Victoria's Stronger Medicare Awards finalists

Eleven individuals and teams, covering general practice, psychology, nursing and multidisciplinary teams, are Victoria’s finalists in the Stronger Medicare Awards.

The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care

Media event date:
Date published:
Media type:
Media release
Audience:
General public

Eleven individuals and teams, covering general practice, psychology, nursing and multidisciplinary teams, are Victoria’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. 
 
Victoria led the country in nominations and finalists, spanning metropolitan and regional areas.
 
The 11 Victorian finalists have been recognised for their significant contributions, including a GP known for her focus on the veteran community, health services for people seeking asylum, compassionate support for patients with drug dependency and the founder of a bulk bulling multidisciplinary service for the migrant community. 
  
Victoria’s finalists are: 

Dr Mohammed Alebrahimi
Dr Lester Mascarenhas
Dr Nalin Fonseka
Dr Belinda McDonald
Dr Geetha Venkatram
Chloe Jansz, Director of Nursing
Erin Dolan, Clinical psychologist
Springs Medical
WRAD Health Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence Program
Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub - Primary Care
GROW Clinical Psychology
 
These are the first finalists to be announced, with finalists from other states and territories to be announced in coming weeks.  
 
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 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: 
 
“Victorians are 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.  
 
“Victoria led the country in terms of nominations and finalists, showing there are many people and practices 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."

Tags: 

Help us improve health.gov.au

If you would like a response please use the enquiries form instead.