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Search begins for Australia's standout nurses and midwives

HESTA

29 September 2026

Nominations are now open for the 2027 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards, which honour and recognise the health professionals who go above and beyond across the country. 
 
The Awards honour the vital contributions of Australia's nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers and personal care workers who improve health outcomes through exemplary care and support, often in demanding circumstances without recognition. 
 
Patients, families, colleagues and employers are all encouraged to nominate, and nurses and midwives can also nominate themselves or their team.  
 
HESTA CEO Robbie Campo said the Awards were a significant event for the industry and encouraged Australians to think about the nurse or midwife who made a difference to them. 
 
"HESTA was founded to serve people working in health and community services and it’s central to who we are. Almost everyone can remember a nurse or midwife who changed something for them or delivered care in a moment that mattered," Ms Campo said. 
 
"Australia's nurses and midwives carry an extraordinary load with skill, judgement and compassion. Nominating takes only a few minutes, but for the person on the receiving end it can be a powerful reminder that their work is seen and highly valued.” 

Categories and prizes 

There are three categories in the 2027 Awards: 

  • Nurse of the Year 

  • Midwife of the Year 

  • Outstanding Organisation 

Winners will each receive $10,000 in prizemoney, provided by premium sponsor J.P. Morgan, which is to be used for professional development or to improve services or processes. 

“J.P. Morgan is proud to once again support the HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards. These awards recognise the outstanding contribution nurses, midwives and healthcare organisations bring to communities across Australia every day. We look forward to celebrating this year’s finalists and winners,” said Stephen Jani, Head of Markets and Securities Services Sales. 

Key dates 

  • Nominations close: 13 December 2026 

  • Finalists announced: 6 April 2027 

  • Winners announced: 12 May 2027, Melbourne 

Recent winners 

The 2026 Awards attracted more than 170 nominations from across the country.  

Winners included Nurse of the Year Helen Lamech of Healthy Living NT, recognised for transforming diabetes care across Central Australia; Midwife of the Year Rochelle Bonning of Campbelltown Hospital, recognised for three decades advancing woman-centred maternity care; and Outstanding Organisation Recovery Camp, recognised for its Australian-first therapeutic recreation program. 

How to nominate 

Nominations can be made at hesta.com.au/awards until 13 December 2026.

Ends. 


About HESTA

HESTA is one of the largest superannuation funds dedicated to Australia’s health and community services sector. An industry fund that's run only to benefit members, HESTA now has more than one million members (around 80% of whom are women) and currently manages approximately $107 billion* in assets invested around the world.

*Information is current as at the date of issue. 

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Attachments

HESTA MR - HANMA Nominations Open.pdf

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