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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

Allied Health Awards 2025
Published: 17 Oct 2025

Media release issued by NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park

The exceptional contribution made by Allied Health workers to healthcare in Northern NSW has been recognised at a special awards ceremony in Lismore.

The annual Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Allied Health Awards were held at Southern Cross University on Tuesday, 14 October, coinciding with International Allied Health Professions Day.

The awards were an opportunity to acknowledge the expertise and contribution of allied health professionals from across NNSWLHD and to reflect on the impact they make to improving patient experience and health outcomes.

NNSWLHD is delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Excellence in Allied Health Awards. 
From 36 nominations across eight categories, the winners were:

  • Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year
    Cassidy Baker, Occupational Therapist, Ballina and Lismore
  • Allied Health Assistant/Technician/Support Person of the Year
    Katherine Smith, Speech Pathology Assistant, Tweed-Byron
  • Allied Health Educator of the Year
    Donna Napier, Radiographer/Sonographer, Tweed-Byron
  • Allied Health Researcher of the Year
    Alex McCord, Psychologist, Child and Adolescent Specialist Eating Disorder Team, Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs, LHD-wide
  • Multi-Disciplinary Team of the Year
    Specialist Palliative Care Service, comprised of Social Workers and Occupational Therapists, LHD-wide
  • Allied Health Leader of the Year
    Winner: Grace McMullen, Chief Radiation Therapist, LHD-wide
    Commendation: Kate Dougherty, Speech Pathologist, Lismore
  • Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year
    Paige Taylor, Counsellor/Mental Health Clinician, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Ballina, Casino and Lismore
  • Allied Health Professional of the Year
    Winner: Helen McGregor, Podiatrist, Lismore/Richmond
    Commendations: Rebecca Pevitt, Social Worker, Lismore/Richmond and
    Jessica Jeffreys, Social Worker, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Ballina, Casino and Lismore.

Winners of the NNSWLHD awards will be nominated for the NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards which will be held in Sydney in March 2026.

Find out more about the NSW Health Allied Health workforce at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/alliedhealth/Pages/default.aspx

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The theme of this year’s Allied Health Awards is ‘Stronger Together’ and there is no doubt we are stronger thanks to the dedication and hard work of the more than 17,000 allied health professionals at NSW Health, whose work spans 23 distinct professions.

“They provide essential care and support to patients, their families and carers, and embody our commitment to delivering kind, compassionate and high-quality care.

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to our facilities in Northern NSW – we are grateful for everything you do.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“Allied health professionals play a vital role in our health facilities and bring diverse expertise that is essential to strong, responsive and person-centred healthcare.

“Allied health leads the way in delivering integrated care models, whether in hospitals, community centres, clinics or homes and work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Quotes attributable to NNSWLHD District Director Planning, Partnerships and Allied Health Kathryn Watson:

“We are fortunate to have more than 650 allied health professionals working with us in Northern NSW across a diverse range of professions, from pharmacists and podiatrists to radiation therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and more.

“Each offers specialised expertise in preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions and illnesses for patients of all ages. We thank every one of them for their exceptional contribution to helping patients in need every day.”