Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) has celebrated its team and local healthcare heroes at a staff celebration, recognising eight staff members and one volunteer with a GREAT People Award.
The event also recognised 34 staff that have provided a decade of long service, including several milestones of up to 40 years.
MDHS Chief Executive Officer Nickola Allan highlighted the commitment of the team.
“Celebrating long service is a reminder of the incredible dedication and loyalty that our staff bring to this organisation,” said Mrs Allan.
“Some of our team members have been with MDHS for 40 years, and their contributions have helped shape the strong foundation we stand on today.
“These long-serving employees not only provide exceptional care but have built meaningful connections with our community.
“Their ongoing commitment is inspiring and makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve,” she said.
In addition to the Long Service Awards, MDHS presented the GREAT People Awards in eight categories to acknowledge employees who consistently embody MDHS’s core values: Genuine, Respect, Excellence, Accountability and Togetherness.
“We received more than 120 nominations for the GREAT People Awards, which highlights the remarkable work happening across every department from nursing and allied health to maintenance and corporate services,” Mrs Allan said.
“The calibre of nominees was extraordinary, and it was a privilege to celebrate the individuals who consistently go above and beyond to support their colleagues and help provide the best care to patients and residents.”
The selection process was rigorous. A panel including members of the MDHS Executive Team and Board of Directors reviewed nominations that highlighted outstanding dedication and performance in the workplace and community.
“The support and camaraderie within our team are what set MDHS apart. We’re proud to foster a culture pride where staff are inspired to excel.
“Every day our team shows up to make a positive impact and provide 24/7 care, and for that, we are incredibly grateful,” said Mrs Allan.
MDHS employs around 500 staff across campuses in Maryborough, Avoca, and Dunolly, making it one of the region’s largest employers. As a cornerstone of the community, MDHS provides high-quality care to the Central Goldfields, Pyrenees, and surrounding areas while offering extensive training and development opportunities to its team.
MDHS GREAT People Award Winners 2024
Hospitality, Environmental & Building Services
Pete McCoy, Hospitality Services Assistant
Corporate Services
Rebecca Chong, Ward Clerk, Amherst Ward
Personal Care and Support
Di Gattsche, Health Care Worker, Wattle Rise Residential Community
Nursing and Midwifery – Early Career
Casey Ansell, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, Amherst Ward
Nursing and Midwifery
Kahlia Price, Registered Nurse, Theatre
Allied Health
Sian Williams, Exercise Physiologist, Allied Health &
Kate Berend, Oral Health Therapist, Dental Services
Volunteering
Glenda Rowlands, Volunteer, Dunolly Residential Community
Leadership
Scott Wilson, Director of Support Services
MDHS Long Service Award recipients
10 Years
Kahlia Price, Registered Nurse, Theatre
Andrew Chatfield, Environmental Services
Barbara Heber, Food Services
Maddison Morse, Food Services
Martha Wings (Aditi), Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, Avoca
James Parr, Environmental Services
15 Years
Jessica Jacka, Manager, Supply
Narelle Harrison, Administration, Building Services
Kris Venn, Primary Health and Wellbeing Manager, Community Services
20 Years
Kylie Monk, Housing Support Worker, Community Services
Brendan Dridan, Enrolled Nurse, Avoca
Sue-Anne Hennessy, Registered Nurse, Urgent Care Centre
Heather Blazko, Director of Nursing – Acute Services
Julie Jardine, Theatre Technician, Theatre
Vanessa Baker, Personal Care Worker, Wattle Rise Residential Community
Rachel McCrohan, Clinical Care Coordinator, Wattle Rise Residential Community
Bree Cain, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Amherst Ward
Rebecca Mooney, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Theatre
Jackie Dridan, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, Wattle Rise Residential Community
25 Years
Suzanne Leishman, Enrolled Nurse, Wattle Rise Residential Community
Kerri Wright, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, Wattle Rise Residential Community
Christine Gilfillan, Social Worker, Community Services
Judith Williams, Registered Nurse, Avoca Residential Community
Hayley Veitch, Registered Nurse, Avoca Residential Community
Glenda Thompson, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, District Nursing
Jennifer Porter, Enrolled Nurse, Avoca Residential Community
Margaret Gunther, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, Avoca Residential Community
Suzanne Barker, Registered Nurse, District Nursing
Michelle Bursill, Registered Nurse, Amherst
35 Years
Karen Watts, Registered Nurse, Amherst
Kristine Clark, Administration, Health Information Services
Julie Allan, Registered Nurse, District Nursing
40 Years
Donna Bell, Director of Nursing – Dunolly Campus
Kerry Egan, After Hours Coordinator