A Victorian nurse practitioner who has worked tirelessly to support women with ovarian cancer and their families and a First Nations NSW midwife who developed the first Aboriginal-led maternity model of care in Australia took out the major awards at last night’s 2022 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Now in their 16th year, the national awards recognise Australia’s nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers and personal care workers for their contributions to improving health outcomes.
Nurse practitioner Sue Hegarty was named the 2022 Nurse of the Year for her advocacy and support for women with ovarian cancer, including her leadership in developing Australia’s first ovarian cancer telehealth program.
Melanie Briggs, a descendant of Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr peoples, was crowned Midwife of the Year for her work to improve First Nations’ maternal and infant health.
