2025 PPMLAA Recipient | Jacqui Robinson, FASA

Jacqui Robinson, FASA has dedicated more than three decades to advancing vascular ultrasound through groundbreaking research, transformative education, and deep clinical expertise. From founding the Society for Vascular Technology of Great Britain and Ireland in the early 1990s to establishing one of Australia’s most respected vascular diagnostic services at Liverpool Hospital, Jacqui’s legacy spans continents and generations.

She has mentored countless sonographers, medical students, and registrars, and developed education programs used across hospitals, universities, and remote communities—including innovative training tools for dialysis nurses in regional Australia.

Jacqui’s research has helped shift diagnostic practice toward non-invasive vascular ultrasound and continues today through a PhD focused on wearable technologies for rural vascular care. A regular ASA presenter, former Vascular SIG Chair, and ASA Fellow with numerous research citations to her name, Jacqui’s commitment to equity in healthcare access, excellence in education, and collaborative leadership makes her a true role model for the profession.

Sonographer of the Year New South Wales | Catherine Robinson, FASA

Catherine Robinson, FASA has made an extraordinary impact by launching Australia’s first university-based postgraduate program in obstetric and gynaecological sonography. At the same time, Catherine designed and implemented a progressive student training model at one of the country’s leading clinical practices.

Her commitment to mentorship, patient-centred care, and educational excellence earned her internal accolades and national recognition. A driving force behind Radiology Across Borders’ global initiatives and a published researcher, Catherine has also delivered vital ultrasound training in remote First Nations communities.

Her work continues to shape the next generation of sonographers and elevate professional standards.

Sonographer of the Year New Zealand | Carol Bagnall

Carol Bagnall leads one of New Zealand’s busiest tertiary ultrasound services with unwavering dedication to clinical excellence and patient care. A recognised expert in women’s health and fetal echocardiography, Carol remains hands-on in practice while mentoring a large cohort of trainees and supporting sonographer upskilling.

Her leadership has driven innovation, from establishing pelvic floor and contrast-enhanced ultrasound services to modernising ultrasound infrastructure. A national voice for the profession, Carol serves on advisory boards, the MRTB, and speaks internationally.

Her cultural humility, educational leadership, and commitment to best practice continue to elevate standards for patients and the profession across New Zealand.

Sonographer of the Year Queensland | Erika Cavanagh, FASA

Erika Cavanagh, FASA is widely recognised for advancing excellence in obstetric ultrasound and is a driving force behind education, clinical research, and mentorship in Queensland and beyond.

Erika leads ultrasound services for the Fetal Growth Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia, improving outcomes for high-risk pregnancies while contributing nationally published research. Her educational impact spans hospitals, universities, and conferences.

Known for her approachability, leadership, and deep commitment to patient-centred care, Erika consistently supports early-career sonographers and trainees while setting high standards through her own clinical practice.

Sonographer of the Year South Australia | Matthew Le

At South Australia’s largest hospital, Matthew Le has led transformative clinical innovations, introducing contrast-enhanced ultrasound, TCD, intestinal ultrasound, and liver quantification as routine services.

Matthew’s leadership has improved diagnostic accuracy, reduced wait times by months, expanded sonographer scope, and reshaped patient management protocols.

With a revitalised department culture, multidisciplinary collaboration, and national recognition, Matthew’s work has set a new benchmark in sonographer-led care, research, and service delivery in public health.

Sonographer of the Year Victoria | Angela Farley, AFASA

Angela Farley, AFASA has transformed patient care and training in regional Victoria, expanding access to routine scans such as nuchal translucency, advanced vascular, and MSK, which were previously unavailable locally.

A university lecturer and award-winning researcher, Angela’s cardiac study on Australian jockeys led to life-saving follow-ups and inspired peers to pursue research.

Through weekly national student tutorials and ASA conference presentations, Angela continues to elevate rural practice and champion an inclusive, connected sonography profession.

Sonographer of the Year Western Australia | Caterina Watson, AFASA

Caterina Watson, AFASA brings a powerful combination of cultural sensitivity, academic leadership, and global outreach to the profession.

