Patients Australia Awards Gala 2025: Celebrating Leadership, Advocacy and Impact
- Patients Australia
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Melbourne, 1 August 2025 – Patients, health professionals and sector leaders gathered last night at the 2025 Patients Australia Awards Gala to recognise individuals and initiatives driving meaningful change in healthcare.
Held at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins and hosted by former Channel Nine Health Reporter Emily Rice, the Gala celebrated 16 award recipients whose work is shaping a more patient-centred, equitable and responsive health system. The evening also raised close to $100,000 to support Patients Australia’s national advocacy efforts.
From national campaigns to clinical innovations and frontline care, the Awards acknowledged the breadth of contributions improving health outcomes and patient experiences every day.
Channel Nine captured one such moment between two of our guest judges – Gold Logie winner and patient advocate Samuel Johnson OAM, and breast cancer survivor Luan Lawrenson-Woods – met for the first time. In 2017, Samuel delivered a televised message urging women to book a breast check. Luan credits that message with changing – and possibly saving – her life. It prompted her to schedule a mammogram, leading to the early detection of her cancer. Their meeting was a powerful reminder that individual voices can have life-changing impact.
The Gala also featured a fireside chat between World Champion swimmer and Olympic Gold Medalist, Michael Klim OAM and Dr Nicholas Coatsworth, exploring Michael’s experience living with CIDP, a rare autoimmune condition. Their conversation highlighted the need for greater understanding and support for Australians living with chronic illness, the vital role of patient advocacy, and the personal growth that has enabled Michael to embrace change and meet this new challenge with resilience and purpose.
2025 Award Recipients
Patient Advocates
• Outstanding Patient Advocate: Catherine Hughes AM, Immunisation Foundation of Australia
• Outstanding Patient Carer: Marissa Tan RN
Patient-Focused Services
• Outstanding Hospital: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
• Outstanding Clinic: Empax Centre
• Outstanding Digital Health Service: Clean Slate Clinic
Patient-Focused Initiatives
• Outstanding Patient Research: PEEK: Personal Experience, Expectations and Knowledge
• Outstanding Patient Innovation: HiTH Remote Monitoring Service, Perth Children’s Hospital
• Outstanding Patient Campaign: Unite Against RSV, Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA)
• Outstanding Patient Education: Enlighten Me – Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program
• Outstanding Patient Engagement: Breaking the Cycle – Inherited Cancers Australia (ICA) Community Project
Patient-Focused Providers
• Outstanding Patient-Focused Journalism: Amber Ma, The Breast Decision
• Outstanding Specialist: Professor Andrew Spencer, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University
• Outstanding Community Pharmacist: Sara Murdock, Pharmacy 777
• Outstanding General Practitioner: Dr Sameera Bhayat
• Outstanding Nurse: Kate Holliday
• Outstanding Allied Health Professional: Dr Cloe Benz, Physiotherapist
The Gala was made possible through the generous support of Heal Better as headline partner, and award sponsors including The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Healthengine, RACGP, Medibank, Pfizer Australia, Bupa, Law Partners, Novo Nordisk, AbbVie, Arrotex, AstraZeneca and HCF. We also thank our panel of independent judges, who brought deep expertise and sector knowledge to the evaluation process.
ENDS
For further information or media requests:
Lisa Robins
CEO, Patients Australia
About Patients Australia
Patients Australia is a leading independent not-for-profit organisation championing the rights of patients across Australia. We’re here to ensure that patients’ voices are amplified and their needs prioritised within the healthcare system. Our organisation drives significant improvements in patient care, advocating for greater transparency, accessibility, and quality within Australia’s healthcare landscape. By actively engaging with health consumers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, we empower patients to create a more responsive and equitable healthcare system for all Australians.