HEYWOOD Rural Health has been named one of three statewide finalists in the Premier’s Small Health Service of the Year category at the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

The awards recognise health services that demonstrate excellence in care, innovation, strong governance and meaningful community partnerships.

About 20 services entered the category, with Heywood Rural Health one of only three shortlisted for the top honour.

The winner will be announced at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night in Melbourne on Wednesday, November 26.

Heywood Rural Health Chief Executive Officer Leigh Parker said being shortlisted was an achievement the entire organisation should be proud of.

“For a small rural health service like ours, to be recognised at this level is significant,” Mr Parker said.

“It’s a credit to the dedication of our staff and the work we’ve done to strengthen culture, improve safety and quality, and deepen our connection with community.”

The submission highlighted several key achievements, including:

• 97 percent of staff, executives and board members completing Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation-led cultural safety training on Budj Bim Country.
• Rapid service expansion, including a 60 percent workforce increase.
• Leadership of the Your Care Path program across the Great South Coast, to support people with a chronic health condition.
• A strong focus on prevention and early intervention of chronic health conditions, including expanded allied health programs and community-based group exercise classes.
• Full accreditation across all services, including acute care, the medical clinic, aged care, community health and home care.
• Significant improvements in Residential Aged Care nutrition and the dining experience  through the Maggie Beer Foundation’s mentoring program.

Mr Parker said the nomination reflected the organisation’s values of care, respect, responsiveness and integrity, and the practical results these delivered.

“We’ve worked hard to build a positive workplace culture, support our staff, strengthen partnerships and improve access to care across our region,” he said.

“To see those efforts recognised by an independent judging panel is incredibly rewarding.”

Health services across Victoria were assessed by panels of external judges drawn from hospitals, community organisations, research bodies and peak agencies.

Finalists were selected based on demonstrated outcomes, innovation, leadership and impact.

Mr Parker said Heywood Rural Health looked forward to the awards night.

“Being shortlisted is an honour in itself,” he said.

“Regardless of the final result, it highlights that the work happening in Heywood is making a real difference for our community.”