The people who support students, share their knowledge and create opportunities for learning are helping shape the future of rural health in the South West.
This October, the UDRH SW brought these people together for its first Awards Night – exploring the topic: Growing Purpose in Place, which celebrated health professionals, supervisors and community partners making a difference across the region.
Pictured above, Attendees at UDRH SW Awards Night
Held at Bayview Bunbury, MC Dr Abigail Lewis and UDRH SW Director Professor Beth Armstrong welcomed a diverse audience from health supervisors from across the South West, award nominees and recipients, hospital leaders, local clinic owners, Aboriginal Service Providers and the UDRH SW team.
Along with celebrating these attendees, a highlight of the evening was hearing from Lauren Broad, who shared her journey as one of the first UDRH SW placements to relocating to the South West and becoming a rural practitioner. Her story highlighted the potential for rural placements to create lasting connections with a region, opening doors to professional opportunities and a future in the community.
Pictured above, Lauren Broad
Professor Cobie Rudd also joined the celebrations to present an award and share insights into the roots of UDRH SW and how its purpose continues to guide its work today.
Pictured above, Professor Cobie Rudd
The evening was made possible by the many people and organisations who contributed to the celebrations.
Thank you to:
- The Philharmonic South West Orchestra for providing a musical welcome for arriving guests.
- Sarah from Mills and Moo Photography for capturing the evening.
- Bayview Bunbury for hosting the event and providing a wonderful setting and delicious food.
- The Green Depot for the beautiful bouquets.
- The UDRH SW team for organising the event, presenting awards and welcoming guests.
- Work Window for showcasing their Career Taster Program on our VR Goggles!
Most importantly, we thank all our nominees, recipients, supervisors and community partners for their ongoing commitment to supporting students and strengthening rural health across the South West.
Congratulations to our awards winners for the evening:
Pictured above, Jennika Soles and Professor Beth Armstrong
Allied Health Supervisor Excellence Award
- Jennika Soles
“For her first experience of being a supervisor for students in Australia, Jennika did an awesome job in making me feel a part of the team as well as giving me and my peer tons of opportunity to experience different areas of disability. The placement was really structured and she prioritised time to have weekly supervisor meetings as well as additional reflective practice and debrief opportunities. I did not feel overly pressured or overworked as Jennika was constantly considering our level of workload as well as prioritising opportunities. Jennika made me feel positive about my current performance as a clinician. Jennika has a great sense of connection to her students and always gives up her time of day to support them”
Pictured above, Left to Right – Jack Harding, Catherine Bray and Sonia Lowe
Nursing and Midwifery Preceptor Excellence Award
- Catherine Bray
“Catherine is the best Preceptor I have had. She is a great teacher/ mentor, and a fantastic nurse.”
Award Winners pictured above with Fiona Cooper
UDRH SW Spirit of Support Award
- Belinda Williams
Warm, approachable and an exceptionally patient presence, Belinda Williams consistently puts students at the heart of everything she does.
- Tyler Della Franca
Tyler exemplifies rural allied health practice at its best. Her commitment to her rural community is reflected in the dedication, care, and support she provides to BASIS students, ensuring students have a positive placement experience that deepens their understanding of rural health and lifestyle.
Pictured above, Kate Lefebvre and Professor Cobie Rudd
Significant Contribution Award, Community
- Bridgetown Hospital
Has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting nursing students, consistently going above and beyond to create a positive and successful placement experience. Recognising the challenges associated with placement poverty, the team has implemented innovative initiatives to support students beyond their clinical learning, including expanding accommodation options and providing subsidised meals. Their dedication to student wellbeing and success has contributed to a significant growth in nursing student placements this year, reflecting the outstanding quality of the learning experience they provide. Through their thoughtful and proactive approach, Bridgetown Hospital has become a highly valued placement site.
New Graduate Community Engagement Champion Award
- Sarah Naylor
Sarah Naylor for engaging in a wide variety of community activities, across a number of categories, therefore building her community connections and hopefully, increasing her intention to stay in the South West!
Pictured above, Sarah Haynes and Bec Colbung
Kadak Katitjin Award
Translation: Have Knowledge
- South West Aboriginal Medical Service
In recognition of SWAMS sustained contribution to cultural safety, guiding students working with First Nations people through the generous sharing of katitjin and a genuine commitment to strengthening their relationship with boodja and community. SWAMS has supported cultural orientation that introduces students to Country and shares local cultural knowledge and protocols, laying the foundation for respectful, confident engagement with First Nations people and community throughout their placement.
