WA Country Health Service

Kalgoorlie doctor Vivi Wilson is passionate about paediatric care – an effort that has landed her on the list of finalists in the 2025 Rural Health Excellence Awards! A key part of the Kal team, she has been recognised for her clinical excellence, patient-centred care, and delivery of educational sessions to staff. Well done, Dr Wilson 🎉

Dr Apaks Dede has been delivering paediatric care in the Midwest for more than 12 years. In addition to his exceptional care, he's also known for supporting his colleagues, mentoring junior staff, and inspiring others to pursue a career in paediatrics. With his expertise, kindness and compassion at the core of everything he does, it’s no surprise he’s been named a finalist in the 2025 Rural Health Excellence Awards.

✔️ Big smiles ✔️ Fresh scrubs ✔️ A whole lot of excitement Say hello to our newly qualified nurses in Hedland and Karratha! They’ve been busy completing their inductions and orientations and are looking forward to putting their skills into practice as they kick off their careers in country WA. Are you a newly qualified nurse looking to go country? Applications for our Grad Connect program open today: bit.ly/40sD9BF

Our Midwifery and Obstetric Emergency Telehealth Service is turning THREE 🎉 The team has doubled in size since it launched, helped care for almost 6,500 families across regional WA (and welcomed three babies of their own). A huge shout out to the incredible team for their dedication to supporting clinicians to deliver safe maternity care to country communities.

When baby Maggie arrived, her family was surrounded by a team they could trust. Mum Sarah told us how special it was to have midwife Demi by her side during her birth at Bunbury Regional Hospital. Demi was there offering reassurance and expert care, making sure Sarah felt safe and supported every step of the way. Bringing a baby into the world is a moment like no other, and we’re so grateful to be part of that journey for so many families 💙

Julie Hancocks’ dedication to nursing spans 40 years, with 14 of those spent as a clinical nurse specialist and diabetes educator in the Midwest. Her focus on culturally appropriate and evidence-based care to help improve health outcomes for Aboriginal patients has seen her become a finalist in the 2025 Rural Health Excellence Awards. Congratulations Julie!

Meet Dr Jessica Kopec and her very cute offsider Archie 🐶 Hailing from sunny Geraldton, she’s worked across roles from women’s health in Albany, to emergency medicine and anaesthetics in Perth. Now, she’s excited to take on a new medical education role where she’ll support country junior doctors by connecting them with education and training opportunities.

Meet some of the theatre team at Kununurra District Hospital who have been named finalists for Health Team of the Year in the 2025 Rural Health Excellence Awards. Providing surgical services across various specialty areas, their commitment to community and ability to build trust with patients across the East Kimberley is second to none. Go team! 🎉

With a career spanning four decades, Kathy Smith knows country health. Known for her compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment, she fosters a supportive workplace culture where staff feel heard and empowered. As a leader at the Pemberton Northcliffe Health Service, her hands-on approach and deep connection to the community has seen her named a finalist at the 2025 Rural Health Excellence Awards. Good luck, Kathy!

Dr Kirsty Eades is no stranger to the Great Southern. Born and raised in Katanning, she has a strong connection to Noongar Boodjar, and is now one of our newest interns at Albany Health Campus. After making the change from nursing to medicine, Kirsty is keen to explore different medical specialties and plans to pursue a rural training pathway after her internship.