NSLHD Deputy Chair honoured for Lifetime Achievement Professor Emerita Mary Chiarella, Deputy
her role as Chair of the Health Care Quality Committee, noting the dedication of staff across the district. “To the wonderful team I now work with at Northern Sydney LHD, you continue to go above and beyond in relation to safety and quality, and I thank you for your work and support.”
Chair of the NSLHD Board, has been recognised with one of Australia’s most respected accolades in healthcare, receiving the 2025 Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Quality and Safety. In the 41-year history of the award, she is only the second nurse to receive the honour.
Mary accepted the medal at the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards Awards Dinner, accompanied by NSLHD Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Anthony Schembri. “I had the incredible honour of being awarded the 2025 ACHS Medal for Safety and Quality. It is up there with the greatest honours of my career, as safety and quality has been one of my enduring passions,” she said. “I feel very grateful to have been recognised for the joint contribution of all the wonderful people I have worked with.” Mary also acknowledged NSLHD and
Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive, NSLHD with Mary Chiarella (right)
Muru Dali Gili Gili Employee Network Day Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and allies from across the district gathered at Royal North Shore Hospital to celebrate the bi-annual Muru Dali Gili Gili Employee Network Day. Meaning “Path to Shine” in the local Muru Dali Gili Gili attendees at the traditional Smoking Ceremony
know each other, or build and strengthen relationships across our district,” she said.
Dharug language, the event is grounded in culture, connection and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity within the workplace. The day opened with a traditional Smoking Ceremony and an Acknowledgement of Country in the Kolling forecourt, offering staff a moment of reflection and cultural grounding. Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service and Workforce NSLHD, Pauline Deweerd, spoke about the importance of the gathering. “This event holds deep meaning. From an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, it is a rare and powerful space where we can come together to strengthen cultural identity and belonging within the health system, celebrate the resilience, strength and achievements of our people, learn from one another and build on our collective wisdom, and support each other in both professional and personal growth.” Pauline reflected on the value of the shared experience. “This day presented the opportunity for staff to network, yarn and get to
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 23 | 19 DECEMBER 2025
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