Some heroes wear scrubs, others gloves and sometimes, they hold tiny casts of baby feet that carry the weight of a lifetime of love.
Hayley Mitrevski, a Senior Forensic Mortuary Technician at NSW Health Pathology in Lidcombe, has just been announced as the latest winner of Dr Woof Apparel’s Healthcare Hero Awards, and it’s not hard to see why.
In a profession that most of us could never imagine stepping into, Hayley shows up every day not just to do her job, but to bring a small measure of comfort to families at their most heartbreaking moment.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 
Working in the mortuary at Lidcombe, Hayley recognised a quiet gap in how healthcare systems support grieving parents after the loss of a baby.
Instead of accepting the status quo, she introduced a new initiative: casting the feet of babies who pass through the facility, and sending them home to parents as a tender, tangible keepsake, entirely free of charge, with consent.
It’s a practice rooted in care, connection, and genuine compassion.
And while that alone would be extraordinary, Hayley didn’t stop there.
She’s also trained her fellow technicians in the process, ensuring the service continues when she takes maternity leave herself.
That’s the kind of legacy that goes far beyond the workplace.
The award, which is run by beloved medical fashion label Dr Woof Apparel, recognises the hard-working legends of Australia’s healthcare system, from nurses and GPs to emergency workers, pathology staff and more.
Each month, a nominee is awarded a $3000 cash prize. And with your vote, more deserving healthcare heroes could be the next winner.
Whether you work in healthcare or simply want to support those who do, this campaign is a powerful way to show appreciation for the professionals who often go unseen and unheard, especially those like Hayley, who bring humanity and heart to the hardest corners of the system.
Let’s rally behind the many Aussie healthcare workers like Hayley who are making a profound difference.
Voting takes just a minute, but your support can mean everything.
Cast your vote now to support your favourite healthcare hero.
