Local Health District team receives mental health services award for supporting farmers’ wellbeing

THE Hunter New England Local Health District team has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to health care at the 2025 NSW Health Awards.

The annual event celebrates the dedication, kindness, innovation and achievements of those who make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities.

“I’m incredibly proud to celebrate the people and teams in NSW Health who are enriching health in millions of ways every day,” NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce said.

“From our steadfast volunteers to our clinical treating teams who are there caring for patients.”

This year’s awards saw 198 nominations across 15 categories.

The Hunter New England Local Health District’s Farmgate Support Program won the mental health services award for its success supporting farmers’ emotional wellbeing.

Over 80 percent of participants in the program reported improvements.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson called the program “powerful”.

“It’s fantastic to see local initiatives making a real difference in people’s lives,” she said..

“Farmers and rural communities face pressures that most of us don’t see. This program has been there to support their mental and emotional wellbeing.”

Other standout projects included a world-first clinical study developing 3D bioprinted skin from patients’ own cells to revolutionise burn and wound care, and a program enabling people with intellectual disabilities to have blood tests outside hospital settings.

“I want to congratulate the winners and all 41 finalists for their remarkable achievements in providing the very best care to the people of NSW,” Ms Park said.

“It’s also fantastic to see those winners from rural and regional areas, highlighting the great care available to communities right across the state.”

The full list of winners and finalists is available on the NSW Health website.

By Cosette DE LORENZO