Two dozen health trailblazers have been shortlisted for their outstanding work across aged care, allied health, community and disability support services. See the list.
HESTA Super Fund has named its finalists for its 2024 Excellence Awards, aimed at recognising outstanding achievements across the aged care, allied health, community and disability sectors.
Two dozen finalists were chosen from a total of 400 nominations across Australia, with six finalists selected for each sector across two categories, individual leadership and team excellence.
The eight winners, set to be announced at a ceremony on 29 August, will each receive $7500 from a shared prizemoney pool of $60,000 to put towards professional development or workplace upgrades such as bolstering existing initiatives.
“The record number of nominations we’ve had from right across the country speaks to the incredible work of so many in these sectors that makes such a critical contribution to the health and wellbeing of our community,” HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.
“Congratulations to all the finalists. Through their work they’ve demonstrated outstanding professional excellence and deep levels of care and compassion that’s improved outcomes for so many.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their profound contributions and thank those who nominated them for helping to recognise their amazing impact.”
Allied health
Finalists for the team excellence award included Monash Health’s Jacana First 1000 days clinic, which provides early support for infants and children affected by FASD, as well as Alpine Health and Beechworth Health Service’s PACE Program, recognised for the expansion of its cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program using telehealth and community-based care to reduce COPD and cardiovascular hospitalisations.
Aged care
South Australia-based non-profit ACH Group’s Social Links Team was shortlisted for a team excellence award for its Sing for Joy community choirs, while Queensland-based residential aged care facility The Good Shepherd Home was recognised for its innovative Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Exercise, Nutritional Support, and Deprescribing (FRIEND) program.
Community service
Finalists for the team excellence category for community service providers included specialist alcohol and other drugs treatment provider Odyssey House Victoria for its Building Resilience via Advocacy, Counselling and Education (BRACE) program targeting high needs secondary schools, Perth-based Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Team and leading advocacy organisation for young carers, Little Dreamers.
Disability sector
Finalists for the team excellence award included the Aspire to Be project, delivered via partnership between disability support provider Yooralla and Anglicare Victoria, the team behind the Taum’s Fishing Day initiative in Woombye, Queensland and the Spectrum Writing team based in South Australia.
The full list of award nominees is available here.