Rural communities are a foundation of the economy and society and must be kept healthy.

There are significant personal, professional and financial rewards for rural healthcare professionals. However, there are also challenges – isolation, long hours, confusion about where to turn for support.

To acknowledge and celebrate the work of Rural and Remote Health Professionals, Rural Health Pro have launched the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards.

Rural Health Pro’s mission is to connect health professionals and organisations who care about rural communities, to inspire and support them in their work.

The Awards aim to acknowledge the exceptional effort of health professionals, teams and organisations that have significantly contributed to improving rural and remote health in Australia.  

Nominations are now open for the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards which will be celebrated at Parliament House Canberra on Monday 13 November 2023.  The Awards are

The Awards will be celebrated as part of Rural Health Month 2023 in November and will bring together stakeholders from across the rural and remote health sector to recognise the achievements of primary healthcare providers, people and organisations.   

Rural Health Pro’s Group Manager, Jeremy Mitchell speaking to Australian Health Journal said,  “following a global pandemic, floods, fires, and drought, it’s time to honour the dedication of those who strive to keep rural and remote communities healthy, on the national stage.  

“Rural Health Pro is honoured to bring these exceptional workers and organisations together on a national platform to be acknowledged and celebrated for their dedication and commitment to keeping our rural and remote communities healthy,” Mr Mitchell said.   

“Healthy rural and remote communities are not possible without the tireless effort of health professionals and organisations who show up, work together and commit to improving health outcomes for the benefit of others,” he said.   

Nominations for the Awards are open until 31 August 2023 and there are ten award categories:  

• Rising Star  
• Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthcare  
• Dedication to Health in a Remote Location  
• Excellence in Rural/Remote Health Administration  
• Rural/Remote Health Innovator of the Year  
• Rural/Remote Aged and Disability Carer of the Year  
• Rural/Remote Health Advocate of the Year  
• Rural/Remote Multidisciplinary Collaboration of the Year  
• Rural/Remote Health Employer of the Year  
• Rural/Remote Health Professional of the Year.  

Mr Mitchell says anyone who’s ever received outstanding care or support from a rural health professional or organisation, and hasn’t known how to show their appreciation, now has the perfect way to do so.   

“This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, families, colleagues, friends, community leaders and business representatives to make their appreciation and thanks known to those who deserve it most,” Mr Mitchell said.   

“I encourage everyone to make sure the health professionals in your rural or remote community, who have made a difference to your life or the lives of your friends and family, know how valued they are.”  

Important dates  & notes 

• Nominations Open:  3 July 2023  
• Nominations Close:  31 August 2023   

Awards Presentation Gala:  Monday 13 November, Parliament House Canberra on Ngunnawal Country.  

To nominate and view the selection criteria, visit ruralhealthpro.org/s/awards

Rural Health Pro has been developed by NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN), the Australian Government’s Rural Workforce Agency for NSW. RDN is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation which has been supporting health professionals and communities in rural NSW for more than 35 years.