Healthcare pioneers and community advocates have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to aged and disability care at a 10th anniversary dinner hosted by care provider My Guardian in Sydney.
Attended by 400 guests, including Premier Chris Minns, the event paid tribute to two leading figures in care. Professor Les Bokey AM received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in surgical robotics and healthcare automation within the public system, which has transformed access to treatment for disadvantaged and diverse communities. His cancer research has also significantly improved survival rates and reduced recurrence.
Gwenda Darling was presented with the Community Champion Award in recognition of her decades of advocacy and leadership. Her work has helped shape healthcare practices and foster more inclusive services for older Australians and people with disabilities.
In addition to the headline honours, the evening also acknowledged the contributions of other healthcare professionals, aged care workers and community leaders whose commitment continues to improve the lives of older Australians and people living with disability.
The celebration also marked a milestone for My Guardian, which has delivered over 12 million hours of personal care to 10,000 families in New South Wales during the past decade. Looking ahead, the organisation announced new partnerships with the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research and the Heart Research Institute to translate medical discoveries into practical solutions for aged and community care.
Premier Minns described their achievements as a reflection of the leadership, compassion, and innovation needed to strengthen care across Australia.
