WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards 2026 - congratulations to our winners

As always, WA Country Health Service nurses and midwives were front and centre at this year’s WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards. 

The awards are an opportunity for the WA health system to acknowledge the enormous contribution nurses and midwives make to the health and wellbeing of the communities they care for.

Congratultions to Wheatbelt Clinical Midwife Consultant Melanie Woodhams and South West Clinical Nurse Specialist Nicky Duncan – two exceptional individuals who took out the top spot in their categories.

Melanie Woodhams, WA Country Health Service, Wheatbelt

In her multifaceted role as Staff Development Midwife (SDM), Regional Family Safety Officer (RFSO), and Regional Clinical Midwife Consultant (RCMC), Melanie has made a profound positive impact on community members across the Wheatbelt, and her peers.

As an RFSO, she is a dedicated advocate for women and families affected by domestic violence and has played a key role in fostering safer, more compassionate maternity environments and care across the Wheatbelt.

A lifelong educator, Melanie understands the importance of building staff capability in ensuring we provide exceptional, person-centred care now and into the future. She ensures midwives, nurses, and ED teams feel confident, safe, and supported in their practice, directly improving clinical outcomes and supporting the retention and development of rural clinicians.

Described as generous, uplifting and committed to empowering others by her colleagues, we cannot think of anyone more worthy of this award. 

Excellence in Rural and Remote Nursing

Nicky Duncan, WA Country Health Service, Southwest

Nicky’s career is defined by courage and a steadfast commitment to person-centred care, and she is regarded as a compassionate leader who stands by her fellow nurses.

A lifelong passion for advocating for older adults – which started early in her career working in a South London nursing home – has led Nicky to her current role as the Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Specialist Care Dementia Unit. Impressively, this is the first role of its kind in WA.

Nicky’s knowledge and skills, developed from a lifetime of learning, has helped to shape and lead a highly specialised program for older adults living with dementia and complex behaviours. 

With her impact felt by her patients, their families and peers alike, Nicky is truly deserving of this award.

Congratulations also go to Pilbara Endorsed Midwife and Clinical Midwife Specialist Wendy Hoey, who was a finalist in the Excellence in Rural and Remote Nursing category. 

For over three decades, Wendy has not only supported birthing women through some of the most important moments in their lives, she has also been a tireless advocate for midwives and a generous and dedicated support for junior staff – something that is well worthy of recognition.

Thank you, Melanie, Nicky and Wendy – and to the entire nursing and midwifery workforce – you make a real and quantifiable difference to the lives of people in the bush, each and every day.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of this year’s WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

By working together with health service providers and partner agencies across the State, healthcare professionals are safeguarding the future of health and wellbeing for all Western Australians.