It was a night of celebration, gratitude and well-earned recognition as Albury Wodonga Health hosted its annual Staff and Volunteer Excellence Awards, shining a spotlight on the people who bring compassion, innovation and excellence to our health service every day.
Held at the SS&A Club Albury on Thursday, 19 March, the gala evening welcomed 240 staff, award finalists and guests to honour the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference for patients, families and colleagues across our region.
Proudly supported by our generous sponsors, Maxxia and Squires Wines, the award categories recognised the people, working across wards, clinics, offices and community settings, who show up every day to deliver care, support one another and improve lives.
Speaking to the room, Acting CEO Linda Hudec reflected on the importance of recognising Albury Wodonga Health staff and volunteers at the celebration.
“These awards are about more than achievement; they are a chance to pause and thank the people who bring their best to every shift and every role, and for the skill, care, and commitment that is brought to their work - supporting our patients, colleagues and community,” she said.
“Every day, our patients and families place their trust in us at vulnerable moments, and every day our staff honour that trust through their professionalism, compassion and teamwork,” she added.
Jonathan Green, AWH Board Chair, who presented awards and spoke at the celebratory event, added: “It is inspiring to see the dedication and commitment in this room. These awards are a testament to the remarkable people who strengthen our health service and the community it serves.”
Celebrating excellence across AWH
From innovation and teamwork to person-centred care and volunteering, the awards reflected the many ways excellence shows up across Albury Wodonga Health.
The winners of the 2026 Albury Wodonga Health Staff and Volunteer Service Awards are:
Recognising service milestones
The evening also recognised remarkable career milestones, highlighting the dedication of staff whose long-term contributions have shaped AWH over many decades.
Two staff members, Dianne Bently and Elizabeth O’Connor were celebrated for 50 years of service, an extraordinary achievement reflecting a lifetime of commitment to care. Several staff were also recognised for 20, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service, underscoring the remarkable skill, loyalty and professionalism that continue to strengthen our organisation and benefit the community.
Honouring a lasting legacy
The evening included the presentation of the inaugural Dr Lucie Shanahan Memorial Scholarship, a prestigious award established to honour the legacy of the late Dr Lucie Shanahan, a deeply respected former AWH executive leader, whose impact on communities across our region was both significant and enduring.
Dr Shanahan began her career as a Speech Pathologist at Mt Alexander Hospital before relocating to Albury-Wodonga in 2009. From the outset, she played a pivotal role in the formation and evolution of our cross-border health service, work that continues to shape care delivery today.
Over her distinguished career at Albury Wodonga Health, Dr Shanahan held several senior roles, including Executive Director of Public Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Chief Allied Health Officer. Alongside her executive contributions, she was a dedicated academic and educator, completing a Doctor of Philosophy, teaching at Charles Sturt University, and contributing to applied health research that strengthened the regional health workforce through teaching, mentoring and system development.
Funded by the AWH Foundation, from the monies raised from the SS&A City2City Run Walk, the memorial scholarship supports allied health professionals to advance their skills and expertise, nurturing future leaders in the field Dr Shanahan so passionately championed. Valued at $10,000, the scholarship will support this year’s recipient, Kate Armstrong, to attend the 2027 International Stroke Conference in Houston, Texas. A physiotherapist at Wodonga Inpatient Rehabilitation, Kate aims to strengthen her clinical knowledge, skills and confidence in delivering evidence-based stroke care.
An evening of inspiration
In a room filled with people who give so much of themselves, guest speaker and host Jessica Rowe offered a powerful reminder of the importance of courage, vulnerability and looking after our own wellbeing.
One of Australia’s best-known television presenters, journalists and authors, Jessica shared lessons drawn from her career and personal journey, speaking candidly about resilience and the importance of being bold, brave and willing to take risks.
A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, particularly in relation to postnatal depression, Jessica is an ambassador for Beyond Blue and a patron of Mental Health Australia. In 2015, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to Australian media and her advocacy for mental health.
A night to remember
The AWH Staff and Volunteer Excellence Awards are more than a celebration. They are a reflection of who we are at Albury Wodonga Health, and the care we choose to deliver, together.
“Congratulations to all finalists and winners and thank you to every staff member and volunteer whose work advances the health and wellbeing of our community,” Ms Hudec said.
“It is a privilege to celebrate the people who make this organisation strong, compassionate and innovative,” Jonathan Green added.
To relive the highlights of the evening, visit our social media pages.