Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards
Across Tasmania, there is a strong and compassionate community supporting people through some of life’s most important moments. It is shaped by the people who show up every day with care, skill and humanity.
This year, we launch the 9th Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards during National Palliative Care Week, guided by the theme Getting to the heart of it. It’s a theme that speaks to what palliative care is truly about. Honest conversations, meaningful connections and care that puts people at the centre.
The Awards are a chance to recognise the individuals, teams and organisations who bring this to life across our state. Those who go beyond what is expected, who lead with compassion, and who help create a system of care that reflects the values of our community.
These stories matter. They help us see what good care looks like and why it matters for all of us. We know there are many more stories out there. Many more people making a difference every day. We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the incredible work happening across Tasmania.
A Bigger Stage for Recognition
In 2026, the Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards enter a new chapter.
For the first time, the Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards will be held as part of the Palliative Care Tasmania Conference, End-of-Life Ecosystem: The Power of Connection. This brings the sector together in one place, creating a stronger moment of recognition, connection and shared learning.
With a larger audience and broader reach, this year’s Awards will shine a light on the impact of palliative care across our communities in a more meaningful way.
We’re also pleased to welcome Jean Kittson as MC for the Awards evening. A much-loved Australian writer, performer and advocate, Jean brings warmth, insight and a thoughtful voice to conversations around ageing, care and community.
Award Categories
Outstanding Achievement
by a palliative care professional
Open to any individual working in palliative care in Tasmania. This may include specialist and generalist palliative care staff, nurses, clinicians, doctors, allied health professionals, GPs pharmacists, CEOs, NFP staff, aged care workers, administrators, marketers, educators, academics and researchers.
Outstanding Achievement
in Volunteering and Carer Support
Open to any individual (volunteer or carer) supporting Tasmanians with a life-limiting illness and their families. This may include palliative and hospice care volunteers, hospital volunteers, community volunteers, cancer support centre volunteers, aged care volunteers, family, friends, and loved ones who have gone above and beyond in the support of someone with a life-limiting condition, including young carers.
Outstanding Team/ Service
Delivering Palliative Care
Open to any organisation or team (not an individual) providing palliative care to Tasmanians with a life-limiting illness. This may include palliative care units, hospitals, GP practices, community outreach teams, multi-purpose and health centres, district or regional hospitals, allied health services, aged care and home care services, councillors, social worker services, volunteer organisations, community groups, community services and psycho-social supports, funeral homes, bereavement service providers.
Outstanding Achievement
in Innovation in Palliative Care
Open to any individual working or associated with palliative care in Tasmania. This may include all the above-mentioned categories plus non-direct and non-clinical achievements such as academics, projects, disability, inclusivity, policy work, peak bodies, NFP staff, teams and projects, art and creative achievements, advocacy, fundraising and awareness, champions, change-makers and more.
Excellence in Palliative Care
In an Aged Care setting
Open to any individual working or associated with palliative care in Tasmania in a residential aged care setting or home care provider setting. This may include aged care staff, volunteers, support workers, team members and more.
Excellence in Palliative Care
In a community setting
Open to any individual working or associated with palliative care in Tasmania in delivering services or care in a community setting. May include community nursing teams, outreach, GPs and practice nurses, community health centres and staff, community houses, community service organisations, transport organisations, meal providers, support services, holistic and social supports and more.
Ruth Andrews
Memorial Award for Kindness
The Ruth Andrews Memorial Award for Kindness honours the legacy of Ruth Andrews, a passionate advocate for palliative care training in hospitals and aged care settings. Ruth believed that everyone, from cleaners to specialists, could benefit from palliative care education, ultimately improving the quality of care for patients, clients, and residents.
The ‘Joy Coghlan’
Tasmanian Palliative Care Honour Roll
The Tasmanian Palliative Care Honour Roll was established in 2020 by Palliative Care Tasmania to honour Tasmanians who have made an outstanding contribution to our sector. The Honour Roll ensures these contributions are given full recognition and not forgotten over time. Nominations for the Honour Roll can be submitted for individuals who have contributed to the sector and are still working, have retired, or have died.
Key Dates
12 May – Awards officially launched during National Palliative Care Week
20 May – Nominations open
10 July – Nominations close
18 August – Finalists announced
9 September – Awards Ceremony at Wrest Point, Hobart
10 September onwards – Post-event media and celebrations
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions
- Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 pm (AEST) on Friday 10 July 2026. Late nominations may not be accepted.
- Nominees must have worked in the palliative care sector in Tasmania for a minimum of one year, or be currently working within the sector.
- All nominations will be reviewed by a representative of Palliative Care Tasmania to confirm eligibility and endorsement before proceeding to the judging process.
- Palliative Care Tasmania reserves the right to review all nomination submissions and make decisions regarding eligibility, category placement, and any other matters relating to the administration of the Awards.
- Palliative Care Tasmania may contact nominators, nominees, and finalists to request additional information or supporting evidence as part of the assessment process.
- Finalists will be notified in August 2026.
- The Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards 2026 will be presented during the closing ceremony of the Palliative Care Tasmania Conference 2026: End-of-Life Ecosystem – The Power of Connection on Thursday 10 September 2026 at Wrest Point, Hobart.
- Finalists are strongly encouraged to attend the Awards ceremony. Nominees and nominators are also encouraged to attend and celebrate the achievements of the sector.
- Attendance at the Awards ceremony is included with registration to the Palliative Care Tasmania Conference 2026.
- By submitting a nomination, nominators and nominees consent to Palliative Care Tasmania using submitted information, photographs, and biographical details for judging, promotional, marketing, and publicity purposes related to the Awards, unless otherwise agreed.
- Palliative Care Tasmania reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions, Award categories, or the Awards process where necessary. Any changes will be communicated via the Awards websit