2026 Excellence in Aboriginal Health
Jodee Hollingsworth
The first in her family to graduate from university, Jodee’s journey into midwifery was inspired by her own experience of culturally safe care. That moment ignited a lifelong commitment to ensure other Aboriginal women feel respected, heard, and empowered. Her leadership qualities were immediately recognised when she joined St John of God Midland Public & Private Hospital in 2022, earning promotion to Coordinator within just 10 months.
Jodee’s impact extends far beyond her role. She leads a multidisciplinary team caring for more than 260 women each year and has transformed the Moort Boodjari Mia (MBM) space into a welcoming environment designed in partnership with community. Known for her calm presence, deep empathy, and unwavering advocacy, she is often called upon by caregivers across the hospital for her cultural expertise and ability to build trust with women in vulnerable circumstances.
Her personal achievements are remarkable. Jodee has contributed her expertise to the SIDS Australia Indigenous Guidelines, the WA Stillbirth and Implementation Network, and the WA Immunisation Research Project. She is a valued member of the Australian College of Midwives and a sought‑after speaker in schools and community forums. Her leadership development through CATSINaM further reflects her dedication to lifelong growth.
Her proudest achievement, the Moort Boodjari Mia Outreach Van, realises a decade‑long vision to bring antenatal and postnatal care directly into community. Securing more than $1.5 million in philanthropic funding, Jodee has pioneered a new model of care grounded in cultural safety, connection, and equity.
Jodee embodies grace, compassion, and visionary leadership. She inspires others to “Dream big. Think big”, and she lives those words every day.
Lucy Soteriou
Lucy is a visionary Nurse Educator whose passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to cultural safety have transformed healthcare practice across South Metropolitan Health Service. As the driving force behind the Dandjoo Maladjiny ‘Together Growing’ Program, Lucy has led the historic introduction of Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs) into a tertiary hospital setting, the first initiative of its kind in Western Australia. Her work has redefined what culturally safe, patient‑centred care can look like within acute services.
Lucy’s leadership is grounded in warmth, compassion, and deep respect for Aboriginal culture. She co-designed a tailored 6–10‑week induction program that blends clinical skill development with cultural mentorship, ensuring AHPs are supported not only professionally but personally. Her frameworks, orientation pathways, and support tools have established a sustainable model that other health services now seek to replicate.
The impact of Lucy’s work is profound: 92% retention, reduced discharge against medical advice, strengthened patient engagement, and stories of healing and trust from Aboriginal families. Colleagues describe her as an inspiring educator who brings energy, empathy, and courage to every interaction. Her ability to unite executives, clinicians, community leaders, and Aboriginal staff around a shared vision has been central to the program’s success.
Among her personal achievements, Lucy has presented her work at national conferences, shaped statewide workforce planning, and contributed to new career pathways that elevate AHPs as respected clinicians. What inspires her most is seeing Aboriginal staff thrive and patients feel safe, respected, and understood.
Lucy’s work is more than a program, it is a cultural shift. Through her leadership, authenticity, and relentless advocacy, she is strengthening the healthcare system, empowering the Aboriginal workforce, and transforming the future of culturally safe care in Western Australia.
Einstein Astilla
Einstein, known fondly as Ejay, is a compassionate leader, exceptional educator, and tireless advocate for Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs) within East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS). As the Clinical Nurse Educator for the AHP workforce, Ejay has played a pivotal role in shaping one of WA’s most significant culturally informed workforce initiatives. His leadership has created a culturally and psychologically safe environment where AHPs feel supported, respected, and empowered to deliver culturally led care.
Ejay’s warmth, humility, and inclusive teaching style underpin his success. He has developed cultural safety training, fostered collaborative engagement across multidisciplinary teams, and championed cultural and clinical supervision as essential pillars of safe care. Beyond his formal role, Ejay goes above and beyond supporting AHPs with mentorship, job applications, professional registration, and pathways into future employment. His efforts have ensured that new AHPs enter the workforce confident, well-prepared, and culturally strong.
Ejay’s leadership was instrumental in delivering the first AHP practical placement at Royal Perth Hospital, where his organisation, adaptability, and student‑centred approach set new standards for culturally safe clinical education. Students consistently describe him as welcoming, respectful, and inspiring, qualities that create transformative learning experiences. His work has also strengthened staff readiness, ensuring AHP roles are understood, valued, and embedded across EMHS.
A passionate nurse educator with over eight years of experience, Ejay draws deeply from his own journey as an overseas‑trained Filipino nurse. Mentoring students, particularly Aboriginal nursing and AHP students, remains one of his proudest achievements. Seeing his mentees grow into confident professionals and emerging leaders reflects the heart of his work. One student shared “Ejay believed us from day one. His encouragement and respect made me feel like I belonged in the hospital. I felt seen and supported as a student and an Aboriginal health worker”.
Ejay’s dedication, authenticity, and advocacy are creating lasting impact across nursing, workforce development, and culturally safe care. He embodies the compassion, excellence, and leadership celebrated by this award
