Nyul Nyul man honoured at WA Rural Health Excellence Awards
A Nyul Nyul man from the Kimberley has been recognised for his contribution to Aboriginal health at this year’s WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.
Vernon Dann was named Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year at the 2026 awards, which were announced at the weekend at a ceremony acknowledging rural and remote health workers from across Western Australia.
Key Points
- Nyul Nyul man Vernon Dann recognised at 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards
- Named Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year for work in the Kimberley
- Awards recognise rural and remote health workers across Western Australia
- Presented annually by Rural Health West with WA Country Health Service
- Focus on improving care where distance and workforce gaps challenge access
- Leaders highlight dedication, equity and community-centred healthcare in WA
- Awards span nearly every region to strengthen rural and remote services
The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards said Mr Dann’s work supporting Aboriginal patients and families in the Kimberley reflected the realities of care in the region, where distance and workforce shortages can make access to healthcare more challenging.
The recognition underscores a central focus of the awards: strengthening healthcare delivery in regional, rural and remote communities through the dedication of individuals and teams working on the ground.
The awards are presented annually by Rural Health West in partnership with the WA Country Health Service.
This collaboration underpins a statewide effort to acknowledge excellence in clinical practice, teamwork and community impact outside metropolitan areas, with this year’s ceremony highlighting achievements from across Western Australia.
The program recognises individuals and teams delivering healthcare in regional, rural and remote communities, with an emphasis on practical outcomes for patients and families.
WA Country Health Service perspective
WA Country Health Service chief executive, Jeff Moffet, said the awards highlighted the dedication of clinicians working outside metropolitan areas. He noted the importance of acknowledging the sustained, community-focused effort required to deliver equitable care across vast distances.
“These awards do an excellent job of highlighting”
— Jeff Moffet
Mr Moffet further emphasised the central goal of achieving consistent, high-quality care for country communities, pointing to the human commitment behind service delivery in rural and remote regions across the state.
Rural Health West chief executive, Professor Catherine Elliott, said the awards recognise people working to improve health outcomes in country communities. She outlined the breadth of roles acknowledged, from frontline clinicians to multidisciplinary teams, and pointed to the professional standards and creativity on display among this year’s recipients.
Professor Elliott added that the winners demonstrate professionalism, creativity and unwavering dedication, reflecting both the challenges and the impact of delivering care in regional and remote contexts across Western Australia.
About the Awards
Presented annually by Rural Health West in partnership with the WA Country Health Service, the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards celebrate the work of health professionals who contribute to improved health outcomes in regional, rural and remote areas.
The program recognises frontline clinicians and multidisciplinary teams, acknowledging the diverse ways healthcare professionals deliver services and support communities outside metropolitan areas.
