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2026 State Palliative Care Awards (SA)

The 2026 State Palliative Care Awards celebrate the individuals and teams contributing to palliative care across South Australia. We are delighted to recognise the valuable contribution these teams and individuals have made to palliative care in South Australia.

While our intention was to select two finalists in each category, the strength of nominations in some categories made it impossible for the judges to determine only two finalists. In these instances, three finalists have been recognised to reflect the outstanding calibre of the nominations received.

Finalist Announcement tiles are available to download and share, simply click the link below each award finalist announcement.

Register here for the 2026 State Palliative Care Awards Ceremony (free event) Register Now

2026 Team Award Finalists

Outstanding Work by a Team in Specialist Palliative Care

This award recognises a team or organisation that has initiated an innovative practice, project or service that enhances the delivery of palliative care. The team's work can have taken place across any setting of care, so long as it has enhanced the delivery of palliative care (including specialist level 4-6).

Outstanding Work by a Team in Generalist Palliative Care

This award recognises a team or organisation that has initiated an innovative practice, project or service that enhances the delivery of palliative care across any setting of care, including acute hospital settings, primary care, aged care and disability care.

Outstanding Achievement by a Team in Palliative Care Community Capacity Building

Community capacity building seeks to strengthen the skills, knowledge, resources and confidence of communities so they can better support people experiencing serious illness, dying, death, grief and caregiving.

Outstanding Achievement by a Team in Palliative Care Fundraising

Fundraising plays a vital role in strengthening palliative care services, programs, research and support for patients, families and communities. This award recognises a team or organisation that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in fundraising leadership, resulting in meaningful and sustainable contributions to palliative care in SA.

2026 Individual Award Finalists

Outstanding Work by an Individual in Specialist Palliative Care

This award recognises a person who has displayed excellence in delivering palliative care. Characteristics of excellence include innovative practice, outstanding mentorship, inspirational behaviour, support and passion for their work, commitment to working in partnerships, excellent teamwork and respect for others. The recipient of this award will show excellence in delivering specialist palliative care and be a champion for others in the specialist palliative care sector.

Outstanding Work by an Individual in Generalist Palliative Care

This award recognises a person who has displayed excellence in delivering a palliative approach to care. Characteristics of excellence include innovative practice, outstanding mentorship, inspirational behaviour, support and passion for their work, commitment to working in partnerships, excellent teamwork and respect for others.

Outstanding Work by an Individual in Palliative Care Volunteering

This award recognises the exceptional contribution of a volunteer or Volunteer Coordinator in improving the experience of South Australians experiencing a serious illness, dying, death, grief and/or caregiving.

2026 State Palliative Awards Ceremony

We hope to see you at our 2026 State Palliative Care Awards Ceremony, where we will celebrate all the finalists and the winners will be announced. This is a free event. We also welcome colleagues, family members and supporters to join us in celebrating the finalists. The event will be hosted in person, with virtual options available.

Register Now
Date
Monday 12 October 2026
Location
William Buck, 211 Victoria Square, Adelaide SA 5000
Time
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

2024 Award Winners

Outstanding Work by a Team in Palliative Care Award
EFNLHN Palliative Care Team (Pt Lincoln)
This team covered the Eyre Peninsula as well as Coober Pedy and cared for over 100 palliative patients. They worked closely with SAAS Port Lincoln and provided homecare packs containing practical items that made a difference to people in need.
Outstanding Achievement by an Individual in Palliative Care Award
Lisa MacDonald
Lisa had been employed in Palliative Care since 2007 and was endorsed as a Nurse Practitioner in 2016. She provided palliative care consultancy across 13 residential aged care facilities in South Australia and was recognised for her commitment to education and mentoring.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Lawrie Palmer
Dr Lawrie Palmer led and grew the Northern Adelaide Palliative Service over 16 years, establishing a workplace culture that valued and supported patients and families. His leadership strengthened services across inpatient, community and regional settings.
Outstanding Achievement in Palliative Care Volunteering Award
Helen Roberts
Helen had been a palliative care volunteer for 9 years and supported countless patients, carers and families. She also assisted in training and guiding new volunteers and contributed to volunteer education sessions.
Outstanding Achievement in Palliative Care Community Engagement Award
Southern Vales Compassionate Communities
Since 2020, Southern Vales Compassionate Communities had been committed to building and strengthening community support for living and dying well through initiatives including Death Cafes, art groups, nurture baskets, market engagement activities and community events.