From bringing doctors and specialist health professionals to seriously ill children in rural and regional NSW to delivering child and family health services to NSW's mid north coast region, these finalists have demonstrated innovation and leadership.

Little Wings is recognised for providing free, professional and safe air and ground transport services for sick children in rural and regional NSW with a presence on the Mid North Coast.

Their aim is to ensure sick children in regional NSW can access the specialised medical services and treatments available in major cities or towns by easing the financial burden, emotional strain and travel fatigue associated with receiving vital medical treatment.

When COVID-19 struck, Little Wings had to pivot - bringing doctors and other specialists to seriously ill children in the regions to continue their treatment. This has prevented highly vulnerable patients from being exposed to COVID-19 as well as to reduce transmission in NSW.

Little Wings volunteer pilots and drivers are the heart and soul of the organisation.

The Tresillian 2U (T2U) Mobile Early Parenting Service and Mid North Coast Local health District is recognised for their innovative approach to delivering child and family health services to regional NSW.

Tresillian aims to support families with the best foundation possible for children's early development and safety in their first 2000 days.

T2U is the first mobile specialist child and family health service in Australia, providing services in communities of lower population density that often struggle to receive specialist help.

Their fit-for-purpose motorhome and dedicated staff deliver equitable access to child and family health services for families with children aged 0-3 years within their own communities, working with local service providers.

In 18 months of operation, T2U's small by dedicated team (1.5 FTE) has provided more than 1000 occasions of service to rural families in need.

Finalists in the inaugural HESTA Excellence Awards are in the running to share in a $60,000 prize money pool.

The awards highlight the extraordinary work being done across the disability, allied health, aged care and community services sectors to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said each of the 24 finalists have been selected for their leadership, compassion and incredible dedication to improve the quality of care and support for more Australians.

"Their work has pushed boundaries, shown innovation and is making a real difference to people's lives," Ms Blakey said.

"These highly skilled professionals deserve to be recognised for the incredible impact they have had in their communities, which is why HESTA is proud and privileged to help shine a spotlight on their achievements."

The award winners will be announced on Thursday, November 26.

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