The Murrumbidgee Local Health District Award was presented to Mr McColm on Wednesday, by MLHD chief executive Jill Ludford.
The award is the highest accolade awarded in the MLHD and is presented annually to an emerging leader who reflects the values of aviation pioneer Don Kendell.
“Excellence, professionalism and integrity are key attributes as well as the ability to inspire team spirit and lead change,” the award description reads.
“These characteristics were fundamental to the way Don approached life and business and his individual style and integrity earned him enormous respect and admiration, not only in the airline industry but also in the community.”
Ms Ludford confirmed Mr McColm was nominated by his colleagues and the Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee who describe him as “an inspirational leader, and the embodiment of the term above and beyond”.
As the cluster manager, Mr McColm manages six hospitals, and Ms Ludford said he is “passionate about rural health care”.
“Using his diverse clinical experience and his relational leadership style, he has grown and supported a capable and confident leadership team around him,” she said.
“At the same time, he is deeply connected to every community in his cluster.
“He works tirelessly with his LHACs to lead improvement in healthcare based on local needs.
“An example of this was his eagerness to pilot the ED to community work, alongside his colleagues in the integrated care team. Together they have cared for consumers with complex needs who have had multiple presentations to the ED.
“His colleagues cited many examples of Craig’s exceptional team and leadership qualities. In essence, he is a role model for others, and demonstrates genuine engagement with staff and communities at all levels.”
Deniliquin LHAC chair Lourene Liebenberg contributed to his nomination saying “What sets Craig apart is that he has shown that being open, transparent and inclusive is the way to lead teams and bring the community along.”
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