Celebrating Southern NSW Local Health District’s outstanding nurses

As the largest workforce group in health, nurses are at the heart of patient care across the district—supporting individuals, families, and communities in hospitals, clinics, homes, and beyond. Their work is critical to the delivery of safe, high-quality and culturally responsive care.

To mark the occasion, Southern NSW Local Health District has announced the winners of its 2025 Nursing Awards.

2025 Southern NSW Local Health District Nurse of the Year

Emma Turner, Rural Generalist Transitional Nurse Practitioner at Moruya District Hospital.

Emma has been named Southern NSW Local Health District’s 2025 Nurse of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership, innovation, and clinical excellence in rural healthcare.

Based at Moruya District Hospital and South East Regional Hospital Bega, Emma has played a pivotal role in advancing patient outcomes through evidence-based care, particularly in emergency and hospital avoidance services. In 2024, she completed her Master of Nurse Practitioner degree while simultaneously stepping into a full-time advanced clinical role, demonstrating extraordinary professional commitment.

Emma has co-led the development of the Rural Generalist Nurse Practitioner (RGNP) model of care and significantly contributed to stroke care policy and practice across the region. Her work has improved patient flow, enhanced chronic care pathways, and empowered multidisciplinary teams to deliver safer and more efficient services. She is also a mentor and educator, known for her strong advocacy for clinical excellence and continuous improvement.

District Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Peter Leach, congratulated Emma on her achievements.

“Emma’s leadership and dedication to improving patient outcomes have empowered colleagues and enhanced patient safety and service delivery,” Mr Leach said.

“Emma consistently demonstrates outstanding commitment to care and improvement of health outcomes for our patients, consumers and clients.

“To Emma, congratulations and to all of our nurses across Southern, thank you, we are honoured to have such dedicated nurses as part of our team.”

Emma will be nominated in the 2025 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

Other 2025 Award Winners:

Southern NSW Local Health District 2025 Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award 

Kim Patton, Nurse Unit Manager, Community Health and Hospital in the Home (HITH), Goulburn. Kim is recognised for her hands-on leadership style and pivotal role in establishing the new HITH model of care. She fosters team development, leads with integrity, and maintains a strong focus on positive patient outcomes.

Southern NSW Local Health District 2025 Nursing/Midwifery Team of the Year Award 

The Southern NSW Local Health District Community Nursing Team. The Community Nursing Team has embraced new skills and expanded their scope of practice to reduce hospital admissions and improve care in the home, delivering significant benefits for patients and the District.

Southern NSW Local Health District 2025 New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year Award 

Stephanie Merton, Registered Nurse, Adult Mental Health Team, Bega Valley Stephanie is commended for her holistic, person-centred approach to mental health nursing. She works closely with consumers to ensure their preferences and values are central to care decisions.

Southern NSW Local Health District 2025 Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year Award

Nicole Jorgensen, Aboriginal Mental Health Coordinator. Nicole’s commitment to culturally safe care, strong advocacy, and collaborative leadership are recognised. Her dedication to community-led healing and supporting Aboriginal staff, and always ensures that services are welcoming, respectful and culturally grounded