Anna Hill named Leader of the Year at the Be.Bendigo and Bendigo Bank Business Excellence Awards

20 Aug 2025

Judges described Ms Hill as “outstanding in every respect,” recognising her impact across healthcare and the arts.

The honour reflects two major contributions to the region:

• Healthcare innovation: leadership of the $2.85 million campaign that brought the da Vinci Xi surgical robot to St John of God Bendigo Hospital in 2024.
• Cultural vitality: service since 2021 as the volunteer Partnerships Director for the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra (BSO), strengthening collaborations between business, philanthropy, and community.

Michael Hogan, CEO, St John of God Bendigo Hospital, said:

“Anna’s leadership has accelerated our ability to deliver advanced, minimally invasive care close to home. By uniting donors, sponsors and community partners, she has raised the bar for what regional healthcare can achieve - today and into the future.”

Nigel McGuckian, President, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, said:

“Anna pairs strategic clarity with generosity of spirit. She forges long-term partnerships that expand our orchestra programs, grow audiences, and deepen education initiatives - elevating Bendigo’s cultural life while strengthening the community that supports it.”

Anna Hill said:

“I’m humbled to be named Leader of the Year and grateful for the judges’ generous words:

‘Anna Hill embodies the essence of leadership - integrity, humility, and community commitment. She has united businesses, philanthropists, and individuals to deliver life-changing healthcare and has elevated the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra to new heights.’

My heartfelt thanks to the judges, to CEO Michael Hogan, and to our Executive, Foundation, Support and Leadership teams at St John of God Health Care Bendigo Hospital.

Thank you to everyone at the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, especially President Nigel McGuckian, for championing our shared vision as we build what’s next.

To every donor, sponsor, partner, volunteer, and community member - this recognition is yours. Onward, together.”

CEO Michael Hogan and Director of Marketing & Business Development Anna Hill

Anna Hill with the St John of God Bendigo Hospital team