They are the heart and soul of the healthcare system and today Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) recognised the commitment, care and compassion delivered by nurses across the region.
International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 each year on of the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.
Today, the annual Mackay HHS International Nurses Day Awards acknowledged nurses for their vital roles in our communities and dedication to achieving health outcomes for patients.
There were more than 1400 nurses working in hospitals, multi-purpose and community health facilities across the region, constituting more than 50% of the workforce, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery James William Jenkins said.
“International Nurses Day is a time to formally honour and acknowledge the incredible work nurses do on the frontline of care,” Mr Jenkins said.
“We thank them for their care and compassion, healing touch and for always putting their patients first.
“Thank you for providing an empathetic ear and compassionate hand when a life-changing diagnosis is delivered; for the commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism you bring each and every day to our patients and communities.
“To all nursing students, enrolled nurses, registered nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse managers, educators and leaders – thank you for the work that you do and Happy International Nurses Day,” he said.
The awards were also attended by Queensland Health Interim Chief Nursing Officer Karen Slater, whose presence highlighted the significance of recognising the dedication, compassion and professionalism of local nursing staff.
It was a privilege to welcome Ms Slater to the event and have her help celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding contribution nurses make to patients, families and the broader community, Mr Jenkins said.
The Mackay HHS International Nurses Day Awards recognise staff who demonstrate excellence in practice and the significant contributions they make to their professions, their teams and the community across eight award categories.
The 2026 winners were announced at an awards ceremony at Mackay Base Hospital today:
Clinical Excellence Award Nurse Unit Manager (NUM)
WINNER: Sherree Charles, NUM Child and Family Health
Excellence in Patient Care (patient/consumer nominated)
WINNER: Jodi-Ann Maguire, clinical nurse consultant, Mental Health Mackay
AIN Commitment to Care Award
WINNER: Charli Clark, Assistant in Nursing, Clermont MPHS.
Clinical Excellence Award (Rural)
WINNER: Georgia Button, clinical nurse consultant/NUM, Dysart Hospital
Our Mob Together Strong Health Equity Nursing Award
WINNER: Jenny Gething, clinical nurse consultant, Better Connected Care, Mackay Base Hospital
CQ University 2025 Graduate of the Year Award
WINNER: Hazel Madziva, registered nurse, Clermont MPHS.
McFadzen Perpetual Award
WINNER: Sarah McDeed, clinical nurse, FO Mackay Base Hospital
Clinical Nurse Speciality Award
WINNER: Samantha Bullman, clinical nurse consultant, Gastroenterology, Mackay Base Hospital.
James Cook University Outstanding Contributions to Student Learnings Unit
WINNER: FO Medical Ward, Mackay Base Hospital
James Cook University Outstanding Contributions to Student Learnings Individual
WINNER: Jeffrey Dunbavan, clinical nurse, F0 Mackay Base Hospital
Each year on International Nurses Day, Proserpine Hospital also recognises a staff member for their service with the Peta Watson Memorial Award. This year the award was presented to clinical nurse Kylie Sheargold.
The Lola Mudie Award for Surgical Nursing was also presented to Proserpine Hospital clinical nurse Winona Peckett.
Congratulations to all 2026 award nominees and recipients and thank you to the Mackay Hospital Foundation for helping to celebrate our Mackay HHS nursing workforce.