Jannah De-Bressac, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner from Carbal Medical Services, has been named a finalist for the Stronger Medicare Awards.
In just five years, Mrs De-Bressac has made remarkable strides in her career, becoming a trailblazer in First Nations health care.
Mrs De-Bressac was among the first practitioners in Queensland to participate in Covid-19 vaccination training for First Nations communities, significantly boosting local vaccination rates.
She is also the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner in Queensland to earn the First Nations Immunisation Course qualification, allowing her to administer all vaccines on the National Immunisation Program Schedule to patients of all ages.
Reflecting on her journey, Mrs De-Bressac credits her success to the support of her colleagues, Carbal Medical Services, and her community.
“I feel I am a product of all these people who have helped me grow and passed on their knowledge,“ she said.
“I hope one day, I will be the same for others.“
In Medicare’s 40th year, the Stronger Medicare Awards recognise and honour Medicare Champions from around Australia: outstanding individuals and practices that provide exceptional care, embrace innovation and work together to improve the health of their community.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler said Queenslanders are tremendously fortunate to have so many great doctors, nurses and other health professionals working to keep them healthy and out of hospital, day in and day out.
“These five finalists are some of the many people and practices working outside of hospitals in health settings across Queensland, who go above and beyond to support their patients,” Minister Butler said.
“I would like to congratulate these finalists and acknowledge their commitment. They demonstrate selfless service, commitment to excellence, and passion for their patients and community.”
More than 140 nominations were submitted from every state and territory, which were then assessed by an expert panel of five independent, pre-eminent individuals from the primary care sector, including a consumer representative.
The five Queensland finalists have been recognised for their significant contributions, including supporting the health of newly arrived migrants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care, providing care in rural and regional areas, chronic disease management and LGBTQIA+ health services.
Primary care is the foundation of Australia’s healthcare system, delivered through general practice, community health centres, mental health centres, and allied health services. These are the health settings Australians visit most often throughout their lives and are often the first place people turn to when they have a health problem.
Queensland finalists
Dr John Buckley, General Practitioner, Albany Clinic.
Jannah De-Bressac, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner, Carbal Medical Services.
Lilly Masters, Practice Nurse, Doctors of Tewantin.
Inala Primary Care team.
Mater Integrated Refugee Health Service team.
These are the first finalists to be announced, with finalists from other states and territories to be announced in coming weeks.
The finalists will be celebrated, and Medicare Champions announced, at the Stronger Medicare Awards ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on 4 November 2024.
For further information on the awards visit health.gov.au/medicare-turns-40/stronger-medicare-awards
