WA’s Healthcare Heroes: Full list of winners for luxury staycation at Crown Perth

Angela PownallThe West Australian
Camera IconKristy and Gavin (do not want surname published), Lee Garrett, John Crofts and Carla Sabatini are among the winners of the Healthcare Heroes campaign. Pictured at Lake Monger. 10 JUNE 2020 Credit: Danella Bevis The West Australian

West Australians have responded resoundingly to a $250,000 campaign to thank the State’s nurses for their commitment to the public’s health and care.

A staggering 5324 nominations have been entered into Crown Perth and The West Australian’s Healthcare Heroes initiative, in which 250 nurses will be invited to enjoy a luxury staycation at the five-star resort next month.

The nominations have revealed amazing stories of unwavering care, dedication and sacrifice, often in difficult or tragic personal circumstances.

All of WA’s nurses deserve recognition and appreciation of their hard work, but the campaign organisers at Crown Perth had the challenging job of selecting just 250 winning nominations.

The staycation includes a night at Crown Perth, fine dining and pampering at its luxury spa for the nurse and a companion.

Below is the full list of winners.

  • Charlotte Allen — nominated by a parent who says she helped save their son’s life by listening and helping them to get a diagnosis for him.
  • Gail Allen — a nurse in Royal Perth Hospital’s emergency department and a single mum to three boys, one of whom was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
  • Taylah Anderson — a nurse who was isolated from colleagues, family and friends so she could care for COVID-19 patients.
  • Chanuka Aponsu — a disability nurse who cared for patients who had to quarantine themselves at home and stay away from family and friends.
  • Tracy Ashworth — a midwife in the Wheatbelt who has been supporting new parents isolated because of COVID-19.
  • Sarah Aungier — a first year nurse nominated for putting her work before her own health during the pandemic.
  • Francisco Avalos — nominated by the family of one of his stroke patient for his empathy and care.
  • Chloe Jade Baddeley — a dental nurse at one of the few practices to stay open through the COVID-19 pandemic where they were inundated with emergencies.
  • Connor Ballard — a nurse at Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital who has remained dedicated to his patients during the pandemic despite being vulnerable himself.
  • Megan Barr — working as a nurse testing FIFO workers for COVID-19 at Perth airport, Megan starts her shift every day at 3am.
  • Debra Bass — works with newborn infants and families as a child health nurse. Her role is one of health support and guidance particularly to the most vulnerable and isolated people within the community.
  • Rose Bartholomaeus — a mental health nurse for people aged 13 to 24 who have significant mental illness and other issues, such as homelessness.
  • Catherine Beeson — a mother-of-four and a nurse in Bunbury Hospital’s emergency department who also does shifts in the COVID-19 testing clinic.
  • Corinne Bennett — a mental health nurse who works in Kalgoorlie, Corinne is unable to visit her family in Victoria when she turns 60 next week.
  • Courtney Bethell — a mental health nurse at Fremantle’s Alma Street clinic and with the co-response team with WA Police.
  • Sylvia Bhatti — Almost 70 years old herself, Sylvia cares for mostly elderly patients after operations and spends time talking to them and supporting them.
  • Kasey Biggar — a midwife who implemented the Positive Birth Program at Bunbury Hospital, from where it has now been rolled out to other hospitals.
  • Keri Bignell — a midwife who has continued to work at King Edward Memorial Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic despite being pregnant.
  • Chanelle Blair — a nurse who works at the Perth CBD Donor Centre.
  • Emma Blundell — nominated by a former patient from Fiona Stanley Hospital’s intensive care unit who said she “helped me fight to live”.
  • Erin Mary Body — a mother of four and nurse in a neonate intensive care unit for 17 years, who also does voluntary work in the community.
  • Naomi Bone — a 39-year-old nurse who volunteered to go to Tasmania to help out with a shortage of healthcare workers because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Dylan Botica — the 21-year-old paediatric nurse is nominated for his work with children and community work for Telethon and Ronald McDonald House.
  • Kacey Brookes — clinical nurse at the Sexual Assault Resource Centre which has seen an increase in victims during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Deanne Brooks — nominated for her nursing in health emergencies across the world as well as an emergency department nurse at Geraldton Hospital.
