We are proud to announce that the Cabrini Women’s Mental Health team has been named finalists in the ‘Outstanding Organisation’ award, at the 2025 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

The award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a better future for people working in nursing. Sharon Sherwood, Cabrini’s Chief of Mental Health and Outreach said it was an incredible honour.

“Our nurses are at the heart of everything we do. For our team this is a celebration of the compassionate, skilled, and tireless work they do every day to ensure women receive the care they deserve.

“The recognition also validates the importance of gender-specific mental health care and highlights the profound impact our nurses have in supporting women on their journey to recovery. It also shines a national spotlight on the essential role of mental health nursing and the need for continued investment in specialised training,” she said.

Cabrini Women’s Mental Health is Australia’s first private, women-only mental health service, offering a safe, nurturing, and respectful environment where women can embark on their recovery journey. Located in Elsternwick, the 30-bed inpatient facility provides specialised care for women experiencing mood disorders (including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder), burnout and stress, complex trauma (including PTSD), and addiction.

“The most rewarding part of our work is witnessing the transformation in the women we support,” said Ms Sherwood.

“Many arrive feeling lost, unheard, or overwhelmed. Yet through compassionate, specialised care, they rediscover their strength, confidence, and sense of self. Seeing women rebuild their lives, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace a future they once thought impossible is profoundly moving.

“We are incredibly proud of our model of care, which empowers both our staff and our patients. We see each woman for who she is, not just her diagnosis, and this personalised approach makes all the difference.

“Our success has inspired other services to adapt our model. Having worked in a broken mental health system, we know change is needed, and we hope our model is a step toward lasting reform,” Ms Sherwood concluded.

Find out more about the Cabrini Women’s Mental Health service