Staff in the Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) Mental Health services have been recognised at the 2025 Mental Health Service Nursing Awards.
Acting General Manager of the WSLHD Mental Health Services, Juanita Taylor, congratulated not just the nominees and winners, but all staff who work in mental health.
“Nurses play a crucial role within the mental health space being the largest component of our workforce and the team that work with our consumers 24 hours a day.”
“They have the knowledge of each and every consumer’s story and play a pivotal role in the recovery of our consumers,” Juanita said.
Winners list:
- Nurse of the Year Award winner: Riezel Gonzales
- Lifetime Achievement Award winner: Joan Heckenberg
- Aboriginal Nurse of the Year Award winner: Chantelle Sidebottom
- Nursing Leadership Award winner: Leo Waterhouse
- New to Practice Nurse of the Year Award winner: Mursal Adeli
- Team of the Year Award winner: Yaralla
- Healing Heart Award 2024 – Consumer nominated – Mohammed Harunah
- Healing Heart Award 2024 – Colleague nominated- Rose Mari Logozzo
Praising the dedication, compassion and excellence of the work force, Juanita noted the broad impact staff have on the consumers and colleagues.
“You represent the very best of mental health nursing – resilient, caring and committed to improving outcomes,” Juanita said.
“Our nurses don’t just deliver healthcare they build trust across cultures, speak multiple languages and understand the social, cultural needs of one of the most multicultural regions in Australia.”
The Acting General Manager adds ‘nursing is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to make a real difference to individuals and the broader community’.