  • Jodie Brotherston — a theatre nurse at St John of God Hospital Subiaco nominated for her exceptional work and support of her colleagues.
  • Melanie Bryce — a nurse at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and a volunteer for the State Emergency Service, who was nominated by her daughter.
  • Edbren Bulatao — a nurse who works with cancer patients and nominated for the way he cares for them, and for being a true team player.
  • Joan Burgess — nominated by a patient who is grateful for her support through a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • Victoria Burke — a nurse for 28 years, now working in intensive care, who has dedicated her life to her patients.
  • Emily Burton — a nurse at a Perth aged care home nominated for her tireless work to care for, reassure and comfort residents.
  • Syra Bux — a nurse for 10 years now working in an emergency department nominated for her compassion and support.
  • Glen Cameron — a nurse who has been dealing with coronavirus since the pandemic, such as checking if patients entering hospital for COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Bronwyn Castafaro — the 30-year-old works on a surgical ward at Perth Children’s Hospital, caring for and comforting children and their families during difficult times.
  • Rhonda Chandler — a nurse with 50 years of experience who advised on measures to deal with COVID-19 when it first emerged in Australia.
  • Tracy Chaplin — a mother who volunteered to care for COVID-19 patients in intensive care which meant isolating herself from her children and working extra shifts.
  • Mariam Cheema — an emergency department nurse who kept working on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic while pregnant.
  • Stephanie Christie — a cancer nurse at Perth Children’s Hospital who is passionate about providing the best care.
  • Dee Clapinson — nominated by a patient at Royal Perth Hospital for her care, compassion and understanding.
  • Jason Clark — a nurse at Royal Perth Hospital who went to Broome to help set up a COVID-19 clinic.
  • Pamela Connell — a mother of four who works at St John of God Midland Hospital, and the COVID-19 clinic, nominated for always focussing on the wellbeing of others.
  • Jessica Conway — a paediatric cancer nurse nominated by the family of a young patient for giving them a reason to smile.
  • Peta Cook — nominated by friends for her professionalism, integrity, compassion and fun nature.
  • Shannon Cook — a nurse for the Newborn Emergency Transport Service, a mother of two young children and wife to her husband who works away for weeks at a time.
  • Jacqueline Cooper — nominated for her commitment to nursing for going to Broome to cover a shortage because local nurses had to quarantine themselves.
  • Caitlin Cooper — a dedicated nurse and mother of four sons who worked on the quarantined COVID-19 ward at Bunbury Hospital.
  • Chelsea Coppendale — despite recently being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Chelsea has kept working on the older adult mental health ward to care for her patients.
  • Natalie Corrie — a single mother and nurse who cares for own family as well as her vulnerable patients.
  • Helen Coulsen — the 63-year-old became a nurse in her 50s, caring for elderly patients, and was nominated for her commitment for helping disadvantaged people.
  • Aimee Coulter — an intensive care nurse who loves what she does, even though a day at work is “tough, full of grief and non-stop”.
  • Jacqueline Cowan — a nurse for more than 25 years at St John of God Subiaco where she works the night shift on the cardiac ward.
  • Keren Cream — a nurse at Royal Perth Hospital for 17 years working mainly in haematology.
  • John Crofts — a nurse for almost 40 years who works at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and does voluntary and charity work when not on the ward.
  • Carol Cullen — a nurse in WA’s prison system treating health problems among inmates and helping them to maintain their own healthcare after release.
  • Fay Cullum — a nurse for 41 years, 30 of them at Fremantle Hospital, who has given her loyalty, empathy, compassion and youth to her profession.
  • Glenn Czarnota — nominated by a patient for his empathy, dedication and excellent care.
  • Sandra Daniels — nominated for “fearlessly serving others” during the COVID-19 pandemic and showing patients the same selfless care as she does for her family and friends.
  • Angela Daniels — an aged care worker in Exmouth, who also works as cleaner, cook and carer at the hospital working up to 60 hours a week.
  • Chermine Davies — an orthopaedic nurse for 14 years nominated for her diligent care of her patients.
  • Nicole DeBolt — the intensive care nurse looked after COVID-19 patients on ventilators in Perth before travelling to New York last month where she is now treating critically-ill patients there.
  • Michelle DeLong — a senior nurse at the Red Cross Lifeblood Centre in Morley nominated for the extra work she has done to keep up with the demand for blood.
