Trailblazers in health recognised

Two trail-blazing women working in the health sector – one a plastic surgeon and the other an Aboriginal health worker – have been inducted into the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame.


As well, a veteran health journalist has been recognised, particularly for her work in the 1970s to raise awareness about the risks from blue asbestos exposure in Wittenoom.

Nola Naylor, left, and Dr Anh Nguyen

Established in 2011 in recognition of the Centenary of International Women’s Day, the Hall of Fame acknowledges the contributions and achievements women have made to WA’s community, society, history and culture. 

Last month, 16 women were inducted, and a further four added to its Roll of Honour for their contribution across areas such as arts, business, community, culture, education, health, sport and STEM.

Those recognised in the health category, sponsored by St John of God Health Care, were Nola Naylor, Director of Aboriginal Health Strategy at the South Metropolitan Health Service, and Perth plastic surgeon Dr Anh Nguyen.

Ms Naylor, a proud Banjima woman from the Central Pilbara, helped develop the Aboriginal Health Champions Network Program which identifies staff who undergo a cultural learning opportunity to explore additional understanding and experiences to improve health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people.

Ms Naylor has also partnered with Aboriginal Health Strategy Directors state-wide and staff from the Training Centre in Subacute Care (TRACS WA) to prepare an introductory module for health clinicians in Aboriginal person-centred care that is culturally appropriate.

She has helped build alliances with health clinicians, support workers, policy makers from WA secondary and tertiary hospitals, and non-government and not-for-profit organisations. 

These programs all reduce the financial burden on the health system by reducing the incidence of discharge against medical advice. 

The Hall of Fame noted Ms Naylor was an outstanding leader and mentor who embodied cultural respect and modelled these behaviours in her daily work.

“Her in-depth knowledge of the spiritual, cultural and health needs of Aboriginal peoples mean Nola plays an integral role in creating a positive hospital experience,” her citation said.

Vietnamese-born Dr Nguyen was recognised for her contribution in a medical specialty which was once male-dominated but has evolved over time. 

A Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Ahn has more than 20 years’ experience in emergency trauma surgery, reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery, and is an on-call plastic surgeon and consultant to numerous Perth hospitals including Fiona Stanley and St John of God Mt Lawley.

Catherine Martin Credit: The West Australian

Posthumously recognised in the Hall of Fame’s Roll of Honour was Catherine Martin, the award-winning West Australian journalist who was born in 1918 and helped expose Wittenoom’s toxic legacy.

During Martin’s expansive 28-year career in newspapers, she covered subjects including Aboriginal health, remote health care, cancer treatment and the dangers of smoking and drinking alcohol.

Her reports triggered overhauls in government procedures and people’s habits.

But it was Martin’s work for The West Australian exposing the deadly toll of the blue asbestos Wittenoom mine in the Pilbara that has left the longest-lasting impression.

In 1978, she began investigating the high incidence of death and disease among workers at the mine — writing the first of many articles which gave a voice to frightened Wittenoom families and concerned medical experts.

The reports contributed to the establishment of a compensation foundation by the mine’s operator, Colonial Sugar Refinery, and earned her the Gold Walkley in 1978.

Last month – 14 years after Martin died in 2009 at the age of 90 — she was posthumously recognised for her trailblazing reporting. 

ED: Read our profile on plastic surgeon Dr Ahn Nguyen here.