Dhelkaya Health has been awarded the prestigious Premier’s Medium Health Service of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. This is the highest honour for a medium-sized health service in Victoria.

The Castlemaine and Maldon-based service was also named a finalist in the Excellence in Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services category for its innovative Trishaw Program, delivered in partnership with Cycling Without Age Castlemaine.

The Trishaw Program, which sees volunteer ‘pilots’ take aged-care residents on joyful trishaw rides through the community, was celebrated for bringing mobility, connection and joy to residents living in aged care at both the Castlemaine and Maldon campuses.

Chief Executive Officer Sue Race said the dual recognition was an extraordinary achievement for a health service.

“I’m thrilled with this win and our finalist status. They confirm what we’ve always known, that small towns can deliver big-hearted, world-class healthcare,” Ms Race said.

“This award recognises our strong culture of staff engagement, outstanding leadership, relentless focus on quality and safety, and improved financial performance. Dhelkaya Health consistently meets its activity targets set by the Department of Health and every service stream remains fully accredited.”

“The acclaim belongs to our frontline staff, our innovative leadership team, generous volunteers, and the patients, clients and residents who trust us with their care,” Ms Race said.

“We’re now more determined than ever to keep raising the bar for rural and regional health.”

The Victorian Public Healthcare Awards honour organisations, teams and volunteers that make a meaningful difference in public healthcare – those driving innovation, improving patient experience and strengthening health outcomes for communities across the state.