Earlier this month, Northern Health’s dedicated nursing and midwifery graduates, and preceptors, came together to celebrate their achievements at the 2025 Nursing & Midwifery Programs Graduation and Awards Ceremony.
Proudly presented by Chief Nursing Midwifery Officer Lisa Cox, the ceremony celebrated all program participants and recognised individuals who have demonstrated outstanding growth, compassion and professionalism throughout their program journey.
Lisa commended not only the program participants and award winners, but also the education teams, preceptors and programs that have supported them on their journey.
“Today marks more than just the completion of your studies – it marks your journey as nurses/midwives as lifelong learners,” Lisa said.
“A journey that we know will challenge you, shape you, and ultimately define the kind of nurse/midwife you become. Be proud of how far you’ve come. Look around at your colleagues, because these are the people who understand the journey and who will continue to walk alongside you. I encourage all of us to stay curious, stay compassionate, and stay connected to why we chose nursing in the first place.”
Each award recipient was nominated based on Northern Health’s core values – Safe, Kind and Together.
We proudly congratulate the following 2025 award recipients:
- Graduate of the Year 2025 – Graduate Enrolled Nurse Program – Tara Barnes
- Graduate of the Year 2025 – Registered Nurse & Midwife Program (Mari Stewart Award) – Ainslie Thompson
- Preceptor of the Year 2025 (Nicole Browne Award) – Nick Murphy
- STEP Student of the Year 2025 (Danielle Waddell Award) – Gurinder Singh
- Postgraduate Student of the Year 2025 – Ebru Ozen
Each of these awardees has demonstrated clinical excellence, collaboration, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to patient-centred care.
In 2025, the Graduate Nurse/Midwife programs supported 146 newly registered nurses and midwives, helping them transition from student to practitioner, develop confidence in their skills and embed theory into practice.
In 2025, 59 staff members successfully completed formal postgraduate studies across 14 specialty areas, in collaboration with our university partners. These programs ensure staff are well-prepared to deliver advanced, high-quality care within their chosen specialties.
Additionally, 40 staff graduated from the Supported Transition to Excellence in Practice (STEP) programs, across five specialty areas.
STEP provides staff with the opportunity to build foundational specialty skills and knowledge, preparing them for future postgraduate-level studies and clinical roles.
Congratulations to our 2025 Nursing and Midwifery Program Graduates!