Congratulations to Lifetime Achievement Honour Award winner Dr Catherine Stoddart

WA Country Health Service Board Member Dr Catherine Stoddart’s outstanding contributions to healthcare has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Honour Award at this year’s WA Nursing and Midwifery Awards (WANMEA).

The prestigious award acknowledges those who have contributed more than 40 years of service to healthcare and nursing leadership in WA.

With a commitment to social justice and improving the lives of vulnerable and at-risk communities – a focus of many of her roles within the health sector – it comes as no surprise that Dr Stoddart is a passionate and dedicated WA Country Health Service Board Member.

Armed with a keen understanding of the health challenges country communities often face, Dr Stoddart provides guidance through her role on the Board on how we deliver safe, effective and compassionate healthcare aligned with country community needs.

Dr Stoddart has extensive leadership experience across healthcare and is the current Chief Executive Officer at Brightwater Care, a role she commenced in 2022. Previously she held positions as Deputy Director General with WA Department of Communities, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Territory Health and Deputy Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive at the Oxford University Hospital’s National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust.

The WANMEA Lifetime Achievement Award adds to Dr Stoddart’s already impressive accolades including the 2011 Telstra Western Australia Businesswoman of the Year Award and the 2013 Australian Public Service Medal. 

Congratulations also North Metropolitan Health Service’s Graeme Boadley, who was a joint winner of this year’s award, as well as all winners and finalists at the 2026 WA Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

To all the nurses and midwives working across country WA – thank you for your dedication, support and compassion help country communities thrive.

Read about two more amazing individuals, Melanie Woodhams and Nicky Duncan, who also took out their categories at the awards.