Excellence in allied health

Frances Bilbao

Mums Matter Psychology
Williamstown, VIC

Frances is recognised for revolutionising perinatal mental health care in Australia through Mums Matter Psychology, the nation’s only private psychology practice to provide a fully bulk-billed perinatal mental health service. 

Founded in 2015, Frances’ visionary leadership has removed financial and geographic barriers, providing free, specialised psychological care to over 20,000 women since its inception, including 4,200 in 2024 alone. 

Her innovative use of telehealth reaches mothers in rural and remote areas, ensuring no mother is left behind. Frances has grown her team from three to 110 clinicians in 10 years, fostering a flexible and family-friendly workplace that supports the next generation of perinatal mental health specialists. 

The model has set a national benchmark for accessible, high-quality mental health care, with 84% of clients reporting significant improvements, ultimately transforming lives and advancing perinatal mental health care across Australia.

Sandra Iuliano

University of Melbourne/Medicine
West Heidelberg, VIC

Sandra is recognised for her advocacy in improving the quality of food provided to residents in aged care homes. Her efforts advocate for minimal nutritional standards, ensuring all older adults in aged care receive nutritious, tasty, and culturally appropriate foods to support their health and dignity.

A nutritionist and researcher at the University of Melbourne, she led a world-first intervention involving over 7,000 residents across 60 aged care homes to improve protein and calcium intake in residents. The intervention resulted in a 46% reduction in hip fractures and an 11% reduction in falls. 

Her research has influenced national and international policies, including the inclusion of food and nutrition in the 2024 Aged Care Act and the Food and Nutrition Quality Standard in aged care. 

Sandra has developed training programs for aged care staff and is working on initiatives like dementia-friendly dining areas and resident-led menu designs. 

Linda Nguyen 

Care Optometry
Picnic Point, NSW

Linda is recognised for her dedication to providing accessible and compassionate optometry services for people with disabilities, mobility challenges, and complex medical issues. 

As the Director of Care Optometry, a mobile clinic she founded during the pandemic, Linda addresses gaps in eye care for vulnerable groups, including children, older people, and individuals from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. 

With nearly two decades of experience in optometry, she specialises in tailored, patient-focused care, offering longer appointment times and incorporating trauma-informed care and culturally appropriate practices. Her innovative use of portable equipment enables bed-bound patients and wheelchair users to receive eye exams comfortably.

Linda volunteers with charities and community organisations to extend her mission. Her dedication has earned glowing reviews, highlighting her kindness and life-saving interventions, solidifying her impact on improving eye care for vulnerable populations.

Flying Squad

Royal Melbourne Hospital
Parkville, VIC

The Flying Squad is recognised for its innovative, person-centred approach to supporting hospital patients with complex psychosocial barriers leaving hospital safely and with dignity. 

Based at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, this transdisciplinary allied health team—comprising an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and clinical neuropsychology registrar—works collaboratively to support acutely unwell patients who fall through the cracks of traditional hospital systems. The team deliver tailored, creative solutions that prioritise dignity, equity, and long-term outcomes. 

The Flying Squad has supported 590 patients with complex discharge needs since November 2021, saving 756 bed days in one 12-month period and enabling 70% to return home safely. 

Their work not only improves patient outcomes and equity but also reduces hospital readmissions, alleviates staff demand, and fosters systemic change by reframing complexity as an opportunity for compassionate care and inclusion. 

Stem Cell Transplant Prehab & Rehab Team

Alfred Health
Melbourne, VIC

The Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) Prehab & Rehab team is recognised for delivering an innovative exercise and nutrition program for patients with blood cancer. The program was delivered both in-person and via telehealth throughout treatment, allowing patients to participate from home or hospital. 

The multidisciplinary team included physiotherapists, dietitians, and an allied health assistant. As a result of the program, patients’ physical function improved, frailty was reduced, and their quality of life was enhanced. 

Patients formed support networks, sharing their experiences and fostering a sense of community. The purchase of new exercise equipment for the cancer ward enabled 100% of admitted patients to participate in exercise programs during their admission.

Regional partnerships allowed patients to receive care closer to home, maintaining social connections and reducing travel time and costs. The program’s success, showcased through patient testimonials and presented at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Meeting, established a benchmark for equitable, evidence-based SCT care.

The Shepherd Centre’s Tasmania Team

The Shepherd Centre
Montagu Bay, TAS

The Shepherd Centre's Tasmania team is recognised for transforming the lives of deaf children by introducing specialist, integrated hearing loss early intervention services that were previously unavailable in the state. 

Since 2022, they have supported 88 children, collaborating with families, schools and health professionals to ensure children thrive. As a result of the team’s support, 94% of children have improved their listening skills, and 53% have made significant improvements in their language skills. Over 90% of families reported an improvement in their child’s social skills, as well as an improvement in parental confidence and emotional well-being.

By addressing gaps in local care and fostering systemic change, the team has provided deaf children in Tasmania and their families with hope for a future where deaf children have the same opportunities as any child to succeed in school, have meaningful friendships, feel they belong, and strive for a career and a life of independence.