THEY ARE the heart and soul of the healthcare system and Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has recognised the contribution of nurses across the region.
International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 each year, on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, and it shines a light on nurses’ commitment, care and compassion.
The annual Mackay HHS International Nurses Day Awards acknowledged nurses for their vital roles in our communities and dedication to achieving health outcomes for patients.
Several Whitsunday nurses were recognised, including Cheryl Dean, Clinical Nurse, Proserpine Hospital, Susanne Willmott, Clinical Nurse, Greater Whitsunday Mental Health, Proserpine, and Proserpine Hospital theatre clinical nurse Nikki Soden.
Full award details are below.
There were more than 1,400 nurses working in hospitals, multi-purpose and community health facilities across the region, constituting more than 50 per cent of the workforce, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery James William Jenkins said.
“International Nurses Day is a time to formally honour and acknowledge the incredible work nurses do on the frontline of care,” Mr Jenkins said.
“We thank them for their care and compassion, healing touch and for always putting their patients first.
“Thank you for providing an empathetic ear and compassionate hand when a lifechanging diagnosis is delivered; for the commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism you bring, each and every day, to our patients and communities.
“To all nursing students, enrolled nurses, registered nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse managers, educators and leaders – thank you for the work that you do and Happy International Nurses Day,” he said.
The Mackay HHS International Nurses Day Awards recognise staff who demonstrate excellence in practice and the significant contributions they make to their professions, their teams and the community, across eight award categories.
The 2025 winners were announced at an awards ceremony held on Monday, May 12, in the Mackay Base Hospital Courtyard.
1. McFadzen Perpetual Award
This award is sponsored by the Hospital Auxiliary and recognises the skills and contributions of a nurse from the Mackay Base Hospital. The award recipient will receive $1000 for professional development purposes. The award recognises a nurse who demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge, competence and proficient nursing care and a passion for caring for patients.
2025 WINNER: Tania Mattinson, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Theatre and Anaesthetics Nursing, Mackay Base Hospital.
2. Clinical Nurse Specialty Award
The Clinical Nurse Speciality Award is sponsored by Robyn Nikolsky, a past nurse who is extremely passionate about the nursing profession who personally donates $250 to be spent on professional development. This category is for a clinical nurse across the Mackay HHS.
2025 Joint winners
• Margaret Bazley, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Nursing Medical and
Critical Care Services
• Cheryl Dean, Clinical Nurse, Proserpine Hospital
3. Clinical Excellence Award – Rural
This award specifically recognises a rural nurse who demonstrates an advanced level of skill in a rural hospital. They identify in an area of clinical nursing skills which directly improves patient care through direct care, education of the patients and staff, innovation, research or impact on community health issues.
2025 WINNER: Susanne Willmott, Clinical Nurse, Greater Whitsunday Mental Health, Proserpine
4. Clinical Excellence Award – Nurse Unit Manager
This is a new category that specifically recognises a nurse unit manager who oversees day to day patient care, supervising, directing and developing our Mackay HHS nurse staff, while also educating and inspiring individuals to become leaders who act with integrity, foster quality and research, promote wellness and advocate for the best possible experiences for people and the communities.
2025 WINNER: Andrea Wilkinson, Director of Nursing, Dysart Hospital.
5. Excellence in Patient Care Award
This award recognises a nurse with excellent clinical nursing skills as evidenced by feedback from patients, peers and colleagues. They use effective interpersonal relationships, through compassion, respect for person, integrity, collaboration and professionalism in delivery of care to patients and families.
2025 WINNER: Lisa Byrne, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Nursing Medical and Critical Care, Mackay Base Hospital
6. CQUniversity 2023 Graduate of the Year Award
This award is to recognise the skills and contributions of a 2024 graduate nurse. The $500 prize is donated by CQUniversity to be used to improve knowledge and skills in nursing or midwifery.
2025 WINNER: Nikita Van Wyk, Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Mackay Base Hospital
7. JCU Outstanding contributions to student Learning – Individual
2025 WINNER: Madison Scriha, Clinical Nurse, Mackay Base Hospital.
2026 JCU outstanding contribution to student learning – Unit
2025 WINNER: Mackay Base Hospital Day Surgery Unit.
Each year, on International Nurses Day, Proserpine Hospital also recognises a staff member for their care and service with the Peta Watson Memorial Award.
This year the award was presented to enrolled nurse Emma Verhey.
The Lola Mudie Award for Surgical Nursing was also presented to Proserpine Hospital theatre clinical nurse Nikki Soden.
