Marianne Mitchell was named Volunteer of the Year for her therapy dog visits to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. Photos: Supplied.
A Wagga Wagga therapy dog handler has been named Volunteer of the Year at the 2026 Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Excellence Awards, recognising her work bringing comfort to patients at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
Marianne Mitchell, whose dogs are regular visitors to the hospital, was among a wide range of Riverina health workers, clinicians and teams recognised for excellence in care, innovation and leadership.
The awards were held on Friday, 12 June, at Charles Sturt University, celebrating staff and volunteers across hospitals and health services throughout the Murrumbidgee region.
Volunteer of the Year was one of several major honours presented on the night.
The Chief Executive’s Choice Award went to Walanmarra Multidisciplinary Clinic, recognised for ensuring children receive culturally sensitive assessment and early intervention.
“The clinic works to ensure children receive culturally sensitive assessment and intervention as early as possible,” MLHD CEO Emma Field said.
The Board Chair’s Award was presented to Tumut Health Service for its “Striving Towards Net Zero” initiative, which focused on reducing landfill waste, improving waste-separation accuracy and strengthening environmental responsibility across the facility.
Staff Member of the Year was awarded to Mid Battye for leadership and patient-centred care.
Mid Battye accepts her Staff Member of the Year Award.
Debby Howard was named Nurse or Midwife of the Year, while Yee Chin Kwang was recognised as Allied Health Clinician of the Year.
The Jackie Brodie Memorial Award went to Karen Mobourne, recognising a First Nations staff member who demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to improving health outcomes and closing the gap for First Nations people.
Winner of the Don Kendell Memorial Award for Leadership was John Dean, honoured for his commitment, achievements and a pioneering spirit.
A range of program and team awards was also presented, including Digital Innovation for “Reimagining Foetal Monitoring for Safer Care”, and Enhancing People and Culture for the Regional Allied Health Student Program.
Enriching Consumer Experience recognised the Rural Generalist Nurse Practitioner Team and the Paediatric Safe Space.
Excellence in Multicultural Healthcare was awarded to “When Mental Healthcare Speaks Your Language”, while Exceptional Aboriginal Healthcare went to “Protecting Aboriginal Lives: Domestic Violence Safety Action Meeting”.
Health Research was recognised through “Strengthening Emergency Department to Community Partnerships”, while Keeping People Healthy went to the POWER Program, Patient Safety First to “Timely Administration of Parkinson’s Medications”, and Sustainability and Environment to “Diverting Soft Plastic Wrap from Landfill”.
Ms Field said the awards highlighted the breadth of work across the district.
“It is a privilege to recognise the outstanding achievements of our winners and finalists at the 2026 MLHD Excellence Awards,” she said.
“Our workforce’s shared dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence embody the very best of our people and make a meaningful difference for patients, families and communities.”
