Just when we thought our trophy cabinet couldn’t get any fuller, our Northern Health teams have given us another reason to make some room!

October saw our people take centre stage at two national healthcare conferences, bringing home prestigious awards and showcasing the expertise, innovation and leadership that continue to put Northern Health on the map.

From national recognition for our Health Information & Revenue Services team to an outstanding individual achievement in healthcare leadership, it’s been another proud chapter for Northern Health.

Our Health Information & Revenue Services (HIRS) team received the Commitment to the Profession Award at the Health Information Management Association of Australia (HIMAA) Conference in Sydney last month.

The award recognises organisations making a significant contribution to advancing the health information management profession through leadership, innovation, education and advocacy.

At Northern Health, our Health Information Managers are doing just that. From supporting patient safety, privacy and data governance to contributing to digital transformation, their expertise extends well beyond traditional health information roles.

The team’s impact also reaches beyond our health service, with staff supporting health information management students at La Trobe University through lectures, workshops and placements, while regularly sharing their knowledge and innovations at national conferences. Read more about the team’s innovative work here.

Odette Taylor, Director, Health Information & Revenue Services, said the recognition was a proud moment for the entire team.

“I am incredibly proud of our Health Information & Revenue Services team for receiving this national recognition. As leaders, we have a responsibility to create an environment where our people feel empowered to innovate, challenge traditional thinking, and share their expertise. Seeing our team embrace these opportunities, showcase their work on a national stage and in academic forums, and contributing to advancing our profession is incredibly rewarding. This award is a wonderful reflection of their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence, and belongs to the whole HIRS team,” she said.

And the accolades didn’t stop there!

Over at the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) Conference, Vinod Chellaram had his own moment in the spotlight, receiving the prestigious 2026 Fellow Excellence Award.

Adding to the celebrations, Vinod also achieved Fellowship with ACHSM (FCHSM) and earned the Certified Health Executive (CHE) credential, marking a significant milestone in his professional and leadership journey.

Reflecting on the achievement, Vinod said, “I feel incredibly humbled and grateful. Achieving my FCHSM and receiving the 2026 Fellow Excellence Award from ACHSM is a special milestone that validates the effort I’ve put into my professional growth. I’m passionate about continuous learning and challenging myself to become a better leader. I’m also grateful to my fellow colleagues for their support, encouragement and shared commitment to improving healthcare. Most importantly, thank you to my wife and son for their unwavering support throughout this journey.”

The conference also provided an opportunity for several Northern Health leaders to take to the stage, sharing their expertise, insights and experiences with healthcare professionals from across Australia.

While the awards recognise different areas of healthcare, they share a common thread – the dedication of our people to continuously learn, innovate and contribute to better healthcare outcomes.

These achievements reflect the talent and expertise across Northern Health, and the impact our people continue to make well beyond our campuses.

Congratulations to Vinod and the entire HIRS team on these outstanding achievements. You’ve certainly given us another reason to make room in the trophy cabinet!