The 2024 Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) Excellence Awards were held last week to celebrate the outstanding achievements of staff members across the network.
Staff members gathered at the awards event at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre in Mount Gambier.
Ninety-one people were nominated across the 10 award categories, which ranged from Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing to Innovation in Action.
Twenty-eight finalists were short-listed and the event celebrated the strength and diversity of the network’s people and services.
The judges commended all entrants for their achievements and efforts to provide high-quality healthcare, improving the health and wellbeing of the communities and region served by the LCLHN.
Limestone Coast Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer Emma Poland said it was a great pleasure to join with people from across the network to celebrate the 2024 Limestone Coast Local Health Network Excellence Awards.
“Our Excellence Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our people, recognising their strengths and determination in the pursuit of our core purpose: partnering with our community in delivering best practice care and services that contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities and region,” she said.
“I’d like to congratulate all the award winners, finalists and nominees. Each nomination we received was a shining example of excellence, innovation, kindness, and the commitment of our people to provide safe, quality and compassionate care for the people and communities we serve.”
2024 Limestone Coast Local Health Network Excellence
Award Winners
Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing. Winner — Michelle Galli, Quality Risk and Safety Coordinator
Michelle’s leadership in developing Our Tree, an Aboriginal Framework that integrates cultural principles with modern healthcare practices, highlights her dedication to strengthening Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
She has created a model grounded in respect, resilience, trust and healing, in collaboration with Boandik Elder Uncle Ken Jones and the community. The model symbolises Aboriginal traditions through storytelling, song, dance and art, while aligning with health terminology to enhance cultural inclusivity.
Excellence in Care (Hospitals). Winner — Sheryl Jazepczyk, Registered Nurse
Sheryl’s dedication to improving care for patients with delirium, dementia and cognitive impairment in the Emergency Department is admirable.
By researching and implementing best practice, Sheryl introduced initiatives such as the Blue Angels system, dimming lights at night, providing earplugs and eye masks to reduce patients’ sensory overload and enhancing the quality of care for vulnerable patients.
Excellence in Care (Community). Winner — Brianna Schiller, Physiotherapist
Brianna has exhibited outstanding contributions to paediatric physiotherapy within the LCLHN and has led significant service improvements such as upgrading paediatric clinical spaces, enhancing neurodevelopmental monitoring pathways and upskilling in serial casting to provide local access to care. She has also taken on a complex clinical caseload, navigating partnerships with key services such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Department for Child Protection, and major hospitals to ensure children receive the best care.
Excellence in Care (Aged Care). Winner — Harriet Atkinson, Senior Dietitian Food Services
Harriet’s dedication has transformed mealtime experiences for aged care residents across the region. She has ensured residents not only meet their nutrition and hydration needs, but also enjoy meals that feel like home by leading numerous improvements such as enhancing menu options and fostering social dining environments. She has also helped to ensure residents’ voices are heard.
Excellence in Care (Corporate). Winner — Paula McGregor, Fleet and Safety Officer
Paula has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in managing fleet operations and workplace safety, having built strong partnerships with local vehicle dealers, repair shops and internal teams to ensure efficient fleet management and compliance with safety regulations. Her ability to balance compliance with practical solutions is invaluable and highlights her dedication to seek improvements and prioritise staff safety and service efficiency.
Rising Star. Winner — Katrina Porter, Dietitian
Katrina, who provides high-quality dietetics care across multiple clinical areas, including acute care and rehabilitation, consistently goes above and beyond for her clients. She is deeply committed to professional development, having taken on leadership roles and mentoring junior dietitians. Katrina also drives service improvements, advocates for better health processes, and fosters strong relationships across healthcare
networks.
Innovation in Action. Winner — Paediatric Feeding Clinic
The Paediatric Feeding Clinic highlights outstanding commitment to improve care for infants with feeding and swallowing challenges, with the Speech Pathology and Dietetics teams collaborating to develop a responsive multidisciplinary clinic that ensures timely access to care for vulnerable families.
The clinic’s streamlined service model has reduced wait times and enhanced continuity of care, with its innovative approach setting a benchmark for similar services across South Australia.
Courageous Communications and Change Champion. Winners — Pauline Beach, Director of Mental Health, and Karen Chair, Business Support Officer – International Recruitment
Pauline and Karen both demonstrate exceptional leadership and perseverance in transforming LCLHN’s recruitment approach by breaking down barriers, shifting mindsets and increasing openness to alternative recruitment strategies. Together, they have paved a new pathway for filling critical vacancies across the network by exploring international recruitment and sponsorships. Their commitment has extended beyond their roles, involving interviews, visa processes and business planning.
Excellence in Local Volunteering. Winner — Jenny Marshall, Volunteer
Jenny’s volunteer work with the home-delivered meals program, dementia and palliative care teams and other community programs has made her a pillar of support for many. Her selflessness knows no bounds — whether she’s sitting with palliative care patients, reminiscing with dementia residents or simply offering a warm presence, Jenny’s dedication to helping others makes her an irreplaceable part of the community.
Humanity in Healthcare. Winner — Fiona Oliver, Nurse Unit Manager at Millicent Hospital
Fiona exemplifies leadership through kindness, integrity and dedication to her team and patients. As Nurse Unit Manager, she consistently advocates for her team and has navigated staffing challenges with creative solutions, from skill mixing to initiating critical training sessions. She demonstrates respect and integrity in everything she does. With an ability to lead with both heart and head, Fiona embodies humanity in healthcare at the Limestone Coast Local Health Network.
