The award was presented to principal GP Dr Adel Asaid and practice mananger Kathy Tuohey by state parliamentary secretary for health Mary-Anne Thomas on behalf of Health Minister Jill Hennessey.

The clinic stepped into the breach in 1998 after Elmore hospital closed four years earlier and is now home to five doctors treating 5000 patients across the region.

Practice Manager Kathy Tuohey said she was thrilled with the practice's win.

"This award recognises leadership and excellence in the provision of health and well­-being care for the Elmore and district community," she said.

"It is such an honour for Elmore Primary Health Services to be recognised in this way, as we are passionate about our work and community.

"We thoroughly enjoy working in rural Victoria providing high quality care to those in the community who are most in need.

"I speak for all of us at the practice when I say that working in hospital and general practice in Elmore has been such a rewarding experience.

"Each and every person has played a role in creating the health service that Elmore Primary Health Services is today, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts and commitment of these people.

"I congratulate the efforts of all the people I work with.

"I also would like to thank the people of Elmore, and surrounding district for their ongoing support of our work."

In presenting the award Ms Thomas said there was much to be proud of in rural health.

"We have so much to be proud of in Victoria's rural health services and there is no question the quality of care offered in the rural health sector is second to none thanks in no small part to you," she said.

Other recipients were Wodonga's Gateway Health, the Inglis Medical Centre in Sale, Moe After Hours Medical Clinic, Orbost Medical Clinic and Wonthaggi Medical Group.