FOR HOSPITALS
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation provides urgently required medical equipment for Neonatal Units and Paediatric Wards in public hospitals and health services Australia-wide.
MICHELLE BEETS AWARD FOR INSPIRATIONAL PAEDIATRIC CARE
The Michelle Beets Award for Inspirational Paediatric Care recognises the outstanding achievement of individuals who go above and beyond to advance children’s health in New South Wales (NSW).
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation would like to recognise and thank the NSW Government for providing the funding for The Michelle Beets Award.
Since 2011, the Michelle Beets Award has honoured the memory of devoted and well-respected nurse Michelle Beets. Michelle worked at Royal North Shore Hospital for 25 years, including 10 years as Nurse Manager in the emergency department. Michelle was deeply committed to nursing practice education and demonstrated the highest standard of nursing professionalism, investing in the best level of care for all patients.
Michelle tragically lost her life in 2010. The Humpty Dumpty Foundation – with the support of NSW Health – continues to honour her life and work by rewarding inspiration in paediatric care within the NSW public health system.
Winners of the Michelle Beets Award each receive $25,000 worth of medical equipment for their hospital through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and a $5,000 bursary for professional development, training or research. The 2026 Michelle Beets Awards winners will be announced at the Great Humpty Ball Sydney on 22 August 2026.
2026 MICHELLE BEETS AWARD WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED RECIPIENTS
2025 Regional Winner
Elesa Crowley – Paediatric Dietitian - Tamworth Regional Referral Hospital
Elesa Crowley has made an exceptional contribution to paediatric care in regional NSW, building a comprehensive paediatric nutrition service at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital from the ground up. Through strong partnerships with medical and nursing teams, Elesa ensures babies in the Special Care Nursery receive early nutritional and growth assessment, helping them achieve optimal growth before returning to often rural and isolated communities.
2025 Metropolitan Winner
Jodie Cannell – Child Life Therapist, Emergency Department - The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Jodie Cannell is an outstanding Child Life Therapist whose impact on children, families and staff in the Children's Hospital at Westmead Emergency Department is widely recognised. Through individualised, trauma-informed care, Jodie helps children feel safe and supported during what can be stressful and unfamiliar experiences.
2025 Regional Highly Commended
Debby Howard – Registered Paediatric Nurse, Mental Health Services - Griffith/Leeton/Narranderra/Lake Cargellico
For 20 years, Debby Howard has dedicated herself to supporting children and young people experiencing mental health crises across regional NSW, where access to specialist services can be limited and distances are vast. In 2025 alone, Debby provided direct clinical care to 105 children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health crisis.
2025 Metropolitan Highly Commended
Erin Beavis – Clinical Nurse Consultant Neurology - Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick
Erin Beavis is an exceptional Clinical Nurse Consultant whose dedication to children, families and colleagues has made a lasting impact on paediatric care. With extensive experience in neurology, Erin brings expertise, compassion and kindness to every interaction, supporting children and families through often complex healthcare journeys.