The North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and Orange Sky Australia have received the Runner-Up Highly Commended Award for Partnerships in Action: Driving down Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) in remote First Nations communities across North West Queensland at the Queensland Reconciliation Awards on 2 June 2025.

The partnership between North West HHS and Orange Sky Australia has been a vital component in the efforts to eradicate RHD, combining clinical expertise with community engagement and support services.

Orange Sky’s unique approach, providing free laundry and social connection services, helps improve hygiene and living conditions while fostering trust and relationship-building within these communities.

Representatives from Doomadgee, Mornington Island, North West HHS and Orange Sky Australia were in attendance to receive the award, reflecting the widespread regional collaboration driving this initiative.

Health Service Chief Executive, Sean Birgan, said laundry services is not the core business of a hospital and health service, however we recognise that clean laundry and linen is a key component amongst a suite of strategies to providing a holistic approach to care.

"We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition, which highlights the power of partnership in addressing complex health challenges like Rheumatic Heart Disease,” said Mr Birgan.

“Since commencement of this partnership in 2022, there has been a 57 percent reduction in the number of RHD cases in the North West. This partnership focusses on improving hygiene, health education and increasing the frequency of visits by their skin health teams to combat this chronic issue.

“Together, we are making real progress in reducing RHD rates and improving the wellbeing of First Nations peoples in North West Queensland."

Both organisations remain committed to continuing this vital work, strengthening their partnership, and to continue to drive down rates of RHD which is preventable and treatable.