  • Gavin — Gavin and his wife Kristy both work in the emergency department of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital as well as raising four boys aged 11 and under.
  • Rachael Doney — nominated by a patient who had to be tested for COVID-19 for her kindness, support and putting herself in danger by carrying out tests for the virus.
  • Joanne Dong — a nurse working full-time caring for patients and working for the National Coronavirus Helpline on her days off.
  • Stephanie Downie — nominated for leading a team of 200 emergency nurses through the pandemic, giving them emotional support and keeping a level head.
  • Marianne Downing — a nurse for 40 years in Fremantle and now Fiona Stanley Hospital who puts aside her own health issues to care for her patients.
  • Jennifer Doyle — a nurse practitioner in oncology nominated for the great rapport she builds with her patients and always going above and beyond for them.
  • Annabel Dunn — nominated for being compassionate and non-judgmental by the man she cares for, who said she has changed his life for the better.
  • Lucy Dusenberg- a nurse for 10 years who now works in infection control in Denmark, she prepared the site for the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Claire Easter — the nurse manager of a children’s ward and a single mum nominated for going above and beyond to look after her staff.
  • Alvin Edney — a nurse and practice manager from Carnarvon who has put himself on the frontline and worked tirelessly to protect Aboriginal people from COVID-19 and other illnesses.
  • Joanne Edwards — an intensive care nurse at Joondalup Health Campus who treated COVID-19 victims from the Artania cruise ship, working 12-hour shifts for several weeks.
  • Carissa Efford — an emergency nurse at Perth Children’s Hospital who has volunteered to help children in rural WA.
  • Angela Ellison — nominated by her daughter for her work as a nurse at a clinic for homeless people in Perth CBD.
  • Gail Espey — an intensive care nurse for 12 years who has dealt with swine flu and now coronavirus.
  • Joanna Fagan — a nurse who worked long hours seven days a week to set up WA’s contact tracing team, which identifies people who have potentially been exposed to coronavirus.
  • Melissa Fairman — a nurse on Royal Perth Hospital’s neurosurgery ward nominated for her care, compassion and commitment to her patients.
  • Annika Featherstone — an emergency nurse nominated for always putting other people’s needs above her own and working on the healthcare frontline during the pandemic.
  • Jessica Fisher — a nurse on Fiona Stanley Hospital’s coronary care unit who juggles 12-hour shifts and nights with caring for four young children.
  • Erin Fitzgerald — a nurse working in a renal dialysis unit nominated by a patient for her “excellent caring and nursing skills”.
  • Amanda Forbes — a nurse who volunteers to run playgroups nominated for her “heart of gold”.
  • Sarah Ford — a nurse for almost 30 years and now working at Boyup Brook Hospital, she has needed wrist reconstruction and back surgery after being assaulted by patients.
  • Christopher Ford — a nurse at Royal Perth Hospital’s COVID-19 clinic nominated for working long shifts during the pandemic without hesitation.
  • Martin Ford — a coronary care nurse who quickly retrained to work in intensive care during the pandemic to the appreciation of his colleagues.
  • Claire Franklin — A respiratory specialist nurse at Perth Children’s Hospital who has been instrumental in ensuring that families, kids, GPs and communities have the right information, equipment and medicine during the pandemic.
  • Jen Gallop — a nurse for 18 years who works in neonatal intensive care where she has tested babies for COVID-19 before going home to her own young children.
  • Lee Garrett — midwife at St John of God Midland Hospital where she kept working after her mum died of coronavirus in London in April but travel restrictions meant she could not go to her.
  • Victoria Garvey — nominated for her dedication to community health, particularly elderly and vulnerable people.
  • Christine Geel — a nurse for some 50 years, the last 34 at Osborne Park Hospital, nominated for her long hours in theatre and her compassionate care.\
  • Ebony George — caring for COVID-19 infected German passengers from Artania cruise ship, Ebony went shopping to get them necessary items.
  • Anne Gerick — nominated by the parents of a newborn who was brought into the emergency department at just three weeks old for helping them through a stressful time.
  • Jackie Giffney — the manager of the Aegis nursing home in Ellenbrook nominated for her work during the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Louise Graham — a nurse at Joondalup Health Camps nominated for her caring attitude and for always having a kind word for patients and visitors.
