Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

2026 CQI State Forum Awards Winners

The AH&MRC was proud to celebrate excellence in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) at the 2026 CQI Awards Night, held aboard a Sydney Harbour cruise during Vivid Sydney. Bringing together delegates from across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector, the evening recognised the outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership of individuals, teams and Services dedicated to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities across NSW.

 

AWARD

AWARDEE

Emerging Talent Award 

Sheraya Brown-Leslie (Link-Up NSW)

Digital Innovation Award 

Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service

Staff Member of the Year Award 

Phillip Dowse (Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service)

Quality Team of the Year Award 

Durri Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Team (Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service)

Quality Organisation of the Year Award 

South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation

Sustainability Impact Award 

Waminda – South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation

Outstanding Contribution to Quality Management Practice Awards in Admin 

Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service

Outstanding Contribution to Quality Management Practice Awards in Data

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service

Outstanding Contribution to Quality Management Practice Awards in Clinic 

Armajun Telecare Paediatrics Clinic (Armajun Aboriginal Health Service)

Outstanding Contribution to Quality Management Practice Awards in Programs 

Murundhu – “I Live, I Breathe” (Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation)

Deadly Young Leader Award 

Nyoaka Bell-Peckham (Peak Hill Aboriginal Medical Service)

Behind-the-Scenes Legend Award 

Erica Arzey (Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation)

Language, Culture & Healing Integration Award 

Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service

Reflecting on Connection, Innovation and Continuous Improvement at the 2026 CQI State Forum

The AH&MRC 2026 CQI State Forum brought together Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, health professionals, quality improvement leaders and sector partners from across New South Wales for three days of learning, collaboration and shared commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Guided by the theme ‘Achieving Quality: On Our Terms’ through culture, innovation and community leadership, the forum provided an opportunity for participants to explore emerging challenges, celebrate successes and share practical approaches to strengthening service delivery across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector.
Throughout the forum, attendees heard from a diverse range of presenters and organisations, with sessions highlighting the importance of culturally safe care, governance, innovation, data quality and community-led solutions.

Key presentations included NACCHO’s partner session, Walking Together in Healing: Culture, Community and Truth on Sorry Day, which explored the ongoing importance of truth-telling, healing and cultural strength in Aboriginal health and wellbeing. Participants also engaged in discussions on governance and safety in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, examining how emerging technologies can be implemented responsibly while maintaining community trust and cultural integrity.

The forum featured practical sessions focused on strengthening service delivery, including presentations on improving data integrity following clinical information system transitions and ensuring high-quality data supports informed decision-making and better health outcomes. Attendees also heard examples of successful community-led approaches that continue to place community needs, voices and aspirations at the centre of service design and delivery.

One of the highlights of the forum was the interactive tabletop sessions, where services shared what is working in their communities and reflected on lessons learned through their CQI journeys. These conversations fostered valuable peer-to-peer learning and reinforced the strength of collaboration across the sector.

Beyond the presentations, the forum provided an important space for networking, relationship-building and knowledge exchange. Delegates connected with colleagues from across the state, shared experiences and explored opportunities for future collaboration.

The AH&MRC extends its sincere thanks to all presenters, delegates, sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of the 2026 CQI State Forum. Your expertise, insights and commitment to continuous quality improvement continue to strengthen the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and support better health outcomes for our communities.

As we reflect on the discussions and learnings from this year’s forum, we remain committed to supporting ACCHSs to lead innovation, drive quality improvement and deliver culturally safe, community-controlled healthcare across New South Wales.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on the momentum generated throughout the 2026 CQI State Forum.