Taylor Farrell's commitment to trauma-informed care and leadership in improving support for people impacted by sexual violence have been recognised with her selection as a finalist in the 2026 NSW Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Taylor Farrell's commitment to trauma-informed care and leadership in improving support for people impacted by sexual violence have been recognised with her selection as a finalist in the 2026 NSW Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Earlier this year, Taylor was named Southern NSW Local Health District's 2026 Nurse of the Year.
A Clinical Nurse Consultant with Southern's Integrated Violence, Abuse and Neglect Service (IVANS), Taylor has played a key role in strengthening access to specialised care and support across the District.
Taylor was nominated by colleague Hayley Lewis, who said her compassion and professionalism have made a lasting difference for both patients and staff.
"Taylor embodies everything this award stands for. She combines exceptional clinical expertise with genuine compassion, ensuring every person she cares for feels safe, respected and supported," Hayley said.
People access sexual assault services at some of the most difficult times in their lives. Trauma-informed care recognises the impact trauma can have on health and wellbeing and focuses on creating safety, building trust and supporting people to make informed choices about their care.
IVANS Manager Gemma Evans said Taylor was a leader in this specialised area of nursing.
"Taylor approaches every patient interaction with empathy, professionalism and dignity," Gemma said.
"She creates a safe environment where people feel heard, believed and supported during an extremely vulnerable time. Through her calm presence and trauma-informed approach, she helps restore a sense of control and dignity for those navigating the aftermath of sexual violence."
In recent years, Taylor has helped strengthen local specialist services while also mentoring colleagues and supporting workforce development across Southern.
"Taylor leads with integrity and kindness. She's generous with her knowledge, supports colleagues to develop their skills and creates an environment where people feel confident to learn and grow," Hayley said.
Gemma said Taylor's leadership was helping embed trauma-informed care more broadly across the organisation.
"Through her leadership, education and advocacy, Taylor is advancing a specialised area of nursing and helping ensure more people receive compassionate, person-centred care," she said.
Hayley said Taylor's influence extended far beyond the patients she supports directly.
"Taylor is an outstanding nurse, an exceptional leader and a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care. The difference she makes to patients, colleagues and the broader community is extraordinary."
The NSW Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards recognise nurses and midwives who demonstrate excellence in patient care, leadership, innovation and improving health outcomes for the people of NSW. Taylor will represent Southern NSW Local Health District at the awards ceremony at NSW Parliament House in November.
Support is available
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, support is available. The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline can be contacted on 1800 424 017, offering free, confidential counselling, information and referral 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an emergency, call 000.