Our 2026 awards gala celebration took place in September 2026. It was a wonderful evening for Central Coast Local Health District, showcasing our amazing staff members and volunteers and the incredible work they are doing to support our Central Coast community.
A big thank you to all our sponsors for making the Caring for the Coast Awards possible. You can find more information about our sponsors at the bottom of the page.
Meet our 2026 finalists
Our finalists share their stories in the videos below or you can view our 2026 program:
Caring for the Coast Awards Program 2026 (PDF, 1 MB)
Congratulations to our winners
Excellence in Improving Equity in Healthcare Award – Wyong Aboriginal-led Safe Haven
Volunteer of the Year – Margaret Harland
Innovation and Sustainability Award – Sustain ED
Keeping People Healthy Award – PICC your battles
Maree Gleeson Award for Excellence in Research – Transforming acute dizziness care in the emergency department
Patient Safety and Experience Award – Tell her from me
Staff Member of the Year – Elsie Mari
People and Culture Award – Neurology leadership nursing team
Watch our videos
Learn more about our amazing winners and finalists by watching our videos.
Our Sponsors
Our Caring for the Coast Awards would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We thank them for their support.
Gold Sponsor
Gosford Health Hub
Gosford Health Hub is a purpose-built specialist medical facility bringing together healthcare providers under one roof at 60–64 Showground Road, directly adjacent to Gosford Hospital and opposite Gosford train station. Spanning five floors and 6,745sqm, the Hub provides space for a range of healthcare and allied services, with confirmed tenants including a General Practice, PRP Diagnostic Imaging, Icon Cancer Centre, T-Spoon Cafe and a childcare operator. The Hub supports on-site parking across three basement levels for patients and practitioners.
Located on the Central Coast, in a region set to grow to almost 400,000 residents by 2031, Gosford Health Hub is designed to bring specialist care closer to where patients need it most.
With flexible tenancy options and premium, hospital-grade fit-outs, Gosford Health Hub gives healthcare professionals the infrastructure to collaborate, grow and deliver better outcomes for the community.
Health Hubs – Australian Healthcare Reimagined
Telstra
Telstra is Australia’s leading telecommunications company, helping organisations connect, innovate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
We are proud to partner with Central Coast Local Health District to deliver secure, reliable and innovative technology solutions that support clinicians, patients and communities.
From advanced networks and mobility solutions to cybersecurity, cloud and collaboration services, Telstra helps enable better patient outcomes and more connected care.
Our team works closely with healthcare organisations to strengthen resilience, support critical services and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
With a long-standing commitment to the health sector, Telstra is honoured to support and celebrate the outstanding achievements of healthcare professionals whose dedication, compassion and innovation make a meaningful difference to the lives of people across our communities every day.
University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle has built a strong reputation as a world‑leading institution, creating impact locally, across Australia and globally. Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and top 30 for Impact, the University enrols more than 39,000 students from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on equity and developing socially minded leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.
For over 30 years, the Central Coast campus has delivered world‑class education and research. In 2026, the University expanded with a new site on Mann Street, Gosford (Central Coast Campus – Gosford Central), improving access to higher education.
Alongside the Central Coast Campus – Ourimbah and Gosford Hospital and the Central Coast Research and Innovation centre (CCRI), the Gosford location strengthens the University’s commitment to local education and economic growth, ensuring more people can live and study on the Central Coast.
Silver Sponsors
Previous Awards
Caring for the Coast Awards 2025
Caring for the Coast Awards 2024
Caring for the Coast Awards 2023
