In this series for our website and quarterly newsletter, we invite contributions from others who share our commitment to health equity. From partners, practitioners, students and more, we want to hear from and support many voices in the conversation about improving health outcomes for rural and regional communities across Australia. Our latest contribution comes from Monika Wheeler, Chief Executive of Healthy North Coast.
In the health care sector, we don’t get the same opportunity to ‘wind down’ that some other industries enjoy. For most of us, this time of year is defined by full schedules, rising demand as holiday makers visit the region, and the ongoing challenge of ensuring communities continue to receive the care they need.
That’s why setting some time aside to host the 2025 Primary Health Care Excellence Awards on Tuesday 25 in Coffs Harbour was so special. For one evening, 175 local health professionals from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie stepped back from the day-to-day pressures to reflect on the year that was and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of those working in primary health care on the North Coast.
The evening brought together GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, Aboriginal health workers and community partners from right across the region. So much of primary health care work happens behind the scenes or in small teams. This can be isolating and lonely. There are also limited professional development pathways in primary health care, so excellence often goes unrecognised. Being able to come together to acknowledge one another’s efforts was incredibly valuable. This was the first Awards night that we’ve hosted since 2017, and after the feedback we received on the night and afterwards, we hope to make it a regular event from here on in!
Throughout the night, I had many conversations with people who are deeply committed to improving access, quality and positive health outcomes for their communities. Despite the challenges facing primary care, there was a strong sense of shared purpose in the room. These moments of networking and mutual support are vital. They help strengthen relationships across disciplines and organisations and they remind us that meaningful system change is built on collaboration.
One of the most special moments of the evening was the presentation of the Dr Michael Davis Award for Excellence in General Practice Leadership. Mike’s contribution to primary health care on the North Coast was profound, and his loss continues to be felt across the sector. A GP and Partner at Alstonville Clinic, he was a tireless advocate for community-centred care and a leader who believed deeply in working alongside others, with generosity and humility.
It was also deeply moving to see those same values reflected in the recipient of the award named after him – Dr Monica Taylor from Bullinah Aboriginal Medical Service – who actually knew Mike personally and respected him greatly.
You can watch the video of Monica’s award acceptance here.
Congratulations to all our primary health heroes who were nominated for an award, to those who won, and to those who were recognised for their years of health service on the North Coast. You can find the full list here.
As the night came to a close, I felt a strong sense of pride in our local primary health workforce. The awards reaffirmed the importance of taking the time to celebrate those who go above and beyond, learn from one another and strengthen the connections that underpin our work. I left the evening energised and grateful to be part of such a dedicated and values-driven primary health care community.
Image top: Monika spoke as part a panel discussion at our recent NCMEC Gathering, covering primary health and community engagement.
Image above: Nominees and winners from the Primary Health Care Excellence Awards, pictured with Gurmesh Singh MP, State Member for Coffs Harbour, front row second from right.