  • Amelia Graves — nominated by a patient for her unforgettable kindness, smiles and care.
  • Nola Greatorex — a nurse for more than 40 years across WA, including Perth, Geraldton, Broome, Halls Creek and Derby, who has worked only night shifts for the past 20 years she has worked only night shifts.
  • Jenna Greer — nominated for her understanding and empathy when treating a leukaemia patient.
  • Rachel Griffiths — after retiring from nursing late last year, she returned to volunteer in Royal Perth Hospital’s COVID-19 call centre.
  • Jennifer Hall — a community mental health nurse who continued to visit patients in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Robin Holt — part of the COVID-19 intubation team treating critically ill patients.
  • Ashleigh Hampton — nominated for her passion for her work and building personal connections with her patients.
  • Donelle Hancock — an emergency nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Rockingham General Hospital who has worked hard during the pandemic.
  • Anne Hanney — a single parent who cares for her elderly father at home as well as working as a nurse in a day surgery.
  • Amber Hardy — a GP nurse and a mother of three boys under 6 nominated for working harder than ever this year.
  • Sue Hardy — a nurse practitioner in Toodyay who has worked hard to keep her community safe.
  • Mary Harris — started her graduate year in February 2000km from home because she wanted to make a difference in a Aboriginal community.
  • Beth Harrison — an emergency nurse in Kalgoorlie who came into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and had to self-isolate for 14 days before she returned to the healthcare frontline.
  • Allysha Hayes — nominated for continuing to work on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic even though she is pregnant.
  • Syloan Henderson-Wilson — a flight nurse for the Royal Flying Doctor Service nominated for her tireless work to give people in remote locations the best possible care.
  • Christine Henneker — a nurse practitioner who has developed regional telechemotherapy services in Broome, Karratha and Narrogin, allowing patients to receive care closer to home.
  • Bryony Heydon — a nurse at the Mount Hospital in Perth for 11 years, who followed her mother and step-grandmother into nursing.
  • Michelle Higgins — nominated by her partner for her tireless efforts, working on the frontline in the face of extremely long days and relentless pressure.
  • Jessica Hook — while caring for seriously ill COVID-19 patients, Jessica has isolated herself from all her family and friends to protect them.
  • Alexis Immink — despite working 12-hour shifts, Alexis dropped care packages at the front doors of family and friends during the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
  • Elizabeth Johnson — nominated by her husband for returning to work, while breastfeeding their eight-week-old son, to help with efforts to trace people who could have been exposed to coronavirus.
  • Gemma Jones — a nurse at the Perth Watch House who looks after detainees’ welfare and health.
  • Sarah Jury — a nurse manager at Fiona Stanley Hospital’s emergency department nominated for her hard work in preparing staff for COVID-19.
  • Tahnya Karl — working in intensive care at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, she cared for and comforted COVID-19 patients.
  • Vanessa Keane — a dementia aged care nurse nominated by the children of a patient for going above and beyond.
  • Milly Keeling — an emergency and theatre nurse at Armadale Hospital who recently went to Broome to help set up the COVID-19 clinic there.
  • Nadine Kelly — nominated working in the State Major Trauma Unit at Royal Perth Hospital for 12 years and her selfless care of patients.
  • Matthew Killick — an intensive care nurse at St John of God Midland Hospital and nominated for putting the lives and health of others first.
  • Daniela Koteski — a nurse who works on the oncology wards and donates blood and bone marrow.
  • Jacinta Kovacs — a neonatal intensive care nurse who work hard to help babies and parents through the toughest time in their lives.
  • Philippa Kupsch — a nurse in Geraldton who has worked long hours since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
  • Georgia Larcombe — a nurse for 25 years and a single mother of two, Georgia works at St John of God Midland Hospital and teaches pharmacology at Notre Dame University.
  • Sara Lavis — helped to create Project LovedOne to help patients with from COVID-19 connect with their families, while working on the healthcare frontline and being is pregnant with her first baby.
  • Sharon Lawrence — a respiratory nurse who also does charity work in her own time.
  • Kylie Lenzo — working on the COVID-19 ward at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital while pregnant.
  • Elise Lequaietermaine — nominated for her compassion, dedication and hard work on ward G61 at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
  • Jack Ling — an emergency nurse who also volunteered to coordinate the COVID-9 clinic.
