March 18, 2025This morning, Northern Health hosted the Bi-Annual Awards, virtually coming together to honour the exceptional contributions of our staff.
The ceremony was hosted by Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health, and Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, who presented our award winners.
“Northern Health has thousands of staff who work across a range of areas, departments and sites, dedicated to providing outstanding care to our community each and every day,” said Debra Bourne, Chief Executive.
“Among our award winners today are staff who demonstrate a strong and positive workplace culture, live Northern Health’s values of safe, kind and together, and show a genuine commitment to their patients.”
The ceremony celebrated winners from July 2024 – December 2024 in seven categories, with each award matched against Northern Health’s values and strategic priorities.
“I am delighted to be here today to celebrate and award the staff who demonstrate excellence in their care and work at Northern Health,” said Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture.
“I feel proud to work in an organisation where staff are collaborative and kind and turn up to work every day to provide such incredible care to our patients and community – we thank you all for your hard work.”
The Innovation Award was presented to the Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP). The team was nominated by Anne-Marie Fabri.
“The HARP team has implemented a rapid response to referrals and assessment process which means that patients were assessed and seen at home sooner. This has resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in patients being readmitted to hospital in the HARP episode of care,” said Anne-Marie in her nomination.
Northern Health’s Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) Department won the Patient Experience Award. The team was nominated by Associate Professor Jaclyn Yoong.
“As an oncologist and a palliative care physician, I am grateful for this wonderful resource. People who not only objectively translate a language but also provide an intangible connection to our culturally diverse community of patient and families,” A/Prof Yoong said.
“In this increasingly digitalised world, these interpreters bring a human touch to the interaction which is irreplaceable. I’d like to thank them for their work and immeasurable contribution to what is truly aligned with patient-centred care.”
The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Nicholas Romeo, Head Scientist, Respiratory Function Laboratory. Nicholas was nominated by Liam Hannan.
“Those that have worked with Nic know he is a great contributor, is incredibly driven to improve care for Northern Health consumers, has incredible attention to detail and is a great role model. His contribution to developing the Respiratory Function Laboratory from scratch has been huge,” Liam said.
“He has demonstrated his unwavering dedication to staff development with many current scientific staff beginning their careers as Northern Health students. He has developed these junior scientists to the point where many have been able to successfully work in more senior roles, and he is constantly innovating and developing laboratory process to improve outcomes for patient.”
Dr Subhash Das, Consultant Psychiatrist took home the Education Award. Dr Das was nominated by Yang Yun.
“Dr Das has made remarkable contributions that truly elevate the educational landscape within our division and within our hospital. His active role in the Northern Hospital Grand Rounds, collaborating with his team to share clinical insights, creates an engaging atmosphere that sparks curiosity and learning,” said Yang.
“Beyond formal settings, Dr Das is a daily beacon of support and guidance for junior doctors and staff and his team. His hands-on education and supervision create an environment where learning thrives, instilling confidence and competence in future medical professionals.”
The Rising Star Award was presented to Taylor Tigani, Mental Health Physiologist. Taylor was nominated by Kale Frost.
“Since beginning in the role just over a year ago, Taylor has demonstrated remarkable expertise in integrating exercise physiology with mental health care, providing a unique and impactful approach to patient care. Taylor’s ability to build rapport and establish a strong therapeutic alliance with consumers is one of her greatest strengths,” Kale said in the nomination.
BankVic representatives presented the last two categories – Clinical Excellence and Excellence in Safety.
Sonia Gagovski, Registered Nurse, won the Clinical Excellence Award. Sonia was nominated by Jean Cameron.
“Sonia consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every patient receives optimal care every time they attend for treatment. She makes time to ensure all needs are being met to maximise patient comfort and treatment outcomes,” Jean said.
“Her personal knowledge, from caring for elderly parents with complex needs, gives her insights into the supports available and ways to access additional help in the community. She is cool and calm in emergency situations, quick to recognise deteriorating patients proficiently and is an excellent mentor to the junior nursing staff and nursing students on rotation.”
The Excellence in Safety Award went to Joanne Quinn, Aboriginal Health Worker. Joanne was nominated by Karen Bryant.
“Jo has been working in the Koori Maternity Service for approximately nine years and in this time, she has paved the wat for pregnant Aboriginal women and spouses of Aboriginal men to feel safe by providing culturally safe care,” Karen said.
Jo provides aspects of cultural safety including good communication, respectful treatment, empowerment in decision making and the inclusion of family members. Jo values first nations family and child rearing practices and bridges the gap from western views to cultural acceptable practices, along with always upholding human rights, including Aboriginal rights.”
Congratulations to all the award winners!
Click here to watch the ceremony.
Featured image: Top row L-R: Andrew Grey, Navneet Gill and David Le from TALS, Sonia Gagovski, and Uri Brisker and Kale Frost on behalf of Taylor Tigani. Bottom row: Nicholas Romeo, Julinah Mohd Shariff and Lisa from HARP team, and Joanne Quinn.
