Exceptional healthcare is being delivered every day in rural and regional Victoria, driven by dedicated professionals who are choosing to live, work and care for their communities.
The Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV), in partnership with the Victorian Department of Health, has officially announced the finalists for the 2026 Victorian Rural Health Awards, heavily highlighting the outstanding contributions of medical practitioners, nurses, and allied health staff right across East Gippsland.
The annual awards celebrate the individuals and teams who are making a real and lasting difference across regional areas, reflecting the strength of the entire rural health system. Across small towns and rural areas, these health professionals play a vital role not only in providing care but also in ensuring communities remain vibrant, connected, and supported.
Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance are prominently represented in the 2026 finalist pool. Dr Dian Tirza, of Eastwood Medical Centre and Capstone Medical Centre in Bairnsdale, has achieved a remarkable four nominations, named as a finalist for Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist, Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist, and Outstanding Contribution by a Mentor or Supervisor, as well as the new Outstanding Contribution to Mental Health category.
Joining her in the competitive Rural GP or Rural Generalist category is Dr Phil Sewell, recognised for his dedicated work across the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service and Macleod Street Medical Centre. In Lakes Entrance, Mr Parivesh Kumar of Gippsland Lakes Complete Health has been short-listed for the Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health Award.
The region’s vital bush nursing centres have also received major recognition in the primary care sector. Mrs Anne Brewer of the Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, alongside Mrs Kathy Swift and Ms Rebecca Campbell, both of the Ensay Bush Nursing Centre, have all been named as finalists for the Outstanding Contribution to a Rural Primary Care Nurse or Midwife Award.
RWAV chief executive officer Lauren Cordwell said the awards provide an essential opportunity to celebrate the commitment, collaboration, and care that underpin regional health services.
“These awards are about recognising the people who keep rural healthcare moving forward every day, often quietly, often under pressure, but always with purpose and care,” Ms Cordwell said.
“What we see in this year’s finalists is a workforce that is adapting, innovating, and continuing to show up for their communities in meaningful ways. Their impact is felt far beyond the clinics and services they work in.”
Organisers stress that recognising and celebrating these local contributions is essential to encouraging more clinicians, staff, and future leaders to live and work in rural and regional Victoria.
The winners of the Victorian Rural Health Awards 2026 will be announced during a free online event on Thursday, June 25, from 6pm to 7.15pm. RWAV invites all community members to register, tune in, and stand behind their local healthcare workforce.