  • Wendy Lyons — a nurse for the Freo Street Dr for three years helping disadvantaged people, homeless people and the Aboriginal community in Fremantle and Rockingham.
  • Christine MacDonald — who worked to help keep the 105 residents at the centre where she works safe and COVID-free but still connected to their families.
  • Adeline Marché — leads a small rural team and goes above and beyond for her patients — and does it all with a smile.
  • Kirsteen Marsh — a nurse who has worked at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for 16 years and carries out her duties selflessly despite witnessing other people’s trauma every day.
  • Emma Marshall — with more than 20 years nursing experience works tirelessly as an advanced midwife, educating others in her field and helping mothers through the most joyful, or at times most heartbreaking, time of their lives.
  • Susan Martin — nominated for her 35 plus years of helping parents whose babies will be born with severe abnormalities. In her spare time during the pandemic, has also volunteered on the frontline triaging patients.
  • Jaid Martin — volunteered to nurse on a COVID ward, wearing heavy PPE gear to treat 30 German cruise ship passengers who had tested positive.
  • Belinda Massey — Drives for hours each day to give care to isolated people with her work helping ease the burden on hospitals.
  • Jessica Mathews — before and during COVID has been nursing elderly patients, caring not only for their physical health but their mental health as well.
  • Ian Matthews — has worked as a mental health and drug and alcohol nurse for the Department of Justice in WA prisons for many years. His wife also works as a mental health nurse with the Department of Health.
  • Nicholas May — after the SARS epidemic, developed and trained all frontline workers at Royal Perth Hospital in correct PPE use. This early, rapid response likely helped frontline workers from contracting COVID-19.
  • Abigail McAliece — A single mum who has worked as an emergency nurse for 19 years of her 20 year career and is part of RPH’s COVID working group.
  • Brooke McCafferty — nominated by the wife of an ICU patient at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital who she would drive out of her way to give lifts to.
  • Belinda McEllister — a nurse who has worked at one of the COVID clinics, nominated by a patient for making them feel at ease.
  • Leah McGilvary — volunteered to work with COVID patients, despite the danger of contracting the disease herself.
  • Jennifer McGivern — works as a nurse in a secure psychiatric facility helping mental health patients through some of their darkest moments.
  • Margaret McKenzie — a chemotherapy nurse who keeps her patients laughing throughout treatment.
  • Brooke McReynolds — has worked as a remote area nurse and midwife for 45 years and came out of retirement at 69 to help with the COVID crisis.
  • Katie Mercer — described as a “team player with a heart of gold”, Katie often spends her lunch break checking on patients making sure they are always cared for.
  • Julianne Miley — At 65-years-old, Julianne always gives her all to her patients and is recognised for her work helping develop the next generation of young graduate nurses.
  • Rachel Milford — a mental health observation nurse, Rachel cares for patients in times of crisis and makes them feel safe at their most vulnerable.
  • Georgia Moffat — works on the respiratory ward at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and helped in the care of the first WA patient to die from coronavirus.
  • Karen Molcher — Nursing for almost 45 years, she was an ED nurse before the pandemic hit but has taken on a role swabbing patients at the Armadale clinic, meaning she couldn’t visit her children and grandchildren.
  • Katherine Moreira — nominated by the wife of a patient with Motor Neurone Disease, whom she helps treat at his home and assists the family in using a life support ventilator.
  • Jenna Moriarty — works at a youth mental health inpatient facility and despite being assaulted, verbally abused and sometimes working 14-hour shifts, wouldn’t change her rewarding job for the world.
  • Leanne Morrall — nominated for her work on COVID-19 Taskforce set up to create designated hospital clinics to treat the infected patients.
  • Kelly Morris — puts herself at risk working as an ED nurse and was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, and according to her nominator never complained about her scary situation.
  • Kamarra Morris — has worked in emergency departments across WA for the past six years and recently up-skilled to work in Intensive Care.
  • Fiona Morrison — nominated by her spouse for her tireless dedication to her patients, which sees her travel 115km before and after a 10½-hour shift.
  • Sheresa Motilal — nominated for working with vulnerable and dying patients, comforting them and their families.
