The inaugural Team Medical Practice Nurse Awards have been announced, recognising outstanding clinicians dedicated to improving wound care outcomes for Australians. 

Created by Wounds Australia Gold Partner Team Medical and proudly supported by us, the Practice Nurse Awards recognise both experienced clinicians and emerging leaders who are making a measurable difference through innovation, leadership and excellence in wound management. 

The awards attracted nominations from around the country, showcasing the exceptional contribution practice nurses make every day in general practice, community and acute care settings. Entries were judged by Melissa Freeman – respected clinician, 2024 APNA Nurse of the Year Award recipient and founder of the Port Macquarie Wound Care Clinic – representing Wounds Australia as Chair of the Clinical Expert Advisory Panel. Ms Freeman commended the high standard of entries.

"I would like to congratulate every nominee for the incredible, tireless work happening in practices across Australia," she said. "People living with wounds are in such safe hands with you all."

The Outstanding Achievement in Wound Care Award

This was awarded to Susan McDonald (pictured), a Registered Nurse specialising in wound care who works at MedCentres in Queensland. Susan has built a reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate, evidence-based care, driven by a passion for helping wounds heal and improving quality of life for her patients. 

Ms Freeman praised Susan's longstanding commitment to excellence in wound care, recognising her leadership, dedication to mentoring emerging clinicians, and the trust and respect she has earned from colleagues, patients and their families through years of compassionate, collaborative care. 

"I'm delighted to be recognised in this way, and it's even more special to have been nominated by the colleagues I work alongside every day," Ms McDonald said. "I'm looking forward to attending the Wounds Australia Conference and to bringing that learning back to our patients to heal more wounds and passing on new knowledge to my colleagues." 

Ms McDonald receives registration to the 2026 Wounds Australia Conference and a complimentary Wounds Australia membership, plus conference flights and accommodation and a personalised Outstanding Achievement Trophy courtesy of Team Medical. 

Ms Freeman awarded special commendations in the Outstanding Achievement in Wound Care Award to:

• Julie Turner, Practice Nurse Manager, Ghan Medical Centre, Port Augusta SA
• June Brearley, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Dunsborough Medical Centre, Dunsborough WA
• Anne Marie O'Brien, Lead Practice Nurse.

The Rising Star in Wound Care Award

This award was given to Meg Jackson RN, a Registered Nurse in Melbourne specialising in complex wound care. Ms Jackson was recognised for her exceptional commitment to caring for a young patient living with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, one of the most complex conditions in wound care. Her determination to continually build her expertise – including attending an international Epidermolysis Bullosa conference in the United States – demonstrates her passion for delivering the highest standard of care and marks her as a clinician with a bright future. 

Ms Jackson will receive a Rising Star Clinical Kit valued at more than $800, a $250 eNurse gift card and a personalised Rising Star Trophy, plus a complimentary Wounds Australia membership.

She said: "I feel incredibly honoured to receive the Rising Star in Wound Care award. My heartfelt thanks go to the family who have trusted me with their care – they continue to inspire me every day and are the reason I am so passionate about wound care and supporting children with complex care needs." 

Ms Freeman awarded special commendations in this category to:

• Claire Walduck RN of Range Medical High St in Toowoomba, Qld
• Jayde Revill RN, Mount Gambier SA
• Saasha Gorrie, Practice Nurse

Recognising nursing excellence

Wounds Australia CEO Jeff Antcliff congratulated the winners and thanked every practice nurse who took the time to enter or nominate a colleague. 

"Practice nurses are often at the forefront of wound prevention, early intervention and ongoing care in communities across Australia," Mr Antcliff said. "These awards recognise not only clinical excellence, but also the compassion, leadership and commitment that make such a profound difference to patients' lives. 

"Congratulations to Susan and Meg on this well-deserved recognition, and to every nominee whose work is helping to raise the standard of wound care across the country." 

Team Medical Co-CEO Tom Vriens said: "The response to this year's Practice Nurse Awards exceeded all expectations. We received an incredible number of nominations from clinicians across Australia, showcasing the exceptional work happening in practices every day. Every nomination told a story of dedication, expertise and compassion, making it clear just how much of a difference practice nurses make to their patients, colleagues and communities. Congratulations to our winners and every nominee - we're proud to celebrate your contribution to wound care."

Congratulations to Ms McDonald, Ms Jackson and all nominees on their outstanding contribution to wound care and to Team Medical for recognising excellence in practice nursing.

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