A healthy dose of leadership recognition for Public Health Manager Emma Croager

Kimberley Public Health Manager Emma Croager has found her place in the sun in more ways than one – taking home the 2026 Excellence in Health Promotion – Leadership Award from the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA).

The prestigious award recognises individuals who encompass outstanding qualities in preventive health leadership.

Based on Yawuru/Djugun Country in Broome, Emma brings over 20 years of experience to her WA Country Health Service Kimberley Public Health role – from university, not-for-profit, private and government sectors.

Emma lives and breathes a strong vision for the Health Promotion profession and anchors her practice in the key principles of evidence, equity, ethics and empowerment.

“It’s humbling to receive this recognition,” she said.

“Health Promotion Practitioners are a highly skilled workforce and it’s important as leaders that we invest in developing the next generation.”

Emma reflected on 2026 as a landmark year, marking 40 years of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion – the foundational international policy framework reframed health as a resource for everyday life.

When the opportunity arose in late 2024, Emma jumped at the chance to guide then newly graduating Health Promotion Practitioner, Isabelle Falantin, through her 2025/26 AHPA Healthway New Graduate Scholarship. 

Now the AHPA WA Branch Co-Secretary, Isabelle hailed Emma as an incredible mentor and truly outstanding leader who consistently builds confidence in others and listens closely to community voices in the regions.

While Isabelle described the Health Promotion field as often complex and demanding for early career practitioners, she said Emma’s mentorship had been transformative and that she was very deserving of this win.

“Emma represents the very best of what leadership in Health Promotion looks like – a visionary who’s generous, principled and profoundly human,” Isabelle said.

“She is someone who recognises that the future of Health Promotion is shaped not only by systems, but by the people we choose to walk alongside.”

As well as this award, Emma’s growing list of career achievements include a Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) Fellowship and being a registered Health Promotion Practitioner with the International Union of Health Promotion and Education (IUPHE). 

Humbled by her recent recognition, Emma turned the spotlight on her team to acknowledge the important work they do and highlighted that the honour is one she happily shares.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to work with, and be supported by, so many exceptional Health Promotion colleagues within and outside of WA Country Health Service,” she said.