  • Elaina Mullery — Elaina helps nurses in WA and around Australia by running Happy Nurse, which gives emotional and mental support to nurses through seminars, podcasts, workshops and online.
  • Johanna Murphy — plays an instrumental role in managing and supporting the mental health of inmates and fellow nursing colleagues at Boronia Prison.
  • Susanna Murphy — the nurse manager at St John of God Hospital’s Ivy suite oncology unit, Susanna cares for chemotherapy patients while also being mum to her two kids and an inspiring boss to her staff.
  • Katie Muscat — a children’s cancer nurse, Katie works with some of WA’s sickest kids and does everything she can to keep them smiling throughout treatment.
  • Nadine Neethling — works with adolescents and young adults as a community nurse, helping them with problems from cuts and bruises to dealing with abuse at home or thoughts of suicide.
  • Michelle Nguyen — a paramedic nominated by the wife of a patient for the outstanding care she provided in a time of crisis.
  • Marilynn Nguyen — with a 21-month-old baby at home, the community nurse visits dying patients at home to make them comfortable in their final days.
  • Christine Noronha — a mental health nurse who always treats her patients with “understanding and kindness”.
  • Penny Noyce — not even her own cancer battle kept Penny, a nurse since 1986, from coming to work to care for her patients.
  • Mary O'Connell — provides temperature and welfare checks to those entering St John of God Midland, keeping the threat of COVID at bay.
  • Emma O'Connor — an emergency nurse nominated by a patient who had broken their leg, Emma went “above and beyond” to make them feel comfortable.
  • Jan Owen — visits patients in their homes from Yanchep to Mandurah providing care to those receiving chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs while dealing with shortages of protective equipment.
  • Noeline Ozarczuk — a nurse for 40 years, and is currently a head nurse in orthopaedics. Praised for her patient care and due diligence.
  • Rebecca Paparone — goes above and beyond for her patients. Nominated by the daughter of a breast cancer sufferer who contacted her over Facebook for urgent help and advice during the COVID-19 lockdown.
  • Caleb Perkins — works as a registered nurse in the emergency department, supports the Rockingham community and works with St John Ambulance as a volunteer ambulance officer.
  • Christine Philippa — For 16 years has been a volunteer ambulance officer for the Geraldton and surrounding communities, often being called out in the middle of the night. Graduated as a nurse last year at the age of 50.
  • Chloe Pitos — nominated by a patient who was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Described as a bubbly, kind nurse who makes her patients feel safe.
  • Mellisa Platt — in her own time planned, co-ordinated and executed an ups-killing program for nurses to be trained as ICU and ED nurses to prepare to work on the frontline during the pandemic.
  • Ashleigh Polinelli — a registered nurse who volunteered to take part in the “rapid upskilling” program at Fiona Stanley Hospital’s ICU, which meant extra study and being isolated away from family to protect them.
  • Joanne Pollard — a nurse in the palliative care team at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital where she makes sure her patients and their families are as comfortable and informed as they can be.
  • Victoria Poole — nominated as an “angel in disguise” by the wife of COVID-19 victim Ray Daniels who was not allowed to see her husband as he took his last breath. Vicki was with him and held his hand.
  • Tamara Porter — nominated for her work in the State Major Trauma Unit at Royal Perth Hospital as a graduate nurse this year.
  • Karen Powell — the clinical nurse manager at Bunbury Regional Prison, who works long hours to ensure the safety and wellbeing of prisoners, prison officers and visitors. Has educated prison officers about the impact of COVID-19 and infection control measures.
  • Glenn Powell — an RFDS nurse, Glenn works long hours away from his young family to provide care and transported WA’s very first COVID patient. transported WA’s first COVID patient.
  • Chandre Benise du Preez — a children’s cancer nurse, who had to cancel her first international holiday in five years because of the COVID crisis but still works hard every day.
  • Gaye Quinlivan — Despite having pre-existing medical conditions and a history of cancer putting her in a high risk category, Gaye volunteered to work on the frontline in a COVID testing clinic.
  • Ajith Rajagopal — with elective surgeries postponed, the nurse unit manager was responsible for redistributing workers to keep as many in work as possible.
  • Andrea Randle — a wife and mother, Andrea is carer to her 85-year-old mother, 86-year-old mother-in-law and a special needs child as well as working as a nurse.
