A Nyul Nyul man from the Kimberley has been recognised for his contribution to Aboriginal health at this year's WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.

Vernon Dann was named Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year at the 2026 awards, announced at the weekend at a ceremony recognising rural and remote health workers from across Western Australia.

The awards, presented annually by Rural Health West in partnership with the WA Country Health Service, recognise individuals and teams delivering healthcare in regional, rural and remote communities.

Mr Dann was recognised for his work supporting Aboriginal patients and families in the Kimberley, where distance and workforce shortages can make access to healthcare more challenging.

WA Country Health Service chief executive, Jeff Moffet, said the awards highlight the dedication of clinicians working outside metropolitan areas.

"These awards do an excellent job of highlighting some of the exceptionally dedicated and community-focused health professionals across rural and remote WA," he said.

"They serve to remind us that delivering high-quality, equitable care in rural communities requires not only skill but a true commitment to the people in their care."

Rural Health West chief executive, Professor Catherine Elliott, said the awards recognised people working to improve health outcomes in country communities.

"The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards celebrate the people who are driving meaningful change in healthcare across regional and remote Western Australia," she said.

"From frontline clinicians to multidisciplinary teams, these winners demonstrate professionalism, creativity and unwavering dedication."

The awards recognise health professionals working across nearly every region of Western Australia and highlight efforts to strengthen healthcare services in rural and remote communities.