Four health professionals from the Great Southern named as finalists in 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards

Four health professionals from the Great Southern have been named as finalists in the 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards. The awards recognise established leaders and emerging health professionals whose passion and innovation keep rural and remote communities healthy. The Great Southern is well represented among this year’s finalists, with Dr Carly Roxburgh, Dr Tom Bowles, Jemma Mustey and Joshua Luhrs all earning recognition. Dr Roxburgh, from Pioneer Health Albany is a finalist for GP of the year, while Dr Bowles, from WA Country Health Service Great Southern has been shortlisted for specialist (non-GP) of the year. Ms Mustey, who works for Southern Regional Medical Group, is a finalist for community health professional of the Year, and Mr Luhrs, also from the WA Country Health Service Great Southern, has been named a finalist for WA Country Health Service intern of the year. Dr Roxburgh said she felt lucky to be recognised for her work in the Great Southern and she enjoyed caring for the community. “I feel incredibly fortunate to work with wonderful colleagues, mentors and trainees in the Great Southern,” she said. “Being trusted at critical moments in people’s lives is deeply meaningful to me. “From caring for families to teaching students who develop into junior doctors and eventually colleagues, this work is profoundly rewarding. “To be able to do this while living with my family in such a beautiful part of WA makes it even more special.” Ms Mustey said working in the Great Southern had given her many opportunities. “Working in the Great Southern has allowed me to significantly expand my scope of practice,” she said. “Rural health care demands flexibility, autonomy and confidence in decision-making. “My growth hasn’t just been professional — it has strengthened my leadership, adaptability, and commitment to patient-centred care.” Mr Lurhs said being a finalist not only recognised his hard work but also the work of his mentors. “Without the guidance and mentorship of Drs Brough, Ridley, Wong(s), Bowles and Howson, I certainly would not be a finalist for this award,” he said. “This recognition reflects their teaching and leadership just as much as my own efforts, and the Great Southern is incredibly fortunate to have such a team.” WA Country Health Serve chief executive Jeff Moffet said the awards highlighted the essential role of health professionals working outside metropolitan areas. “A career in health care comes with a unique set of challenges and requires a special combination of tenacity, resilience, people skills and professionalism,” he said. “We see nomination come from people who work in some of the most remote places in WA, and it gets harder each year to choose finalists and winners as we read about these incredibly dedicated, compassionate people. “Our staff are committed to ongoing education and skill improvement, paired with a desire to help others and serve the communities they live in.” Rural Health West chief executive officer Professor Catherine Elliot said it was important to recognise the professionals who put so much time and effort into rural health care. “The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards are about celebrating the people who embody the heart and spirit of rural health care,” she said. “Whether it’s a doctor, nurse, allied health professional or an entire team, these finalists reflect the extraordinary talent, skill and dedication we are privileged to have in rural WA. “Their work is not only life-changing for patients, but vital to the sustainability of our rural health workforce.” Award winners will be announced at a gala ceremony during the WA Rural Health Conference on Saturday, March 14.