The Gippsland Primary Health Awards recognise excellence, innovation, collaboration and impact across Gippsland’s primary health sector, celebrating the people, teams and organisations whose work is improving the health and wellbeing of local communities and contributing to a measurably healthier Gippsland.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Gippsland Primary Health Awards presentation, held alongside Gippsland PHN’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at Federation University Churchill.
This year’s theme, Clean Air, celebrates the clarity, connection, momentum and shared purpose driving better health outcomes across Gippsland.
Clean Air reflects the importance of creating the conditions for people, organisations and communities to thrive by strengthening partnerships, improving access, supporting innovation and working together to create lasting positive change.
The 2026 Gippsland Primary Health Awards will showcase individuals, teams and organisations helping build stronger care, better partnerships and healthier communities across Gippsland.
Nominations can be submitted across four award categories. Each category has a different focus, but all nominations will be assessed against the same evaluation criteria.
Recognises initiatives, teams or organisations that have improved the quality, safety, accessibility or effectiveness of care for Gippsland communities. This category celebrates excellence in service delivery, workforce capability, quality improvement and person-centred care.
This category may suit nominations focused on improving service delivery, strengthening workforce capability, enhancing access to care, improving quality and safety, or delivering more person-centred care.
Recognises partnerships, collaborations and integrated approaches that improve coordination, communication and continuity of care. This category celebrates initiatives that bring services, organisations and professionals together to achieve better outcomes for the people and communities they support.
This category may suit nominations focused on partnerships, integrated care, referral pathways, care coordination, shared planning, collaboration across services, or improving continuity of care.
Recognises programs, partnerships and initiatives that have delivered meaningful benefits for communities and priority populations. This category celebrates work that improves health outcomes, reduces barriers to care, strengthens equity and amplifies community voice, particularly for people and communities facing barriers to care.
This category may suit nominations focused on improving access, strengthening equity, responding to community need, supporting priority populations, amplifying community voice, or delivering measurable benefits for communities.
Recognises innovative ideas, emerging models of care and forward-thinking approaches that are helping shape the future of primary health care. This category celebrates initiatives that challenge traditional approaches, embrace new opportunities and create lasting positive change.
This category may suit nominations focused on innovation, emerging models of care, digital health, new partnerships, future-focused service design, system improvement, or approaches that could be adapted or expanded over time.
Wednesday 18 November 2026
5:00pm–8:45pm
Federation University
Auditorium Building 3E
Churchill VIC 3842
From 5:00pm
From 6:30pm
The evening will include:
Please join us for networking and nibbles from 5:00pm while enjoying a performance by the Monash Medical Orchestra.
The AGM and Gippsland Primary Health Awards will begin at 6:30pm. Drinks will be available at bar prices.
We are delighted to welcome Liesl Yearsley, Australian Financial Review AI Trailblazer of 2026, as this year’s keynote speaker.
One of Australia’s leading artificial intelligence pioneers, Liesl is internationally recognised for her work developing AI technologies that support health care, wellbeing and independence. Her keynote will explore the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, and how innovation can be harnessed responsibly while preserving the human connection at the heart of health care.
Liesl Yearsley is one of Australia’s most respected artificial intelligence pioneers, entrepreneurs and technology innovators.
Long before the emergence of ChatGPT and today’s AI revolution, Liesl was developing advanced conversational AI technologies that transformed how people interact with digital systems. As founder of Cognea, formerly MyCyberTwin, she created intelligent virtual assistants used by organisations including NASA, HP and National Australia Bank, before the company was acquired by IBM and integrated into its Watson AI division.
Today, as Founder and CEO of Akin, Liesl is leading the development of human-centred AI and robotic technologies designed to improve wellbeing, independence and quality of life. Her work spans disability support, health care, social companion robotics and collaborations with international space agencies exploring the future of human support systems in extreme environments.
Named the Australian Financial Review’s AI Trailblazer of 2026, Liesl is recognised not only for her groundbreaking achievements in artificial intelligence, but also for her thoughtful and often challenging perspectives on the ethical use of technology. A passionate advocate for ensuring AI serves humanity rather than controls it, she brings a unique voice to conversations about the future of health care, social connection and human wellbeing.
All nominations will be assessed against the same five evaluation criteria. Nominees should respond to the criteria in relation to the award category they are entering. The category descriptions should be used to guide how each nomination is framed.
Judges will be looking for nominations that demonstrate local relevance, meaningful impact, strong partnerships and a clear contribution to improving health and wellbeing across Gippsland.
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Nominations for the 2026 Gippsland Primary Health Awards open on Monday, 31 August 2026 and close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Nominations can be submitted for each of the four award categories. A separate nomination form must be completed for each nomination.
12:00am Monday 31 August 2026
11:59pm Wednesday 30 September 2026
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Wednesday 18 November 2026
The 2026 Gippsland Primary Health Awards categories are:
Each category has a different focus, but all nominations will be assessed against the same evaluation criteria.
All nominations will be assessed against the same five evaluation criteria:
Criteria Weighting
Nominees should respond to the criteria in relation to the award category they are entering. The category descriptions should be used to guide how each nomination is framed.
No. All nominations will be assessed against the same five evaluation criteria.
The category descriptions help nominees choose the most suitable category and frame their nomination, but the criteria, weightings and nominee considerations are the same across all four categories.
Nominations are open to primary health organisations, people, teams, services, programs, partnerships and initiatives that are making a meaningful contribution to health and wellbeing in Gippsland.
Yes, self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.
Yes. Nominations can be submitted across more than one category, however a separate nomination form must be completed for each nomination.
Yes. Previous nominees and award recipients can submit a nomination.
The nomination should clearly describe the current work, outcomes and impact being recognised in 2026.
After reviewing the key information, including the award categories, evaluation criteria, FAQs and key dates on the this page, you can begin preparing your nomination.
Nominations open on Monday 31 August 2026. From this date, select ‘Submit nomination’ to access the online form, which includes detailed instructions to help you complete and submit your nomination.
Supporting evidence is encouraged where available. This may include data, evaluation findings, feedback, testimonials, project summaries, reports, case studies, media coverage, images or other material that demonstrates the impact of the nominated work.
Evidence should show the need, objectives, outcomes and benefits of the nomination.
Nominations close 11:59pm (AEST) Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Nominations will be assessed against the published evaluation criteria by an evaluation panel.
Judges will consider the selected award category, the information provided in the submission, evidence of impact and how well the nomination demonstrates local relevance, meaningful outcomes, strong partnerships and contribution to improving health and wellbeing across Gippsland.
Each application is judged on merit and the panel’s decision is final.
Shortlisted nominees will be contacted in mid-October
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Gippsland Primary Health Awards presentation, held alongside Gippsland PHN’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at Federation University Churchill (register to attend here). Winners will also be announced in a media release following the event.
We encourage all award nominees to attend. Registrations are required to attend the AGM and Primary Health Awards. The event will be held on Wednesday, 18 November 2026 at Federation University, Auditorium Building 3E, Churchill.
If you experience any difficulties or have questions, please email gphnawards@gphn.org.au
For further information, please contact us at gphnawards@gphn.org.au
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Gippsland Primary Health Awards presentation, held alongside Gippsland PHN’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at Federation University Churchill.
For more information, email gphnawards@gphn.org.au