Awards recognise excellence at Murrumbidgee Local Health District
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has celebrated the outstanding contribution of health professionals and volunteers from across the region at the 2025 MLHD Excellence Awards held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford paid tribute to the finalists and award winners for their tremendous contributions at the ceremony on Friday, which was attended by more than 200 staff and guests.
“It is an honour to celebrate our winners and finalists this year,” MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said.
“The awards are a real showcase of great strengths and achievements and highlight the dedication and professionalism of staff from across the District’s diverse services and locations.”
Awards were presented across 11 categories recognising achievements in safety, innovation, sustainability, workplace culture, and patient care.
The Chief Executive’s Choice Award and the Board Chair’s Choice Award were also presented.
“It was an enormous pleasure to present my Chief Executive’s Choice Award to our Blood Management team and NSW Health Pathology partners,” Ms Ludford said.
“The research they have undertaken on the use of type O negative blood, and the changes they have implemented to optimise the use of this precious resource is outstanding.”
Griffith Drug and Alcohol Clinical Leader, Michelle Hutchison, was announced as MLHD’s Staff Member of the Year, recognising her leadership and approach to patient centred care.
Michelle was also the recipient of the inaugural Jackie Brodie Memorial Award, presented to First Nations staff member who demonstrates strong work ethic,
passion for improving health outcomes for all people and commitment to closing the gap for First Nation people.
Volunteer of the Year went to The Little Riverina Band, a trio of siblings from Cootamundra who spend their school holidays sharing the joy of music with residents of the District’s Residential Aged Care services.
The full list of 2025 Excellence Award winners is below. A livestream of the event is available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/VfB4gJ_DEZI
A group photo of winners is attached – more photos available on request to MLHD-News@health.nsw.gov.au
2025 Award Winners:
KEEPING PEOPLE HEALTHY AWARD
2024 World No Tobacco Day Project
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/oLCZ0m1EL_E
ENRICHING CONSUMER EXPERIENCE AWARD
Breaking Down Silos – HCV Testing and Treatment
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/6GBdcMjSc7A
EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE DIVERSITY
BreastScreen NSW Greater Southern – Community Navigator Project Albury
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/qoZBWVTGQU4
HEALTH RESEARCH AWARD
Carers in MLHD
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/lZIiduX3Ufg
ENHANCING PEOPLE AND CULTURE AWARD
Be a Health Hero – Expanding our Future Health Workforce
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/sw5j3q4ed18
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT
Embedding a Culture of Sustainability in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/QSy5Akz8aRI
AGENCY FOR CLINICAL INNOVATION RURAL INNOVATION AWARD
Green Prescriptions – Bushfire Recovery Mental Health Team
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/L9VkVs80K94
ALLIED HEALTH STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Jodie Ridley District Senior Renal Dietitian
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/rxo9emw9QHM
NURSE OR MIDWIFE OF THE YEAR
Michelle Cruse Nurse Practitioner Deniliquin
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/Rd6K_A7ZUec
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The Little Riverina Band Cootamundra
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/cWIgilAIxA8
STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Michelle Hutchison Clinical Leader, Griffith Drug and Alcohol Service
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/bDLUkfAWEvo
JACKIE BRODIE MEMORIAL AWARD
Michelle Hutchison Clinical Leader, Griffith Drug and Alcohol Service
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/bDLUkfAWEvo
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S AWARD
Reducing O Negative Red Blood Cell Utilisation and Wastage
MLHD Blood Management and NSW Health Pathology
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/RgWKd5ALZGI
BOARD CHAIR’S AWARD
The Parker Family
NSW Health Sentinel Chicken Program
TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/TigE_9IfJ90