Nurses and midwives across Western Sydney recognised
Celebrating the strength and collaboration across hospitals, services, specialties and communities of Western Sydney Local Health District nurses and midwives.
Every single day, nurses and midwives make a difference in our healthcare services, in the moments that matter most. From a first breath to a final goodbye, and every vulnerable, powerful moment in between – the care, compassion and quiet strength are at the heart of healthcare.
Each year in May, we celebrate nurses and midwives, spotlighting their exceptional contributions and both individual excellence and the team achievement.
Western Sydney’s Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Maria Lingam visited nurses and midwives across the District this week to share a message of appreciation.
“Thanks for the exceptional care you provide and for the difference you make each and every day.”
At the annual nursing and midwifery awards, Acting Chief Executive Amanda Larkin described the celebrations as more than a day, but an opportunity to embed a culture of gratitude and celebration.
“You make up the largest part of our workforce, and your work and the trust of your patients is central to delivering excellent health care,” Amanda said.
Board chair Loretta Di Mento acknowledged the event as the pinnacle of celebrations for nursing and midwifery staff across the district.
“The way that you do your work every day is a constant source of joy and pride in what this district can achieve,” Loretta said.
The winner of 2026 Western Sydney Local Health District Nurse of the Year was Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Blacktown Aged Care Service Emergency Team, Bincy Abraham, and Midwife of the Year was Clinical Midwife Consultant in feeding and lactation, Lisa White.
Blacktown Hospital’s Aged Care Service Emergency Team received Team of the Year comprising of Bincy Abraham, Irene Berko, Lailandra Chandra and Sajani Shakya.
Michelle Simmons, Clinical Midwife Consultant won the award for Excellence in Research, the Nurse Unit Manager from the Fleet Street Opioid Treatment Program, Andrew McKinnon, won the Excellence in Leadership category and Aboriginal Child and Family Health Nurse Rebecca McNulty received the Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year.
The Healing Heart award has two categories, the Colleague voted award was won by Felicity Alling in Westmead NICU and Rachelle Vella, Enrolled Nuse in Drug Health Services took out the Consumer voted category.
Child and Family audiometry nurse Emily Aliberti won the New to Practice category, and Aboriginal Chronic Care clinical nurse specialist Shirley Brown PSM was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists on the remarkable achievements. The difference you make to every patient, every shift, every day is something to be truly proud of.
The 2026 Nursing and Midwifery Awards were made possible with thanks to our sponsors Healthcare Home Loans, Health Professionals Bank, Nurses and Midwives Health, Aware Super, St George, Westpac and Lindt.