Unsung Heroes of Palliative Care

The Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards celebrate the vital contributions of individuals and organisations who provide exceptional end-of-life support.

The awards, hosted at Government House by Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers AO, honor those who have shown dedication and innovation in palliative care.

“As Patron of Palliative Care Tasmania, I am proud to celebrate the many dedicated individuals and professional organisations working in palliative care in our State,” Her Excellency said.

“On behalf of all Tasmanians, I thank them for making a positive difference to our community and to the lives of others.”

Ms Veney Hiller, CEO of Palliative Care Tasmania, congratulated all nominees, finalists, and winners.

“We congratulate all recipients for their compassion and dedication to ensuring Tasmanians are treated with dignity, respect, kindness, and exceptional care so they can live, die and grieve well. The work you do shows tremendous empathy, skill, and commitment. You inspire the next generation of health professionals, volunteers, and carers.

Your contribution exemplifies the care and compassion shown to individuals and their families at one of the most important stages of life.”

These professionals and volunteers provide critical support to thousands of Tasmanians, ensuring they are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness during one of the most important stages of life.

Palliative care is the only sector dedicated to helping Tasmanians have a “good death”, said Hiller.

Hiller explains that the awards give visibility to what can often be an “invisible workforce” by recognising the depth and breadth of people and organisations supporting dying Tasmanians.

The work of these individuals and teams inspires the next generation of healthcare professionals, volunteers, and carers with their empathy, skill, and commitment.

Key Award Winners and Their Achievements

The 2025 awards recognized a range of exceptional achievements across the state:

Outstanding Achievement by a Palliative Care Professional: Leanne Barton, a Northern Region Volunteer Coordinator, won for her two decades of service, during which she trained over 250 volunteers and pioneered programs such as “Walking Through Grief” and pet therapy

Outstanding Achievement in Volunteering and Carer Support: This award had dual winners, Kaye Ross and Maria Pate. Kaye has over 30 years of service, providing in-home respite, companionship, and grief support. Maria has contributed hundreds of hours over 31 years as a calming presence for patients and their families.

Outstanding Team or Service: The Comprehensive Palliative Care in Aged Care (CPCIAC) Team won for providing specialist care to over 2,000 residents across all 72 residential aged care homes in Tasmania. The team’s efforts have reduced hospital transfers and allowed 99% of residents to die in their place of choice.

Outstanding Achievement and Innovation: Van Diemens Land Creamery was recognized for its “With Love” fortified ice cream, developed in partnership with clinical nutritionists to provide nourishment and dignity for people with eating difficulties at the end of life.

Excellence in Palliative Care – Aged Care Setting: Strathglen (Uniting AgeWell) won for embedding palliative care principles throughout its Berriedale facility, setting a benchmark for aged care in Tasmania.

Excellence in Palliative Care – Community Setting: Corina Williams, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, was the winner. She was nominated by numerous grateful families for her compassionate and professional approach that allows them to remain present and supported at home.

Ruth Andrews Memorial Award for Kindnes: Lisa Brown, a Palliative Care Nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital, was honored for her extraordinary kindness, quiet leadership, and thoughtful initiatives like comfort packs and handmade quilts.

Joy Coughlan Tasmanian Palliative Care Honour Roll: Senator Catryna Bilyk was inducted for her 17 years of advocacy in the Australian Senate, where she played a key role in saving Palliative Care Tasmania and advancing national policy.

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