Individual Medal of Distinction Award
Anne Sneddon
Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Senior Staff Specialist in O&G, Gold Coast Health & Griffith University
In recognition of her exceptional leadership and expertise in advancing the accessibility and quality of women’s healthcare through a long career dedicated to service in maternity care, advocacy and education.
Team Medal of Distinction Award
RAHMA Health
Community Engagement Manager, Eastern Health, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Rahma Health
In recognition of Rahma Health’s exceptional contribution towards transforming women’s health equity for migrant and refugee women, through the provision of culturally safe and accessible resources on pregnancy, birth and newborn care for women worldwide.
Sustainability Medal of Distinction Award
Justine Parsons
Clinical Nurse Consultant NICU, John Hunter Children’s Hospital, NSW.
This award recognises Justine’s exceptional leadership in championing innovative and impactful recycling initiatives within the NICU—significantly reducing environmental impact while fostering a strong culture of sustainability, engagement, and accountability among staff and families.
Justine was formally presented with her medal at the CHA Paediatric Units Insight Forum in October, and we are thrilled to once again acknowledge and celebrate her well-deserved achievement.
WHA would also like to recognise the outstanding contributions to maternity and newborn health made by the individuals and teams nominated for this award. Their commitment to making a meaningful impact on women, newborns, and their families goes above and beyond, inspiring not only their peers but the entire WHA community. To each of these dedicated nominees: congratulations and thank you for your leadership and vision in shaping a healthier future for women, newborn, and families everywhere.
Individual Nominees:
A/Prof Vasu Iyengar – Clinical Lead – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Swan Hill District Health
Wendy Faruggia – Midwifery Group Practice Midwife, Yorke Northern LHN (Regional Health Network in SA)
Tina Bode – Midwifery Unit Manager, Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network
Debra McAuley – Social worker, Liverpool Hospital
Meredith Hobbs – Divisional Director (Midwifery & Nursing) Women & Children’s Health, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
Mark Farrugia – General Practitioner, Self Employed
Ruth McCuaig – Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Women & Newborn Health Service, WA
Monica Diaz – Midwife Consultant, Women’s & Children’s Health Network
Team Nominees:
Kylie Martin – Maternity Connect Program Manager, Western Health
Sarah Bombell – GP Obstetrician & Lactation Consultant, Self Employed
Karen Kennedy – Central Coast Clinical Midwife Consultant, Central Coast Home Birth Program
Pritika KC – Senior Project Officer, East Metropolitan Health Service
Jodie Dodd – Clinical Medical Director Women’s and Babies, Women’s & Children’s Health Network
Wojciech Szubert – Staff Specialist O&G, FRANZCOG, Mackay HHS
Lisa Schneider – Clinical Midwifery Specialist, WSLHD, Westmead Public Hospital
Sarah Weightman – Coordinator of Women’s Newborn and Children, Armadale Health Service
Dr Srinivas Bolisetty – Medical Director, Division of Newborn Services, Royal Hospital for Women South Eastern Sydney LHD
Della Forster – Head of Nursing and Midwifery Research, Royal Women’s Hospital
Allison Waldron – Interim Midwifery Nursing Director Operations, Women’s & Children’s Health Network
