"Nurses and midwives are the glue that holds the healthcare sector together,"
- Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer Laura Bignell, at the Women's 2025 Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
This year’s awards were held on Monday 5 May, International Day of the Midwife, and one week before International Nurses Day. The celebration captured the hard work, compassion and talent of nurses and midwives who work in a diverse range of roles across the Women’s.
“You should all be proud of the exceptional care you provide to women and babies, and the tireless support you give to each other,” said Laura.
This year, nine nurses and midwives received awards – including Tamara Perry, Unit Manager of Breastfeeding Services, Caseload Midwifery, Homebirth, Postnatal Care in the Home and Administration - and winner of the prestigious Leadership Excellence Award.
“Winning this award was unexpected but so rewarding,” said Tamara. “It’s recognition for lots of hard work over the years, as well as recognition for my team.
“Being a midwife is the best job in the world.”
2025 Award winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Mabel Kimpton Prize, awarded to an outstanding post-graduate nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care: Lucy Bowden, Registered Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU).
Lucy’s nomination described her as a dedicated member of the NICU team who brings her best self to work every day.
Dr Laurence J Murton Memorial Prize for superior skills in family centred care to neonates: Gloria Manuel, Clinical Nurse Specialist, NICU.
Gloria was nominated for her dedication to supporting every family she meets, and in particular for adapting Retinopathy of Prematurity (an eye problem seen in premature babies) care to reflect Family Integrated Care.
Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Women’s Health Nursing for outstanding skills, passion and innovation: Vera Torosoglu, Registered Nurse, Gynaecology and Cancer.
Vera started at the Women's in 1980, and has consistently worked to establish a positive and supportive workplace. She motivates her colleagues to deliver the best possible care.
Edward Rowden White Award, recognising a nurse’s outstanding commitment to perioperative services: Lindsey Humphreys, Associate Unit Manager, Surgical Services.
Lindsey’s nomination described her as a strong leader who demonstrates courage and commitment to evidence-based practice.
Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Midwifery for midwives who go above and beyond in their interaction with clients and dedication to the profession: Sarah Butler, Clinical Support Midwife, Nursing and Midwifery Education.
Sarah’s nomination described her as an exceptional midwife. She is adaptable, caring, respectful and knowledgeable.
Betty Lawson Prize – Excellence in Graduate Midwifery recognising the proficiency and performance of a first-year midwife: Gabriella Parisi, Combined Graduate Nurse and Midwife.
Gabriella's nomination says her knowledge, skills and attitude exceed her years of experience. She is committed to learning new skills to provide continuity of care to women and babies.
Eileen Patricia Goulding – Excellence in Graduate Nursing Award for exceptional efforts of a first-year nurse within women’s health, gynaecology and gynaecological oncology: Lorna Sutton and Tahlia Andrighetto.
Lorna’s nomination described her as a critical thinker with a mature approach to her work.
Tahlia received an award for her exemplary work ethic, skill and motivation to learn.
The Women’s Leadership Excellence Award acknowledging a nurse or midwife who has shown outstanding leadership in clinical care and management: Tamara Perry, Unit Manager of Breastfeeding Services, Caseload Midwifery, Homebirth, Postnatal Care in the Home and Administration.
Tamara is a dedicated leader with a commitment to advancing the careers of junior midwives. One of her many achievements at the Women’s has been her role in the implementation of the homebirth program.
Tamara is also celebrating 15 years of working at the Women’s this year.
“I always wanted to work at the Women’s to be able to support women from all walks of life. I wanted the opportunity to learn from other amazing midwives,” she said.
“My advice to someone starting their career is to find great mentors and be open to new opportunities that come your way.”
Thank you to HESTA and the Jean Smith family for supporting the Women’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards.