More than 130 nominations, hundreds of inspiring stories and one shared commitment to exceptional patient care. The 2026 Allied Health Excellence Awards celebrated the outstanding contributions of allied health professionals across Northern Health and the difference they make every day to patients, families and communities.

Held on International Allied Health Professionals Day, the awards recognised individuals and teams whose dedication, innovation, leadership and commitment to excellence continue to improve health outcomes across our organisation.

Ten awards were presented, highlighting the breadth of talent across Northern Health’s allied health workforce and showcasing the many ways teams are transforming care, advancing research and supporting colleagues.

Director of Allied Health Mary De Gori said the awards were a powerful reminder of the impact allied health professionals have across the health service. “The nominations showcase the passion, expertise and commitment of our teams, and it is inspiring to celebrate the many ways they support our patients and consumers, carers and colleagues across our health service,” Mary said.

Chief Allied Health Officer Jason Cirone acknowledged the important role allied health professionals play throughout the patient journey. “The awards recognise the achievements, innovation and leadership demonstrated throughout Northern Health and celebrate the contribution of allied health professionals across the patient journey,” Jason said.

Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients for their outstanding achievements.

2026 Allied Health Excellence Award Winners

Early Career Award (Joint Winners)

• Tahlia Turner (Neuropsychologist)
• Anastasia Avramopoulos (Social Worker)

Student Supervisor Award

• Ellen Martyn (Speech Pathologist)

Clinical Supervisor Award (Joint Winners)

• Tarryn Thom (Dietitian)
• Rachel Chee (Neuropsychologist)

Emerging Leader Award

• Meggan Barratt (Speech Pathologist)

Excellence in Leadership Award

• Talin Gochian (Education Lead)

Innovation Award

• Allied Health Education Team (Thuhini Amarasekera, Steph Castagnini, Rachel Nolan, Aneta Boskovska, Bianca Light

Research & Quality Award

• Emily Farrugia (Dietitian)

Outstanding Allied Health Clinician 2026 – Division of Mental Health

• Kathryn Visser (Occupational Therapist)

Outstanding Allied Health Clinician 2026 – Division of Allied Health

• Laura Coshan (Occupational Therapist)

Northern Health Values Award – Together

• GEM Occupational Therapy Team, Bundoora Centre

Congratulations to all our winners, finalists and nominees. Thank you for your commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and for embodying Northern Health’s values of Safe. Kind. Together. every day.