  • Justine Rea — a nurse practitioner, Justine has worked in towns including Fitzroy Crossing and Esperance and was nominated by a patient whom she helped through a difficult pregnancy.
  • Lorraine Reid — came to work one night in March and found out that a colleague was sick with COVID-19. The whole maternity unit was turned upside down and as a coordinator in charge, she had to problem solve, juggle and prioritise an influx of people, phone calls and emergencies.
  • Liria Rubina Nerwich — being a healthcare hero runs in her veins, with her mum working as a nurse in South Africa and her husband a FIFO paramedic.
  • Madelyn — a nurse and midwife, the arrival of coronavirus-infected passengers and crew from the Artania led Madelyn and her partner to cancel their honeymoon so she could care for patients.
  • Stacey Rimmer — a mother-of-three and registered nurse and midwife who also volunteers for the Secret Harbour Dockers Football Club.
  • Glen Ringrose — an oncology nurse who works around the clock to keep her patients’ treatment on schedule in an understaffed workplace.
  • Kate Robinson — a nurse on the burns ward at Fiona Stanley Hospital, she works in PPE gear every day in a hot and humidified room doing complex dressings on patients.
  • Mandy Rostron — works at Joondalup Health Campus ICU where she has treated many coronavirus patients in recent times. Nominated by her daughter, who is a fellow nurse.
  • Felistus Ruwona — described as an unsung hero by her nominator — the partner of a man who had to go onto dialysis after his kidney transplant operation was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.
  • Carla Sabatini — an ICU nurse at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, where she has had first-hand experience looking after COVID-19 patients, including a German man whose hand she held as he took his last breath.
  • Daisy Sach-Jones — An Aboriginal Liaison Healthcare coordinator at Royal Perth who went above and beyond to help in the transport of Indigenous patients to and from remote areas.
  • Najwa (Nash) Samaha — has worked as a dementia-specific aged care nurse for 22 years and is said to treat all her patients with compassion. During COVID, she has had to isolate herself away from her family.
  • Pargan Singh Sanghera — fought for a community vaccination program which targets children who are overdue for immunisation to continue during COVID-19 lockdown.
  • Edward Schaefer — worked in the Sir Charles Gairdner ED during the pandemic, spending many shifts in full PPE directly treating COVID-19 patients.
  • Marie Schmidt — Marie is a clinical nurse consultant at Royal Perth Hospital who has gone above and beyond to allay the concerns of nurses during the crisis.
  • Brooke Schneider — has worked for more than 21 years at Joondalup, dedicating herself to paediatrics and research projects. The mum of three is described as always putting everyone else first.
  • Felicity Schoeman — at 74, Felicity returned to work to help her patients, co-workers and the community through the coronavirus crisis in spite of the danger to herself.
  • Debbie Scott — a registered nurse who conducted home visits to patients, while her own brother was sick in hospital.
  • Maby Sebastian — juggled caring for patients with the administrative work needed to set up operating theatres to deal with coronavirus patients.
  • Chevon Sewell — works as a nurse in WA’s trauma unit dealing with the victims of domestic violence, all while pregnant.
  • Karen Shearer — a neo-natal nurse, Karen says the best part of her job is seeing new parents finally take home their now-healthy pre-term babies.
  • Nabeela Shihab — a nurse and Armadale Hospital who works on the intensive care frontline.
  • Ann Shortte — a single mum and grandmother, Ann has sacrificed time with her family to care for others during her long career as night manager at Fremantle Hospital.
  • Alexandria Simonetti — a 23-year-old nurse who was transferred from Broome to Bunbury at the height of the coronavirus crisis.
  • Nichole Singleton — has split her time caring for her son and her sick parents with looking after her rehab patients.
  • Eliza Smith — a neonatal intensive care (NICU) nurse who goes above and beyond for her patients and the babies' parents.
  • Jacqueline Smith — a nurse of 55 years, and in her 70s took on extra work as a voluntary nurse at the Freo Street Doctor.
  • Caitlin Smith — supported the staff working in the ICU with COVID-19 positive and suspect patients through creating a relaxing space for frontline workers at the hospital.
  • Joyce Spicer Spicer — a nurse of more than 40 years at St John of God Murdoch who sacrificed time with her family to be at work.
