Three Mid West medical professionals come home with category win from 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards

The Mid West was well represented at the 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards at the weekend with all local finalists winning awards. The awards on Saturday night in Perth saw Kathryn Braysich, Richard Taylor and Dr Celia Wong return home with their well-earned trophies after winning titles. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of WA’s rural and remote health workforce and recognise individuals and teams demonstrating commitment to the healthcare system for their communities. Dr Braysich won the allied health professional of the year award, Dr Taylor was named general practitioner of the year, and Dr Wong took home health service intern of the year. Dr Braysich said she was surprised and humbled to win the allied health professional of the year award. Her dental practice has been dedicated to improving oral health in rural WA for more than four decades. “I really appreciate the recognition of the importance of oral health in rural and regional areas,” she said. “I will continue to provide my best service in oral health care to the many rural communities that I have the privilege to work in.” Dr Taylor runs a full-time practice as a GP at St John of God Geraldton Hospital, while he is also the chair of the Midwest GP Network and a medical educator with the the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr Wong is based at Royal Perth Hospital, but came to Geraldton in 2024 as an elective student and returned as a WA Country Health Service intern in 2025, advocating for junior doctors as part of the Geraldton Junior Medical Officers’ Society. Rural Health West, the operators of the awards in conjunction with WA Country Health Service, said the winners shared common themes of innovation, cultural connection, leadership and an unwavering commitment to addressing the unique health challenges faced by rural and remote communities. Catherine Elliott, Rural Health West chief executive, said the awards celebrated the people who drove meaningful change in health care across regional and remote WA. “From frontline clinicians to multidisciplinary teams, these winners demonstrate professionalism, creativity and unwavering dedication,” she said. “Their work strengthens communities, inspires colleagues, and highlights the vital role rural health care plays in building healthier, more connected regions across our State.” WACHS chief executive Jeff Moffet said the awards served as a reminder that the delivery of high-quality, equitable care in rural communities required skill and a “true commitment” to people in care. “This year’s winners and finalists are outstanding examples of how innovation, teamwork, and perseverance can make a real and lasting difference to country communities,” he said.