The WHA Medal of Distinction awards are a great opportunity to recognise those who have made significant contributions to women's health.
These awards are a meaningful opportunity to recognise the people and teams whose efforts have led to genuine improvements in women’s health. If you know someone whose work has made a significant impact, we warmly encourage you to nominate them.
Individual Medal of Distinction Award
Recognition for having made an outstanding contribution to improving the health of women and babies through service provision, leadership or advocacy, relative to opportunity and years of experience.
Team Medal of Distinction Award
Recognition for initiatives of excellence in teamwork and collaboration that improves the care of women and their newborns in a healthcare setting.
Sustainability Medal of Distinction Award
For outstanding leadership in advancing net zero and sustainability across healthcare, championing innovation and collective action to create environmentally responsible and resilient health systems.
Congratulations to our 2025 Medal of Distinction Award recipients!
Individual Medal of Distinction Award
Anne Sneddon
Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Senior Staff Specialist in O&G, Gold Coast Health & Griffith University
Team Medal of Distinction Award
RAHMA Health
Community Engagement Manager, Eastern Health, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Rahma Health
Sustainability Medal of Distinction Award
Justine Parsons
Clinical Nurse Consultant NICU, John Hunter Children’s Hospital
Honouring Excellence
A History of our WHA Medal of Distinction Recipients
| Year | Recipient | Awarded fo |
|---|---|---|
|
2025
Team Award |
RHAMA Team |
In recognition of RHAMA 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. |
|
2025
Individual Award |
Prof Anne Sneddon |
In recognition of 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. |
|
2024
Team Award |
Bianca Bartel, VWAS team |
In recognition of the significant contributions to improving the experience and outcomes for women and babies and bringing care closer to home. |
|
2024
Individual Award |
Andrew Bisits |
In recognition of his historical and ongoing efforts to support women to achieve transformative birth in all scenarios. |
|
2023 |
Prof Susan Walker |
In recognition of exceptional clinical and academic leadership, and outstanding contribution to maternal medicine through research, education and compassionate clinical care |
|
2022 |
Prof Leonie Callaway |
In recognition of the exceptional, collaborative leadership and outstanding contribution to improving the health of women and babies through research, education and service provision. |
|
2021 |
A/Prof Emily Callander |
In recognition of the outstanding contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of women and newborns through leadership in health economic research, analysis and translation to improve the equity, efficacy and efficiency of maternal & women’s health services and models of care. |
|
2019 |
Caroline Homer |
In recognition for outstanding leadership, research, and advocacy in maternal and newborn health, and her significant contribution to improving outcomes for women and babies both in Australia and internationally. |
|
2014 |
Patrice Hickey |
In recognition for outstanding leadership and national contribution to midwifery practice, including her role in developing professional standards and advancing safe, woman-centred maternity care. |
|
2013 |
Vicki Flenady |
In recognition of exceptional leadership and national contribution to women’s health, particularly through her research dedicated to preventing stillbirth and improving outcomes for mothers and babies. |
|
2011 |
Prof Sally Tracy |
In recognition of her exceptional leadership and contribution to maternity care, particularly through her research and advocacy for midwifery-led continuity of care models that improve outcomes for women and babies. |
|
2010 |
Prof David Ellwood |
In recognition for outstanding leadership and contribution to women’s health, particularly through his work in obstetrics and gynaecology, maternal–fetal medicine, research into pregnancy outcomes, and his influence in medical education and professional organisations. |
|
2009 |
A/Prof Peter Baghurst |
In recognition of the outstanding contribution to women’s and maternal health through leadership in epidemiological research and his significant impact on health policy and practice. |
|
2008 |
Robyn Collins |
In recognition of the outstanding contribution to women’s healthcare through leadership, service delivery, and advocacy, and her significant impact on improving health outcomes for women. |
|
2007 |
Prof Jeremy Oats |
Contributed extensively to the body of women’s health research, particularly in regard to the management of diabetes in pregnancy. |
|
2006 |
Prof David Henderson Smart AO |
In recognition of the outstanding contribution to women’s and newborn health through leadership in neonatal and perinatal medicine, and the significant impact on research, clinical practice, and education. |
|
2005 |
Prof Jeffery Robinson |
In recognition of the outstanding contribution to women’s healthcare through leadership in obstetrics and maternal–fetal medicine, and his significant impact on clinical practice, research, and education. |
|
2004 |
Ms Anne Cahill |
Awarded for outstanding leadership and service to the women’s and children’s healthcare community, including her role in developing and strengthening national collaboration between hospitals across Australasia. |
Selection Criteria:
- The medals may be awarded to members and non-members of Women’s Healthcare Australasia.
- For those directly affiliated with WHA, the criteria for awarding the Medal of Distinction include a significant period of service to WHA, and sustained leadership and advocacy for women’s health.
- The Medal of Distinction is not awarded for long service but, rather, for exceptional and meritorious service.
- For members of the broader community, the criterion is recognition at a national level for leadership and advocacy for women’s health.