In the past year alone, Caterina has delivered ultrasound training in Papua New Guinea, developed culturally inclusive educational content through firsthand learning with Aboriginal communities, and mentored students across Australia.

As chair of ASA’s Emerging Technology SIG and a PhD candidate exploring machine learning in fetal imaging, Caterina is a respected voice in research, innovation, and education in sonography.

Sonographer of the Year Tasmania | Kathryn Fenton

Kathryn Fenton brings over three decades of expertise to the profession. Her leadership and experience have been instrumental in elevating musculoskeletal and hand ultrasound services across the region, earning trust from orthopaedic surgeons and GPs alike.

A lifelong mentor and educator, Kathryn continues to support the next generation of sonographers with skill, patience, and dedication.

Her impact, built on professionalism, patient care, and peer support, has helped shape sonography in Tasmania and inspired excellence across the profession.

Sonographer of the Year ACT | Nikki Nokes

In the last 12 months, Nikki Nokes has driven sweeping improvements across two major hospitals in Canberra. Nikki developed and standardised ultrasound protocols, implemented cross-site training initiatives, and dramatically improved paediatric hip imaging accuracy through targeted quality improvement.

Nikki’s collaborative spirit helped develop an interim Early Pregnancy Service, midwife POCUS training, and cross-territory registrar training.

This work has not only elevated clinical practice but also laid the groundwork for a sustainable and highly skilled ultrasound workforce.

Researcher of the Year | Sandy Maranna, FASA

Sandy Maranna, FASA has advanced sonography on both national and global stages through a body of work that bridges clinical practice, education, and innovation.

Sandy’s PhD research into online learning transfer is already influencing allied health education, while her multiple publications—spanning cognitive presence, AI in ultrasound, and sonographer wellbeing—have shaped best practice and policy.

A lead contributor to WHO’s maternal health trials and national point-of-care ultrasound projects, Sandy also supervises students and guides policy through expert panels.

Tutor of the Year | Danielle Bowles, AFASA

Danielle Bowles, AFASA has transformed sonographer training by introducing hands-on workshops, peer-reviewed feedback models, and tailored mentorship programs.

Danielle has supported students through mental health challenges, developed imaging resources, and championed critical thinking through innovative teaching.

As a QUT industry independent advisor and co-author of a national curriculum paper, she is influencing the future of sonographer education, ensuring students feel supported, skilled, and inspired to deliver the highest standards of patient care.

The Sue Caitcheon Memorial Award ASA Volunteer of the Year | Donna Napier, FASA

Donna Napier, FASA has made an extraordinary impact on the sonography profession through a broad and generous commitment to service, education, and outreach.

From publishing educational articles and reviewing journal submissions to advising national policy on sonographer scope, Donna’s influence spans clinical excellence and strategic advocacy. She is a mentor to practitioners in remote Australia and an educator to clinicians in underserved communities worldwide.

Donna’s unwavering commitment to professional standards, patient care, and global health equity exemplifies the very spirit of volunteerism in sonography.

Emerging Sonographer of the Year | Leanna Chen

Driven by a deeply personal patient experience, Leanna Chen delivers scans with empathy, clarity, and thoughtful care.

Leanna once identified a serious lesion beyond routine protocol through active listening and critical thinking. Outside of the clinic, she has mentored students, chaired educational initiatives, and served on national boards and committees, contributing to governance, AI integration, and course accreditation.

Her commitment to continuous learning, patient-centred practice, and uplifting the next generation has not only enriched her workplace but helped shape the future of sonography.

Rural and Remote Sonographer of the Year | Sadie Atkins

Sadie Atkins’ leadership has transformed ultrasound access and education across the Northern Territory.

As the architect of a pioneering training program at a major regional hospital, Sadie has tackled workforce shortages while championing POCUS education for medical students and rural doctors. Her outreach extends from launching a liver ultrasound clinic in a remote Aboriginal community to establishing services in correctional facilities.

A driving force behind equipment innovation, statewide training, and collaborative CPD opportunities, Sadie also chairs her local ASA branch.

Her tireless advocacy ensures quality imaging and professional development reach even the most isolated corners of Australia.