Pilbara nurse Chantelle Pears named Rural Nurse of the Year at the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards

Karratha nurse Chantelle Pears has been named Rural Nurse/Midwife of the Year at this year’s WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.

The annual awards ceremony recognises healthcare professionals working in regional communities and the critical role they play.

Ms Pears was awarded for her leadership role during the pandemic, including the coordination of frontline COVID-19 contract tracing for remote Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara.

“The highlight of my career was moving to rural WA and working alongside the most incredibly resilient, strong and beautiful children, families and communities that live on country,” she said.

Proudly representing the region, the Pilbara Palliative Care Service — in collaboration with Bethesda Health Care — was awarded both the Building Healthy Country Communities Award and the Chairman’s Award.

More than 30 health professionals and teams were recognised for their contribution and achievements at the ceremony.