Northern NSW Local Health District proudly hosted the 2025 Excellence in Allied Health Awards on International Allied Health Professions Day, recognising the outstanding contributions of Allied Health individuals and teams across the region.
The ceremony opened with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Gilbert Laurie, a proud Yaegl and Widjabul Wiabul man of the Bundjalung Nation.
This year marks the fourth annual local Allied Health Awards, held in the lead-up to the state Excellence in Allied Health Awards.
Kathryn Watson, Director Planning, Partnerships and Allied Health said the event celebrated the broad-reaching, multidisciplinary care that Allied Health is known for.
A total of 36 nominations were received, including five multidisciplinary teams. This increase from previous years reflects growing recognition of the diverse contributions Allied Health professionals make across the Northern Rivers.
“Our staff work in every setting – community, emergency, inpatient and outpatient – supporting people at all stages of life,” Kathryn said.
The theme for International Allied Health Professions Day, Stronger Together, was reflected throughout the event. “Collaboration isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are,” Kathryn said.
The theme for International Allied Health Professions Day, Stronger Together, was echoed throughout the event. “Collaboration is not just what we do – it’s who we are,” Kathryn said.
“We celebrate not just individual excellence but the collective strength of our professions – the physios, dietitians, social workers, speech pathologists and every discipline in between who make wholistic, person-centred care possible across the lifespan”.
Award winners
Allied Health Professional of the Year
Helen McGregor – Podiatrist, Lismore Community and Allied Health Services
Helen’s decades of service, innovation and leadership have transformed podiatry care across the District.
Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year
Cassidy Baker – Occupational Therapist, Lismore and Ballina Community and Allied Health Services
Cassidy has brought energy, compassion and a strong commitment to learning in her first year of practice. Her patient-centred care and emerging leadership have made a lasting impact.
Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year
Paige Taylor – Counsellor and Mental Health Clinician, MHAOD
Paige’s culturally safe care and advocacy for Aboriginal families continue to inspire systemic change and strengthen community wellbeing.
Allied Health Assistant, Technician or Support Person of the Year
Katherine Smith – Speech Pathology Assistant, Tweed Valley Hospital
Kathy’s dedication and adaptability have strengthened care across Speech Pathology and Dietetics. Her practical support and empathy make her an invaluable team member.
Allied Health Educator of the Year
Donna Napier – Radiographer and Sonographer, Tweed Byron Medical Imaging
Donna’s passion for education and outreach has shaped clinical practice and improved outcomes across disciplines and communities.
Allied Health Researcher of the Year
Alex McCord – Psychologist, Child and Adolescent Specialist Eating Disorder Team
Alex’s research is transforming treatment approaches and building capacity across the Allied Health workforce. Her leadership in evidence-based care is inspiring.
Multidisciplinary Team of the Year
Specialist Palliative Care Service
This team’s collaborative approach and innovation have elevated patient care. Their work in peer supervision, virtual reality and advocacy for dignity of risk exemplifies the power of multidisciplinary care.
Allied Health Leader of the Year
Grace McMullen – Chief Radiation Therapist, NNSWLHD Cancer Services
Grace’s visionary leadership has transformed radiotherapy services and empowered her team through mentorship and innovation.
Commendation: Kate Dougherty – Speech Pathologist, Lismore
Our NNSWLHD winners will be nominated for the NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards held in March 2026.
Awards organisers extraordinaire: Kathryn Watson, Justine Guttridge and Linda Pike.
Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year Cassidy Baker (centre front in blue).
Dee Robinson with the Multi-disciplinary Team of the Year: Specialist Palliative Care Service.
Uncle Gilbert provides an informative Welcome to Country.
Michelle Bridges alongside finalist in the AH Professional of the Year category, social worker Naomi Blake (in blue).
Dee Robinson with MHAOD social worker Jessica Jeffreys who received a commendation in the AH Professional of the Year category.
Enjoying the Allied Health Professionals Awards ceremony.
Dee Robinson, Rebecca Pevitt, Paige Taylor and Jessica Jeffreys.
Radiographer/sonographer Donna Napier took out the 2025 Allied Health Educator of the Year.
Donna Napier with Katherine Smith, winner of the 2025 Allied Health Assistant/Technician/ Support Person of the Year.
NNSWLHD Board Chair Peter Carter (3rd from left) and Board Member Professor Susan Nancarrow spoke at the Awards.
Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year Paige Taylor with Jessica Jeffreys.
Board Chair, Peter Carter with Allied Health Professional of the Year, Helen McGregor.
Awards ceremony MC Ged May provided some good laughs.
Some of the Awards' certificates up for grabs.
Celebrating Murwillumbah Medical Imaging team's nomination in the Multidisciplinary Team of the Year category.
It was a packed house at the 2025 NNSWLHD Allied Health Awards.
Happy days as workmates catch up after the ceremony.
Lisa Beasley with occupational therapist Cassidy Baker who won the Early Career AH Professional of the Year.
AH Leader of the Year nominees Emma McDonald, Lynne Weir, Grace McMullen (winner), Miranda Stewart, Kate Dougherty (commended) and Casey James.