2025 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards - Excellence in Leadership – Established

Having lived and worked in the Kimberley for decades, Janice Forrester has extensive local knowledge and is a true champion of primary health in the region.

Currently serving as Coordinator Nursing Community Health for WA Country Health Service Kimberley, Janice is a transformational leader managing various regional senior nursing positions.

She goes above and beyond to ensure all staff are recognised for their individual achievements, while maintaining a cohesive team approach to improving healthcare outcomes.

By fostering meaningful community connections and partnerships, our Aboriginal workforce in the Kimberley has increased under Janice’s leadership.

Her lived experience and knowledge of families and family groups across the region provide a strong foundation of cultural awareness and sensitivity.

As a nurse, Janice has found it particularly rewarding working in palliative care, gaining patients’ trust and listening to their life stories and reflections.

Having previously travelled to Africa to lobby for affordable access to anti-retroviral treatment for children, Janice is an unwavering advocate for primary and preventative healthcare.