SARRAH Lifetime Achievement Award Survey

The SARRAH Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to rural and remote allied health in Australia over the course of their career.

The award honours individuals whose leadership, service, advocacy, innovation, and commitment have significantly improved access to allied health services, strengthened the rural and remote workforce, and advanced the health and wellbeing of rural, regional and remote communities.

Eligibility
Nominees must:

Be an allied health professional or have made a substantial contribution to the allied health sector.
Have demonstrated a significant commitment to rural and remote health over a substantial period, typically 20 years or more.
Have a record of achievement that extends beyond their own workplace or community.
Be regarded by peers as having made an exceptional and lasting contribution to rural and remote allied health.
Current and former SARRAH members are eligible.
Current SARRAH Board members are not eligible while serving on the Board.

Nominations should address each of the criteria described below (maximum 2000 words in total).

1.Sustained Contribution to Rural and Remote Allied Health

Please describe how the nominee has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to improving allied health services, workforce capability, and health outcomes in rural and remote Australia.

Examples may include:

Clinical service development.
Rural workforce initiatives.
Education and training programs.
Research and knowledge translation.
Community-based health programs.
Service innovation in underserved communities.

2.Leadership and Influence

Please describe how the nominee has shown exceptional leadership within the allied health profession, rural health sector, or broader health system.

Examples may include:

Leading significant initiatives or reforms.
Influencing policy and system change.
Building partnerships and collaborations.
Advancing the profile and recognition of allied health.

3.Advocacy for Rural and Remote Communities

Please describe how the nominee has been a strong advocate for equitable access to allied health services and for the needs of rural and remote communities.

Examples may include:

Influencing government policy.
Contributing to submissions and consultations.
Championing underserved populations.
Raising awareness of rural health issues.

4.Mentorship and Workforce Development

Please describe how the nominee has contributed to the development of future generations of allied health professionals.

Examples may include:

Mentoring students and early-career professionals.
Supporting rural placements.
Developing leadership capacity.
Creating professional development opportunities.

5.Lasting Legacy and Impact

Please describe how the nominee's contributions have resulted in enduring benefits for rural and remote allied health and are likely to continue influencing the sector into the future.

Examples may include:

Establishing enduring programs, services, or networks.
Achieving measurable improvements in access or outcomes.
Creating resources, frameworks, or models adopted more broadly.
Inspiring future leaders and advocates.

6.Career Summary and Letters of Support

Please provide:

a career summary or recent curriculum vitae
two letters of support from professional peers, community leaders, employers, or sector representatives
Any additional evidence demonstrating impact, leadership, or service.

These may be emailed to sarrah@sarrah.org.au with the subject line "SARRAH Lifetime Achievement Supporting Documents". Responses are treated in strict confidence.