Excellence in developing and engaging our staff
This award recognises excellence in engaging, developing and supporting staff/teams to deliver safe, high-quality services.
Meet our 2026 finalists
Doctor Support Unit – South Metropolitan Health Service
Grounded in workforce insight and lived experience, this unit listens, adapts and responds to the needs of junior doctors as they navigate constant change, steep learning curves and moments of uncertainty.
A steady, visible source of support, it offers a clear, reliable pathway to guidance, reassurance and connection. Open dialogue, trusted feedback channels and transparent processes build confidence, inclusion and accountability. It also reduces fragmentation and ensures help is accessible when it matters most.
Outcomes show strengthened engagement and wellbeing, increased participation in leadership and education opportunities, and growing confidence in accessing support. Improved retention and external benchmarking results reflect a culture where staff feel heard, supported and able to contribute safely, consistently delivering high‑quality care for the community.
SMHS Aboriginal Workforce Plan – South Metropolitan Health Service
This initiative fosters an engaged, culturally strong SMHS workforce within which Aboriginal staff feel safe, supported and empowered to lead.
Its commitment to Aboriginal voices actively guiding workforce development and community partnerships support cultural safety, collaboration and meaningful career development. Engagement activities have strengthened community partnerships while Aboriginal workforce initiatives have created a connected, motivated and culturally respectful workforce. Staff awareness, respect and alignment with the needs of Aboriginal consumers have been enhanced through increased exposure to culturally informed practices.
The significant growth achieved in Aboriginal employment is positioning SMHS as an employer of choice. This is further supported by expanded cadet and graduate pathways that promote long‑term development and retention.
WBA program – Rockingham Peel Group
The Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) program supports internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs) to transition smoothly into local practice while maintaining consistently high standards of care.
Through a structured, supportive program, IMGs are guided in real time, helping them build confidence, capability and consistency in day‑to‑day practice. Strong teamwork, clear expectations and regular feedback create a positive environment where clinicians feel supported to grow and contribute meaningfully to patient care. A focus on fairness, learning and professional growth supports a stable workforce motivated to provide respectful, patient‑focused care and better health experiences for the community.
By developing staff within the service, the program has improved continuity, strengthened collaboration and reduced reliance on short‑term staffing solutions.
See other 2026 Excellence Award finalists and read about our sponsors.