Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2026
Meet the outstanding achievers recognised by the HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards.
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2007 was a momentous year: the first iPhone debuted in the US; the world’s first Earth Hour took place in Sydney; and the Labor party led by Kevin Rudd (remember Kevin ’07?) defeated the incumbent Coalition government after 11 years in power.
It was also the year the HESTA Awards Program launched. That’s 20 years of celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes and recognising the incredible innovation and leadership driving Australia's health and community services sector into the future.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey says attending the HESTA Awards is one of the highlights of her year.
"Meeting our finalists and hearing their stories of amazing care, compassion and innovation is humbling," Debby says.
"It’s such a privilege to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements and contributions from those who are so dedicated to improving the lives of others.
“I’m incredibly proud that the HESTA Awards continue to be a sector-leading celebration for people in health and community services.
"They are an important opportunity to thank them publicly for the enormous impact they make in our community every day.”
HESTA Awards in numbers
13,000 individuals, teams and organisations nominated
756 finalists shortlisted
200 winners recognised
$1.7 million in total prize money awarded
could it be you or someone you know this year?
Know someone doing incredible work in health and community services? Nominate them for the 2026 Excellence Awards
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