General News
16 January, 2026
MDHS celebrate 2025 awards
Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) has recognised the dedication, professionalism and care of its workforce and long-serving staff members at an end-of-year celebration.
The event acknowledged staff who consistently demonstrate MDHS values of Genuine, Respect, Excellence, Accountability and Togetherness through the GREAT People Awards, as well as team members who reached significant service milestones.
In 2025, MDHS received 152 nominations from staff for the GREAT People Awards, with some peers recognised multiple times.
MDHS acting chief executive officer Debbie Rogers said the awards highlight the people who influence and deliver local healthcare every day.
“These awards celebrate the heart of MDHS, which is our people,” Ms Rogers said.
“Every day our staff show up for our community with professiona-lism, care and compassion.
“Whether they’re being recognised for living our values or for decades of service, each recipient represents what makes MDHS a trusted local health service.”
Executive director, people, culture and wellbeing Kris Payne said the number and quality of nominations reinforces the strong workplace culture at MDHS.
“Receiving more than 150 nominations, including repeat nominations, speaks to the respect colleagues have for one another and the teamwork that underpins our service,” said Mr Payne.
“The GREAT People Awards recognise staff from across all areas of the health service who embody our values and positively influence the experience of patients, residents and fellow team members.”
This year, 29 Service Awards were presented to staff members who achieved service milestones from 10 years to an exceptional 45 years of service.
“Long service milestones reflect remarkable dedication,” said Ms Rogers.
“Some of our team members have spent almost their entire working lives caring for this community and building trusted relationships with generations of local families.
“Their loyalty, experience and deep local knowledge have helped shape MDHS into the organisation it is today.”
Four members of the MDHS board attended the celebration, where board chair Dr Judy Lowthian acknowledged staff for their vital role in delivering quality care across the region.
2025 MDHS Staff Award Recipients
GREAT People Awards
• Corporate Services – Kaushiki Bhoir, communications and content officer
• Hospitality, Environmental and Building Services – Helen Shamoon, food and domestic assistant
• Nursing and Midwifery – Early Career – Louise Lovett, enrolled nurse
• Nursing and Midwifery – Carly Scholes, registered nurse
• Community and Allied Health – Sean Harkin, HARP coordinator
• Personal Care and Support – Sharee Bliss, home care worker
• Leadership – Cassie Burt, nurse unit manager, Wattle Rise
Service Awards
10 years
• Emily Parr
• Gaynor Humphrey
• Josephine Maggs
• Natasha Patterson
• Michael Muirhead
• Shennae Aitken
15 years
• Brenda Clayton
• Denise O’Donnell
• Jenny Hellyar
• Matthew Nicholls
• Merrida Bryant
• Talia Trudgeon
• Zhe Meng
20 years
• Elisha Parker
• Sally Field
• Sarah Broad
25 years
• Donna Mortlock
• Suzanne Leishman
30 years
• Bianca Wijbenga-White
• Cathy Egan
• Helen McAuley
• Kath Humphrey
• Lisa Tatchell
• Oriana Maher
35 years
• Andrea Potter
40 years
• Debbie Jardine
• Jennifer Bright
• Julie Dellavedova
45 years
• Debbie Weir
