The Victorian Government has celebrated the state’s dedicated health workforce at the 2026 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, marking the 20th year of the awards.
Among this year’s winners was IPC Health, which took out Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing for its Brimbank Melton Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local. Since December 2022, the service has supported more than 900 children and families and cut waiting times by 85%.
South West Healthcare received the Care in the Community award for helping older patients return home from the emergency department with the support they need.
Monash Health was recognised for Excellence in Aged Care for bringing specialist palliative care to aged care residents.
The Royal Children’s Hospital received the Partnering in Healthcare award for improving care for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The awards also honoured 25 volunteers who have each spent more than 30 years caring for patients and supporting their local communities.
Grampians Health’s Hospital Elder Life Program was named Health Volunteer Team of the Year.
“These winners show what better care looks like – shorter waits, care closer to home and services that work together around the needs of patients,” said Minister for Health, Ingrid Stitt.
“Congratulations to all winners and finalists on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your contribution to delivering world-class care for Victorians.”
Four services received the Premier’s Health Service of the Year awards:
- DPV Health – Primary Healthcare Service of the Year;
- Central Highlands Rural Health – Small Health Service of the Year;
- West Gippsland Healthcare Group – Medium Health Service of the Year;
- Northern Health – Large Health Service of the Year.
For the full list of winners and finalists, visit health.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-healthcare-awards.
