Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2025

In front of a glamorous crowd, Alanna Keating, Education Manager & Academy Program Manager, was awarded the prestigious Susan Harris Medal for Distinguished Nursing and Midwifery at the third annual Epworth HealthCare Nurses and Midwifery Awards.

No scrubs were in sight as nearly 400 staff and leaders, dressed in their finest, came together in a gala evening to celebrate our nurses and midwives' vital role and incredible contributions.

Across six award categories, 29 deserving finalists were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions and dedicated patient care.

Adjunct Professor Kate Gillan, Executive Director Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the difference our nurses and midwives make for our patients and families at what can be an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives.

"Across our hospitals and our services, it's the compassion, care, and human connection of our nurses and midwives that help heal and lift the spirits of patients entrusted to us.

“Our 2025 Nursing and Midwifery Awards focused on leadership and nurturing the next generation of leaders. We are so fortunate to have The Brookes Nursing and Midwifery Academy, to create development pathways for clinicians at all levels and ensure our teams continue to deliver high-quality care to our patients,” Kate says.

Read about the 2025 Epworth Nursing and Midwifery Award recipients below:

Susan Harris Medal for Distinguished Nursing and Midwifery
Recipient: Alanna Keating, Education Manager & Academy Program Manager, Epworth Clinical Services - Education

Alanna embodies Epworth's values, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues as a vital contributor to Epworth. She is deeply committed to fostering the growth of nurses and midwives through the Brookes Academy, showing unwavering dedication to their development. Alanna stands out as an exceptional leader, mentor, advocate, and nurse, constantly inspiring those around her.

Finalists: Alanna is pictured below with Group Chief Executive Professor Andrew Stripp and donor Susan Harris AM. She is also pictured with the other finalists for this year's award (not positioned in order of the names listed below): Georgia Kennedy, Sally McKnight, Ingrid Stirling, Carmen Wong, and donor Susan Harris AM.

Cathi and Ken Biddick Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice
Recipient: Harley Ambrose, Nurse Unit Manager, Endoscopy, Epworth Eastern

Harley Ambrose, Nurse Unit Manager, Endoscopy, Epworth Eastern

Finalists:  Harley is pictured below with the other finalists for this year's award (not positioned in order of the names listed below): Madison Fay, Kate Honner, and Galina Natenzon (Helen Collis was not able to attend). Also pictured is the Director of Clinical and Maternity Services, Epworth Freemasons, Rennie Fotopolous, and donor Cathi Biddick AM.

Medownick Award for Excellence in Educational Practice
Recipient: Mick Breen, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Emergency Department, Epworth Geelong

Mick is dedicated to fostering high-quality, evidence-based education that meets the evolving needs of nursing staff. He has introduced postgraduate forums, offering live streaming opportunities for critical care nurses to engage in accessible professional development. Mick also consistently delivers creative and high-level simulation sessions, enhancing the education and training provided to our nursing team.

Finalists: Mick is pictured below with the other finalists for this year's award (not positioned in order of the names listed below): Serena Brown, Michelle Watts, Clare Griffin, Katie Collier, and Kate Taubert (Suzanne Allen was not able to attend). Also pictured are Group Director Clinical Education and Dean Nursing Academy Nicole Argall and donors Dr Alla and Dr Mark Medownick.

Jreissati Family Award for Excellence in Leadership
Recipient: Emma Tracy, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Emergency Department, Epworth Richmond

As Interim NUM, Tracy made significant strides in advancing the department through her strong work ethic and commitment to improving the lives of both staff and patients. She fosters a culture of excellence and has had a meaningful impact on everyone around her. Tracy also offers valuable support and mentoring to staff, providing impromptu education sessions and conducting simulations to enhance their learning and development.

Finalists: Emma is pictured below with the other finalists for this year's award (not positioned in order of the names listed below): Kylie Riding, Ian Kite, Chris Norton, and Lauren O’Hehir. Also pictured are Susie Hooper, Director of Clinical Services, Continuing Care and Support Services, and Scott Bulger, Executive Director, Epworth Medical Foundation, to represent donors Colleen Jreissati and Elias Jreissati AM KJGC.

Janet and Mark Schapper Award for Excellence in Person-Centred Care
Recipient: Helen Roberts, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Delivery Suites, Epworth Freemasons

Helen has made a significant impact on the support, wellbeing, and care of grieving mothers and families in maternity services by developing a Bereavement Care package for those experiencing perinatal loss. Her exceptional contribution, grounded in evidence-based practice, has led to improved patient outcomes. Helen is also consistently exploring ways to enhance care in the Birth Suite through various quality improvement initiatives.

Finalists: Helen is pictured below with the other finalists for this year's award (not positioned in order of the names listed below): Jennifer Maffei, Louise Carlton, Matilda Bates and Christine Stratakos. Also pictured are Executive Director Epworth Medical Foundation Scott Bulger representing donors Jan and Mark Schapper and Group Director Clinical Workforce, Phillipa Utting 

Paton Family Award for Excellence in Quality Improvement or Research Practice
Recipient: Natalie Nardella, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Mental Health, Epworth Camberwell

Natalie is an exceptional, highly experienced, and skilled mental health nurse who consistently demonstrates a passion for improving the patient experience through evidence-based practice. She builds strong working relationships, which she uses effectively to engage and recruit potential nursing staff into the projects and initiatives she leads. Natalie also plays an active role in educating these staff members, helping them develop their clinical skills with a strong foundation in evidence-based care.

Finalists: Natalie is pictured below with Diana Lee, another finalist for this year's award. Also pictured are Wendy Watson, Director of Clinical Services, Epworth Geelong, and Annie Chester, Trust & Foundation Manager, Epworth Medical Foundation, representing donors the Paton Family.

With thanks to the generous support of the Epworth Medical Foundation and our incredible community of donors, for making this event possible.