Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) came together recently to celebrate Allied Health Professionals Day, recognising the incredible contributions of its diverse and dedicated workforce.
Across the district, events were held to honour the people who play a vital role in delivering high quality, person-centred care every day.
“It has been a fantastic Allied Health Week across the LHD,” said Kate Vickers, Director of Allied Health.
“It gave all staff the opportunity to come together to share and celebrate Allied Health achievements.”
From physiotherapists and dietitians to social workers and speech pathologists, Allied Health professionals are at the heart of patient care.
Their work spans every stage of life and every corner of the district – from hospitals to homes, and from early intervention to palliative care.
“Our Allied Health team touches lives in some of the most meaningful ways,” said Jasmin Ellis, General Manager Integrated and Community Health.
Every day, they support people to live well in their homes and communities, helping them stay healthy, recover with dignity, and maintain independence.
Jasmin Ellis, General Manager Integrated and Community Health
This year saw a record breaking 205 individuals nominated across the district, a testament to the passion and dedication of Allied Health teams.
At Integrated and Community Health alone, 46 nominations were received, with submissions made by both colleagues and managers.
“Whether through outreach services, rehabilitation programs, or partnerships with community organisations, you’ve demonstrated the very best of what healthcare can be: connected, person-centred, and impactful,” Jasmin said.
Kate echoed this sentiment.
“The high quality care that our staff provide in western Sydney was particularly evident from the shared patient stories.”
Congratulations to all nominees and Award winners.
Kate Vickers, Director of Allied Health
The 2025 Allied Health Awards celebrated outstanding contributions across all WSLHD facilities.
The District Awards will be held on 3 November, where this year’s outstanding district winners will be officially announced and celebrated.
Here are this year’s facility award winners:
Westmead Hospital
- Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year: Narelle Holden
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year: Isabel Cant
- Allied Health Educator of the Year: Melissa Ashley and Katrina Sontos Moses
- Allied Health Researcher of the Year: Tiffany Sorial
- Allied Health Assistant of the Year: Priya Maclure
- Allied Health Leader of the Year: Selin Prasad
- Allied Health Professional of the Year: Alison Brown
Auburn Hospital
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year: April Martins
- Allied Health Educator of the Year: Amanda Lee
- Allied Health Assistant of the Year: Sita Shrestha
- Allied Health Leader of the Year: Eve Saucier
- Allied Health Professional of the Year: Jarrod Pace
Blacktown & Mount Druitt Hospitals
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year: Hannah Tall and Lauren Farina
- Allied Health Educator of the Year: Melinda Yeung
- Allied Health Researcher of the Year: Ronald Castelino
- Allied Health Assistant of the Year: Lucia Contreras
- Allied Health Leader of the Year: Anna Finauu and Samantha Overton
- Allied Health Professional of the Year: Sarah Lee
Drug Health Services
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year: Amanda Fernandopulle
- Allied Health Educator of the Year: Christie Begnell
- Allied Health Researcher of the Year: Daniel Talbot
- Allied Health Leader of the Year: Edson Taruva
- Allied Health Professional of the Year: Shabnam Zarei
Integrated and Community Health
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year: Hillary Lo
- Allied Health Educator of the Year: Narelle Ferris-Smith
- Allied Health Assistant of the Year: Kate Proctor
- Allied Health Leader of the Year: Marinell Manlapid
- Allied Health Professional of the Year: Daniel Sit
Mental Health Services
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year: Hon Ting Chan (Alvin)
- Allied Health Educator of the Year: Yasmeen El Masry
- Allied Health Leader of the Year: Daria Korobanova
- Allied Health Professional of the Year: Suria Pordeli