The ACT's Stronger Medicare Award finalists

A GP who supports a service offering free health care to vulnerable and homeless Canberrans, a pharmacist vaccinating at-risk communities and a general practice team targeting complex care needs are the ACT’s finalists in the Stronger Medicare Awards.

The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care

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A GP who supports a service offering free health care to vulnerable and homeless Canberrans, a pharmacist vaccinating at-risk communities and a general practice team targeting complex care needs are the ACT’s finalists in the Stronger Medicare Awards. 
 
In Medicare’s 40th year, the Stronger Medicare Awards recognise and honour Medicare Champions from around Australia: outstanding individuals and practices that provide exceptional care, embrace innovation, and work together to improve the health of their community. 
 
More than 140 nominations were submitted from every state and territory, which were then assessed by an expert panel of five independent, pre-eminent individuals from the primary care sector, including a consumer representative. 
 
The three ACT finalists have been recognised for their contributions in using innovative technologies in health care, breaking down barriers to care for vulnerable and marginalised communities, and supporting hundreds of people in residential aged care or other complex care needs. 
  
The ACT’s finalists are: 

  • Dr Andrew Palfreman, General Practitioner and Director, Watson General Practice
  • Gareth Wheeldon, Pharmacist, Capital Chemist University of Canberra
  • Next Practice Canberra, Deakin.

The finalists will be celebrated, and Medicare Champions announced, at the Stronger Medicare Awards ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on 4 November 2024.   
 
For further information on the awards visit health.gov.au/medicare-turns-40/stronger-medicare-awards. 
 
A media kit with details, photos, patient testimonials and quotes from the finalists is available, upon request. 
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler: 
 
“The ACT is tremendously fortunate to have so many great doctors, nurses, mental health and other health professionals working to keep them healthy and out of hospital, day in and day out.  
 
“There are many people and practices in the ACT working outside of hospitals in health settings who go above and beyond to support their patients. 
   
“I would like to congratulate these finalists and acknowledge their commitment. They demonstrate selfless service, commitment to excellence, and passion for their patients and community.” 

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