“Our healthcare system is built on the commitment and compassion of nurses and midwives,” Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer, Laura Bignell.
From welcoming babies into the world to caring for people in their final days, nurses and midwives are at the heart of our organisation.
On Monday 11 May, the Women’s proudly hosted the 2026 Nursing and Midwifery Awards, celebrating and recognising the extraordinary impact our nursing and midwifery teams have on the lives of women and babies. The awards also acknowledged their vital contribution to the Women’s positive and unique workplace culture.
The awards are held each year in May, the same month as International Day of the Midwife (Tuesday 5 May) and International Nurses Day (Tuesday 12 May).
This year Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer, Laura Bignell, hosted the celebration.
“You make the Women's a better place for our patients, families and staff,” Laura told the crowd of nurses and midwives. “Thank you for everything you do.”
This year 10 nurses and midwives from across the Women’s received awards.
Tracey van Stigt, Nurse Unit Manager, received the prestigious Women’s Leadership Excellence Award.
She said: "I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside my colleagues who show up for each other, and for the families we care for, every single day."
2026 Award Winners
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Mabel Kimpton Prize is awarded to an outstanding post-graduate nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care: Elka Raksin, Registered Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Elka received the award for her strong clinical skills, willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence, reflecting her deep passion for the profession.
Dr Laurence J Murton Memorial Prize recognises superior skills in family centred care to neonates: Anita Charles, Registered Nurse, NICU.
Anita was nominated for her commitment to the principles of Family Integrated Care (FiCare) and her expertise in gently guiding families when they need it most.
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Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Midwifery acknowledges a midwife who has gone above and beyond in their interaction with clients and dedication to the profession: Evelyn Burns, Registered Midwife, Caseload Midwifery Service.
Evelyn received the award for consistently demonstrating exceptional courage and passion in advocating for culturally safe midwifery care, both within the Baggarrook midwifery team, and across the Women’s. The Baggarook team provides maternity care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Betty Lawson Prize – Excellence in Graduate Midwifery recognises the proficiency and performance of a first-year midwife: Tiana Wilson and Kate Bacak.
Tiana was nominated for her resilience, positivity in challenging situations and willingness to learn new skills.
Kate’s nomination described her as mature, reliable and exceptional in an emergency.
Eileen Patricia Goulding – Excellence in Graduate Nursing Award for recognises the exceptional efforts of a first-year nurse within women’s health, gynaecology and gynaecological oncology: Nicole (Nikki) Issko and Lorena Fiocca.
Nikki was nominated for a commitment to safe, high-quality care and excellent clinical skills.
Lorena received the award or her empathy, compassion and always putting patients at the forefront of her care.
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The Women’s Leadership Excellence Award acknowledges a nurse or midwife who has shown outstanding leadership in clinical care and management: Tracey van Stigt, Nurse Unit Manager.
Tracey is widely respected by her peers as an authentic leader who leads by example and inspires those around her to thrive. She is deeply committed to delivering high-quality care and played an important role in the success of the Women’s recent hospital-wide accreditation. With a strong passion for patient-centred care, Tracey consistently goes above and beyond to ensure women feel supported, informed and confident as they transition home.
Thank you to HESTA and the Jean Smith family for supporting the Women’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards.