State honour for researcher driving cancer care innovation Radiation therapist Meegan Shepherd has been named Allied Health Researcher of the Year at the NSW Health 2026 Excellence in Allied Health Awards, recognising her significant contribution to advancing cancer care through research and innovation. patient outcomes across the district and beyond. “The positive impact research has on patients, and their families is what matters most.”
Two additional clinicians were also recognised at the awards, with RNSH pharmacist Jessica Bui named a finalist in the Allied Health Professional of the Year category, and Ryde Hospital allied health assistant Taiyo Orino recognised as a finalist in the Allied Health Assistant of the Year category.
Based at Royal North Shore Hospital, Meegan has been recognised for her work advancing radiotherapy through research, education and emerging technologies, supported by her three master’s degrees and upcoming doctoral studies. Her research has been published in local and international journals and translated into practice, supporting workforce credentialing, new models of care and improved patient outcomes. Meegan, who has worked across NSW Health for nearly two decades, said the recognition reflects a collective effort across the district and she feels honoured to have made a difference. “It’s a real honour and reflects the work we’ve been doing at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre in radiotherapy research, clinical trial and workforce development,” she said. “Seeing research translate directly into clinical practice and building research capacity within the team has been incredibly rewarding, leading to real improvements in
Meegan received her award from Dr Jean-Frédéric Levesque, Chief Executive of the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, and the Deputy Secretary, Clinical Innovation and Research at NSW Health
Restoring a Northern Beaches landmark A $3.8 million conservation project to maintain the striking Dalwood House in Seaforth marks a major investment by the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) to preserve the heritage-listed site. The project will restore the iconic Northern Beaches’ sandstone building, which for more than a century has played a vital role in the community.
The current works are wide-ranging, and include stone repair and replacement, façade cleaning, timber restoration and repairs to the iconic Dalwood Home metal lettering. The NSW Government Stonework Program is managed and delivered by heritage architects in NSW Public Works and traditional trade practitioners at NSW Heritage Stoneworks.
Dalwood House sits on land first purchased in 1883 by Theodore Thomas Gurney, who built the Victorian Gothic stone mansion overlooking Middle Harbour. The estate originally included a caretaker’s cottage and stables, both of which survive today. Philanthropist Albert Edwin Dalwood purchased the site in 1922 and later donated the home to the Trustees of the Food for Babies Fund, which cared for mothers and babies from disadvantaged families. The site continues to be used by the NSLHD to support children and their families. A 2024 study into the condition of Dalwood House revealed significant deterioration and a need for comprehensive conservation work.
Restoration work is underway at Dalwood
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