You’re Invited
Join us for the 2026 Gippsland PHN Annual General Meeting and Gippsland Awards, an evening of celebration, recognition and connection with colleagues, partners and stakeholders from across the Gippsland health sector.
This special event brings together health professionals, service providers, community organisations and industry leaders to reflect on the year’s achievements and celebrate the individuals and teams making a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of Gippsland communities.
We are also delighted to welcome Liesl Yearsley, Australian Financial Review AI Trailblazer of 2026, as our keynote speaker. One of Australia’s leading artificial intelligence pioneers, Liesl is internationally recognised for her work developing AI technologies that support healthcare, wellbeing and independence. Her keynote will explore the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, and how we can harness innovation responsibly while preserving the human connection at the heart of healthcare.
The evening will include:
- Gippsland PHN Annual General Meeting and presentation of the Annual Report
- Gippsland Primary Health Awards ceremony
- Keynote speaker Liesl Yearsley
- Refreshments and networking
We look forward to celebrating with you and recognising the dedication, innovation and leadership driving positive health outcomes across Gippsland.
Join us from 5:00pm for networking and light refreshments 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.
About the Primary Health Awards
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.
Nominations for the 2026 Gippsland Primary Health Awards open on Monday, 31 August 2026 and close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Learn more about the award categories, nomination process, evaluation criteria and key dates here.
Keynote Speaker: Liesl Yearsley
Liesl Yearsley is one of Australia’s most respected artificial intelligence pioneers, entrepreneur 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, healthcare, 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 healthcare, social connection and human wellbeing.
Access and parking: Please note there is no need to print your ticket, Gippsland PHN staff will check you in on arrival. Please enter off McDonald Way and follow Mary Grant Bruce Drive all the way to the end – parking in N5 car park. The venue is an all-access venue.
