergency Department (WAVED) nursing team won the Excellence in Person Centred Care - Team Award for being an integral part of transforming emergency care for Western Australians.
Since launching in 2023, the WAVED team has provided Western Australians with timely, high-quality virtual emergency services in their homes, when clinically appropriate.
The team's work has significantly improved access for patients in regional and remote areas, people with disability, those with chronic illness and vulnerable families, ensuring safe, compassionate, and dignified care without unnecessary hospital attendance.
To see the full list of the 2026 WANMEA winners visit the website .
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"The WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards are a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vital contribution of nurses and midwives across our State and recognise the exceptional care they provide.
"Jodee Hollingsworth's leadership and commitment to culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal women and families is truly inspiring and reflects the very best of midwifery in Western Australia.
"Graeme Boardley and Dr Catherine Stoddart have each made an enduring contribution to nursing and midwifery, and their lifetime achievements have strengthened our health system for generations to come.
"Congratulations to all winners, finalists and nominees for their outstanding contribution to healthcare in Western Australia."
