Dr Wilson was awarded Future Leader Male of the year and overall Outstanding Leader of the year.

Approximately 250 guests gathered in Brisbane for the awards gala dinner, but due to COVID-19 travel restrictions Mr Wilson watched online.

"Unfortunately being from Victoria we are not allowed to travel out of the state, so I watched the awards through the live stream," he said.

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"There are 10 categories and I was nominated by some individuals for the Future Leader Male category, which I was surprised to win.

"Each of the winners from all of the categories were then judged by a panel of judges for an overall award for outstanding leader which I received.

"I was in my pyjamas when I received an unexpected FaceTime call to accept the award, so I really wasn't expecting it."

The 2020 Outstanding Leadership Awards was hosted by LeadershipHQ to celebrate courageous, kind and inclusive leadership from communities and organisations.

"Receiving an award that acknowledges my role as a leader is humbling, and it also recognises the significant effort that goes into being a leader," Dr Wilson said.

"The Outstanding Leadership Awards doesn't recognise the typical aspects of leadership that might be defined by management or power, but instead awards courage, bravery and kindness.

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"These qualities are not always talked about as great skills of a leader, but these awards celebrate those attributes."

In 2017, Dr Wilson completed his post-graduate studies with the University of Melbourne and worked at Ballarat Health Service from 2018-2019.

This year, Dr Wilson moved to Ararat to become East Grampians Health Service's first full-time doctor.

"I am from a small town in New South Wales, which is about the same size as Ararat. My town had about 10,000 people as well, so I feel right at home," he said.

"Settling in during a pandemic is certainly harder. I have still been able to create a good social network despite those restrictions.

"It is a bit different trying to settle into a new town when you can't do the normal social activities you are used to.

"Fortunately, my work hasn't changed too much. As a doctor that works in the hospital, if someone is sick they receive the care they need.

"We've obviously had to put into place at the health service a number of safety precautions for patients and staff."

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