  • Jessica Spragg — a clinical nurse working with children with cancer, providing not only clinical care and treatment but also emotional and mental support.
  • Varun Sasidharan Sreekumari — nominated for “really helping out his patients who are in need”.
  • Sara Stephens — a community nurse who visits the homes of families with new babies and struggling with mental health, family and domestic violence and substance abuse issues.
  • Jasmine Stimson — a registered nurse at Fremantle hospital who worked extremely hard to ensure patients receive safe and efficient care when the hospital took in large amount of non COVID patients.
  • Magdalena Strutton — nominated by one of her dialysis patients who calls her ‘caring, loving and totally adorable’.
  • Thanalaxmi Sundaram — A nurse of 41 years, currently working in spinal rehab who was nominated by her family.
  • Elisabeth “Liz” Terry — a nursing teacher and on-call COVID-19 nurse, who also saved a man’s life after he went into cardiac arrest while cycling on her day off.
  • Sarah Thomas — part of a team who kept dementia residents safe from COVID-19, ensuring physical and mental wellbeing of the dementia patients.
  • Teresa Thomas — A palliative care worker, who in her spare time upskilled to join the frontline of the Emergency Department at Armadale Hospital.
  • Clare Thompson — works in the Emergency Department triaging COVID-19 patients.
  • Laura Thomson — Cancelled her honeymoon to stay in the Emergency department as a frontline worker, along-side her paramedic (new) husband.
  • Marra Thorne — An Aboriginal Liaison officer and nurse with mental health patients, helping explain self isolation to vulnerable indigenous patients.
  • Kundayi Townshend — A frontline nurse who also helped implement new strategies from educating orderlies to kitchen staff.
  • Pam Truscott — travelled to the Eastern States to train with the army which meant she was away from her young children for eight weeks. She’s now back in Perth working in ED.
  • Emma Tsakalos — a mental health nurse working in prisons, nominated by her sister for her dedication and non-judgement approach to the work she loves.
  • Cailin Tyrrell — a dedicated nurse since she was 18 , who deserves some de-stress time for herself.
  • Claire Urbano — nominated for always going above and beyond for her patients.
  • Romina Valenti — nominated by her twin sister for being her carer through her cancer diagnosis, as well as working on the cancer ward at Perth Children’s Hospital for more than 15 years.
  • Melanie Walker — has been working overtime while working in a small rural emergency department that services the local community and surrounding remote indigenous communities and runs the ambulance service.
  • Cindy Warner — an aged care worker who cares for residents as if they were her own family.
  • Vera Washer — A 72-year-old, full-time night shift nurse at Joondalup Hospital who was nominated by her daughter.
  • Fiona Watson — as the staff development midwife at Rockingham Hospital, Fiona has worked hard to ensure staff would be kept safe during the pandemic.
  • Mark Webster — manages the COVID-19 clinic in Bidyadanga while also transporting all suspected cases 180km to Broome, a 4 hour round trip.
  • Lynne Webster — Isolated from her family during COVID-19 while working in ICU ventilating coronavirus patients. Nominated by her daughter.
  • Rochelle Whipp — nominated by the mother of the baby she helped deliver during COVID-19.
  • Jennifer White — a member of the AUSMAT team who helped manage quarantine on Christmas Island and Tasmania. Now, she coordinates the COVID planning for King Edward Hospital.
  • Corolyn Whittaker — A nurse in the stroke unit at Fremantle Hospital for more than seven years.
  • Kristie Wiegele — Raised more than $70,000 to allow every hospital in WA to purchase a cuddle cot -which gives parents extra time to spend with their still born babies.
  • Elspeth “Ellie” Wilkinson — An ICU nurse at the COVID-19 clinic, who also started “feed the frontline” Not for Profit.
  • Kasey Williams — Nominated by her sister for her frontline work of testing and screening patients at the COVID-19 clinic.
  • Taryn Wills — Cared for the first patient who was diagnosed at the COVID-19 unit. Nominated because, when others were scared to work with covid patients, Taryn didn’t think twice.
  • Brycelynn White — a Nursing and Midwifery educator who developed the introduction of the COVID-19 clinic at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
  • Jayne Woodley-Page — an ED nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital as well as a carer and mentor.
  • Rebecca Zalewski — a nurse with the Child and Adolescent Health Service, nominated by her husband.

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