Each year, the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia hosts the Western Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector Awards, aimed at highlighting the successes and outstanding achievements of those working in Aboriginal health as nominated by AHCWA’s 24 Member Services.

In 2026 we are streamlining the three distinct award categories to a single award per Member Service, titled the WA Aboriginal Community Controlled Health – Members Excellence Award.

This significant award celebrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication within your Member Services. It recognises an individual, or team, who work or engage with your Member Service and have made a lasting contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through culturally safe, community-led healthcare and/or services to your organisation and community.

Nominees for this Award will have demonstrated:

• Excellence in service delivery reflecting self-determination, cultural integrity, and holistic care;
• Strong community engagement and leadership, ensuring Aboriginal voices are central to health planning;
• Innovation in addressing health inequities and driving positive change;
• Measurable impact on health outcomes, capacity building, or workforce development; or
• A significant contribution to your Member Service

This award honours the legacy and future of Aboriginal-led health initiatives and shines a light on those who uphold the principles of community control and cultural safety—ensuring that Aboriginal health is in Aboriginal hands.

Here are the winners of the 2026 WA Aboriginal Community Controlled Health – Members Excellence Award:

Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Corporation – Jayme Bill, Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) Care Co-Coordinator

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service – Marion Davies, Cleaning Supervisor

Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service – Makayla Merema, Community Services Manager

Mawarnkarra Health Service – Paul Aubrey, Men’s Outreach Worker

Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance – Ashley Councillor, Chief Executive Officer

South West Aboriginal Medical Service – Noel Bennell, Transport Driver

Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service – Tracy Tucker, FASD Support Worker

Yura Yungi Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation – Carrie Mae Airoldi, Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program Officer

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services – Elizabeth Riches, KRS Chief Operating Officer

Derby Aboriginal Health Service – Tegan Ahuriri, Clinical Lead – Social Emotional Well-Being (SEWB)

Beagle Bay Health Service – Katidjah Bin Rashid, Graphic Design Officer

Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service – Erin Mongoo, Executive Manager to the Office of the CEO

Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service – Caitlin Wharton, Health Promotions Officer – Cancer