Meet the winners of the 2026 Voluntary Assisted Dying Awards
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, presented at a gala dinner during the Voluntary Assisted Dying Conference (VADCON26) in Melbourne.
The four winners recognise outstanding contributions of researchers, health professionals and community advocates. They are:
VADANZ Innovation Award for Emerging Research in Voluntary Assisted Dying
Winner: Casey Haining
Interdisciplinary researcher Casey Haining was recognised for her significant contribution to voluntary assisted dying research, particularly in the area of VAD and dementia.
Casey holds research appointments at Queensland University of Technology's Australian Centre for Health Law Research and the University of Melbourne. She is currently completing a PhD examining VAD and dementia from the perspective of the medical profession.
The judges praised Casey's sustained contribution to VAD research, including 17 peer-reviewed journal articles, two book chapters and a major research report. Her work has influenced law reform, policy and clinical practice and attracted significant media interest.
The judges described her dedication, resilience and impact as exceptional for an emerging researcher.
The other finalists were Miranda Batten, Senior Policy Officer at Canberra Health Services, and Manu Pelayo, an assisted dying clinical adviser at Health New Zealand and doctoral researcher exploring family experiences of assisted dying in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Go Gentle Australia Community Champion Award – Organisation or Group
Winner: Northern Territory Campaign Team
The Northern Territory Campaign Team was recognised for its longstanding determination and commitment to restoring voluntary assisted dying rights in the Territory.
Led by COTA NT and its CEO Sue Shearer, the campaign brought together advocates, community leaders and families who worked tirelessly for legislative reform.
The team included Judy Dent, Marshall Perron, Lindsay Marshall, Frankie Bennett and Suzanne James, alongside family advocates including the Bayliss family, Sharon Cramp Oliver, Lori Martin, Gavin Perry and the late Steve 'SteveO' O'Grady.
The judges acknowledged the group's persistence, compassion and commitment over many years – in some cases, spanning three decades – in helping restore VAD rights to Territorians.
Suzanne James accepted the award on behalf of the team.
The other finalists were Health New Zealand's Autonomy Team, recognised for its compassionate support of assisted dying applicants and whānau, and Victoria's Statewide Care Navigator Service, led by Susan Jury, which has helped establish the model for VAD care navigation services across Australia.
Go Gentle Australia Community Champion Award – Individual
Winner: Dr Scott Blackwell
Dr Scott Blackwell was recognised for his exceptional leadership in establishing and overseeing voluntary assisted dying services in Western Australia.
Scott played a central role in developing WA's VAD legislation as a member of the Ministerial Expert Panel. He subsequently chaired the Implementation Leadership Group, which spent 18 months preparing the systems and services needed before VAD commenced in 2021.
As the inaugural Chair of the Western Australian VAD Board, Scott provided five years of leadership and oversight, helping establish a service grounded in compassion, clinical excellence and person-centred care.
The selection committee praised his dedication to building a strong VAD system and fostering a culture of generosity, mentorship and collaboration.
As his nominator observed, Scott's leadership was instrumental in creating a VAD service recognised as among the best in Australia.
The other finalists were Anthea Smith, a Canberra-based advocate who has shared her experience supporting her husband Jason through motor neurone disease and VAD, and Dr Laureen Lawlor-Smith, a South Australian GP and VAD practitioner who created the Voices from Voluntary Assisted Dying podcast.
The Rodney Syme Medal
Joint recipients: Emma Vulin MP and Judy Dent, NTVES
The 2026 Rodney Syme Medal was jointly awarded to Victorian Member of Parliament Emma Vulin and Judy Dent, President of the Northern Territory Voluntary Euthanasia Society.
Presented by Jane Morris, President of Dying with Dignity Victoria, the medal is named in honour of pioneering VAD advocate Dr Rodney Syme and acknowledges exceptional commitment to end-of-life choice.
Emma Vulin accepted her medal and addressed the ceremony through a video message.
Recognising those making a difference
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2026 Voluntary Assisted Dying Awards. Read more about all the finalists here.
Their achievements reflect the many ways individuals and organisations are helping advance research, improve VAD services, support patients and families, and protect end-of-life choice.
The awards were a highlight of VADCON26, held in Melbourne on 19–20 October and co-convened by Go Gentle Australia and VADANZ.
