Awards honour excellence, innovation and compassion in palliative care
The 2025 National Palliative Care Awards, proudly presented by Palliative Care Australia in partnership with Silverchain, were celebrated in a glittering ceremony hosted by comedian and palliative care advocate Jean Kittson at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Top honours across eight categories went to:
- Emeritus Prof Margaret O’Connor AM, Monash University, Palliative Care South East, Victoria – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Dr Priyanka Vandersman, Flinders University, South Australia – Emerging Leader Award
- Dr Alison Bowers, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland – Emerging Researcher Award
- Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) Paediatric Palliative Care Service, South Australia – Outstanding Achievement by a Team
- Territory Palliative Care, Alice Springs, Central Australia, Northern Territory – Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Care
- Kevin Stokes, Great Lakes Palliative Care Support NSW – Outstanding Achievement in Volunteering
- Prof Jennifer Philip, Palliative Nexus Research Group, University of Melbourne, Victoria – Innovation in Palliative Care Award
- Dr Christine Sanderson, Territory Palliative Care, Northern Territory – Outstanding Achievement by an Individual
Palliative Care Australia CEO Camilla Rowland said the 2025 award winners and finalists represented the power of compassion, collaboration and innovation in improving the lives of people living with life-limiting illness.
“Palliative care is about matters of life and death with a focus on enhancing quality of life. These awards are a meaningful way to honour those who deliver care with empathy and excellence.
“Territory Palliative Care has dominated the evening with Dr Christine Sanderson’s Outstanding Achievement by an Individual honour and the Territory Palliative Care team’s Outstanding Achievement award in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Care.
“Emeritus Professor Margaret O’Connor’s recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award has been inspirational. Margaret is a shining example of someone who has provided visionary leadership in our sector nationally and internationally. She has helped shape the field for over four decades and it’s wonderful to see the awards celebrate her contribution as a changemaker in palliative care,” Ms Rowland said.
Ms Rowland said the National Palliative Care Awards would not have been possible without the support of Silverchain.
“I’d like to thank Silverchain for partnering with Palliative Care Australia to deliver this important event,” Ms Rowland said.
Silverchain’s Executive Director Tamra Bridges said the awards celebrated the best in the sector.
“These awards shine a light on extraordinary talented individuals and teams whose compassion, skill and dedication transform the experience of care at life’s most vulnerable moments,” Ms Bridges said.
“At Silverchain, we’re proud to stand alongside the sector in recognising their impact and inspiring excellence in palliative care across Australia.”
Lifetime Achievement Award - Emeritus Prof Margaret O’Connor AM, Palliative Care South East, Victoria
Professor Margaret O’Connor A.M. is a pioneer in Australian palliative care, whose visionary leadership, advocacy, and mentorship have shaped the field for over four decades. From founding services and influencing national policy to mentoring future leaders and advancing research, her impact spans communities, universities, and continents. Her legacy anchored in compassion, equity, and excellence continues to inspire and elevate palliative care across Australia and beyond.
Emerging Leader Award – Dr Priyanka Vandersman, Flinders University, South Australia
Priyanka has been a passionate leader in palliative care, bringing innovation, compassion, and cultural sensitivity to aged care through the national ELDAC program. Her co-designed tools and heartfelt initiatives like “My Care Matters” and bereavement resources have empowered staff and supported families during life’s most tender moments. A respected voice in digital health, Priyanka continues to champion inclusive, person-centred care across Australia.
Emerging Researcher Award – Dr Alison Bowers, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland
Dr Alison Bowers is a trailblazing early career researcher whose work has shaped paediatric palliative care policy and practice across Australia. Her research has informed planning for Queensland’s only children’s hospice, led national projects including the Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan, and sparked international collaboration in medicinal cannabis for children with advanced cancer. With over $990,000 in grant funding and a growing body of impactful publications, Dr Bowers continues to lead with compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving care for children and families.
Outstanding Achievement by a Team Award - Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) Paediatric Palliative Care Service, South Australia
The WCH (Women’s and Children’s Hospital) Paediatric Palliative Care Team delivers compassionate, family-centred care across South Australia and beyond, supporting children with life-limiting conditions through a deeply collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. With innovative programs like art therapy, peer mentoring, and grief support, they empower families and create safe, meaningful spaces for healing and connection. Their leadership, research, and outreach continue to shape paediatric palliative care nationally, bringing comfort and dignity to children and families wherever they are.
Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Award - Territory Palliative Care, Alice Springs, Central Australia, Northern Territory
The Territory Palliative Care Team is a truly exceptional team, delivering compassionate, culturally safe care across more than one million square kilometres and supporting Aboriginal patients from 17 language groups. From its beginnings with a single nurse in 1995, it has grown into a trusted, family-focused service with strong community partnerships, spiritual practices, and deep cultural engagement. Their commitment to inclusive care, education, and advocacy continues to transform the experience of palliative care across some of Australia’s most remote and diverse communities.
Outstanding Achievement in Volunteering Award – Kevin Stokes, Great Lakes Palliative Care Support, NSW
Kevin Stokes has been the quiet heart of the Great Lakes Palliative Care Support group for over 15 years, delivering and maintaining vital equipment with care, humility, and tireless dedication. Whether offering a kind word, a laugh, or practical support, Kevin brings comfort and dignity to patients, families, and carers across the region. His generosity, compassion, and community spirit have touched countless lives and his community spirit continue to inspire all who have the privilege of working alongside him
Innovation in Palliative Care Award – Prof Jennifer Philip, Palliative Nexus Research Group, University of Melbourne, Victoria
Professor Jennifer Philip is a visionary leader in palliative care, driving excellence in clinical practice, research, and education across some of Australia’s leading health institutions. Through her work with the Palliative Nexus research group and the VCCC Alliance, she champions equitable, evidence-based care for people with advanced illness. Her dedication to building research capacity and improving access ensures that palliative care is not only compassionate, but also informed, inclusive, and transformative.
Outstanding Achievement by an Individual Award – Dr Christine Sanderson, Territory Palliative Care, Northern Territory
Dr Christine Sanderson is a passionate leader and visionary in rural palliative care, founding the Rural and Remote Institute of Palliative Medicine to bring specialist training to underserved communities across Australia. Her tireless advocacy, strategic leadership, and deep compassion have driven national change creating pathways for rural clinicians and improving care for patients, including those in remote Indigenous communities. Through the RRIPM Roadmap and her collaborative spirit, Dr Sanderson is transforming rural palliative care into a sustainable, inclusive, and impactful model for the future.
“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists your work is exceptional, and you continue to set the standard for what quality palliative care looks like,” said Ms Rowland. “These awards remind us of the importance of recognising the people who bring compassion, dignity, and expertise to those facing life-limiting illness, every single day.”
The 2025 National Palliative Care Awards were sponsored by Silverchain – one of Australia’s leading home care specialists, providing health and aged care services to more than 140,000 clients each year.
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