This award recognises an Aboriginal health professional who delivers culturally safe, responsive and compassionate care in rural WA. They demonstrate a deep personal and professional commitment to Aboriginal health and actively work to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Ms Jody Hansen – Finalist
Jody Hansen is a proud Wangkatja Mirning Wudjari woman whose leadership in Aboriginal health exemplifies excellence, innovation, and cultural integrity. She holds a Master of Public Health and postgraduate qualifications in Indigenous Health Promotion, and translates evidence into practice, ensuring Aboriginal voices guide meaningful health reform.
Jody has dedicated her career to strengthening culturally safe, community-led healthcare across rural and remote WA, and her groundbreaking Goldfields Aboriginal Staff On-Call Service delivers culturally safe, after-hours support that improves patient trust, engagement, and outcomes.
Her leadership elevates Aboriginal health staff, strengthens cultural governance, and mentors emerging Aboriginal leaders, reinforcing that Aboriginal health is everyone’s responsibility.
Jody has contributed more than 15 years of service across government, community, and research sectors, and recently commenced a new role with Bega.
Mr Peter Yarran – Finalist
Peter Yarran is a highly respected Aboriginal Health Practitioner whose 20-year career reflects dedication, excellence and service to community. Since joining Bega Garnbirringu Health Service in 2010, he has delivered culturally safe care across the Goldfields, specialising in chronic disease management, wound care, phlebotomy and health education.
His expertise in TTANGO, QAMMS and Strep A testing has strengthened prevention, early diagnosis and management of priority conditions. A committed mentor, Peter gained his Training and Assessor qualification in 2024 and now teaches through NINDLA, inspiring the next generation of Aboriginal health workers.
He has expanded outreach through mobile clinics, school programs and chronic care services, improving culturally secure access for remote communities. A trusted role model and advocate, Peter empowers families, strengthens health systems and builds the capability of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clinicians across the Goldfields.
Mr Vernon Dann – winner
Vernon Dann has been a pillar of leadership, cultural integrity, and compassion within the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service (KMHDS) for nearly two decades. As the Aboriginal Mental Health Coordinator since 2013, he leads a team of 17 Aboriginal Mental Health Workers across the region with diligence, mentorship and commitment.
Vernon’s leadership has fostered professional growth for his team through training pathways such as Cert IV in Mental Health and the Diploma of Counselling, empowering staff to excel and lead. A trusted cultural advisor to KMHDS and WA Country Health Services (WACHS) executives, he provides guidance that strengthens cultural safety, governance, and patient outcomes.
His achievements include the creation of the “Ask Us” Cultural Awareness film, the KMHDS Cultural Governance Framework, and the Cultural Information Gathering Tool, initiatives that have been adopted statewide.
Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year is sponsored by Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia.