HUNTER New England Local Health District has won a major award for outstanding service and community impact at the 2025 Premier’s Awards presentation, held Monday night at Parliament House.

This year’s eight award categories reflect outstanding work of public sector teams and individuals who drive innovation, deliver exceptional services, strengthen communities and uphold integrity.

Hunter New England Local Health District was named winner of the Providing World-Class healthcare for the All Together Now: Co-Ordinating Care for Kids program.

The program targets children with medical complexity, who represent a vulnerable population at high risk of care fragmentation and poor-quality care.

Though only one per cent of the paediatric population, they account for more than 30 per cent of paediatric healthcare costs.

This project co-designed a new model of care with more than 150 staff and consumer stakeholders across Hunter New England Local Health District.

This led to the HNEkids Complex Care Co-Ordination Service – a structured model offering a six-to-twelve-month intensive phase, followed by transition to a district-wide network for sustained support.

This year’s awards celebrated a strong field of finalists who represent the highest standards of integrity, inclusivity and service that lie at the heart of the New South Wales public sector.

The 2025 Premier’s Awards were held Monday night at Parliament House.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is pleased to recognise the recipients and finalists of the 2025 Premier’s Awards.

“These awards highlight the important work done every day by public sector employees across New South Wales, often behind the scenes, to deliver essential services and improve outcomes for communities,” Mr Minns said.

“The finalists represent the best of our public service – people who show professionalism, care and a genuine commitment to making NSW a better place to live.

“On behalf of the NSW Government, I thank all public sector employees for their ongoing dedication and hard work. Congratulations to this year’s recipients and finalists.”

Premier’s Department secretary Simon Draper said public service agencies are at the heart of this state’s delivery and innovation, and inspire positive change across our communities.

“The Premier’s Awards highlight the incredible leadership and commitment of public sector employees, week in and week out, as they serve the people of New South Wales,” Mr Draper said.

“We are privileged to have such a dedicated public service. Thank you to our unsung heroes that work tirelessly for NSW, and congratulations to our well-deserved recipients.”

The 2025 Premier’s Awards individual and team recipients

Anthea Kerr Award: Jayla Nix, Murrumbidgee Local Health District;

NSW Public Servant of the Year: Glenn George, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water;

Driving public sector workforce excellence and integrity: NSW Health Pathology Aboriginal & Disability targeted traineeships, NSW Health Pathology;

Delivering world-class education and training: Life-changing pathways for students with disability, TAFE NSW;

Creating safe and thriving communities: Broadband Cells on Wheels for emergency community Wi-Fi, NSW Telco Authority;

Delivering innovative economic opportunities for the community: Australia’s first family-friendly Healthy Higher Density Living Guide, Western Sydney Local Health District;

Excellence in service delivery: Language+ App – Connecting Communities with Emergency Services, Multicultural NSW; and

Providing world-class healthcare: All Together Now: Coordinating Care for Kids, Hunter New England Local Health District.