media release
30 August 2024
Announcing the winners of the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards
The eight winners of the national 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards were announced in Melbourne last night.
They were selected from almost 400 nominations, a record number of entries.
The HESTA Excellence Awards honour leading teams and individuals from around Australia working in the Disability, Allied Health, Aged Care, and Community Services sectors.
Winners include a team from WA who enhance the lives of children with complex and invisible conditions, an individual from NSW who supports families with premature and sick newborns, and an individual from regional Vic, recognised for empowering people with disabilities through performance.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey praised the winners and finalists, commending their remarkable efforts.
"Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. These teams and organisations have demonstrated outstanding excellence in providing essential services, significantly improving the lives of patients, clients and their families," Ms Blakey said.
"We deeply appreciate these professionals’ daily contributions to the Disability, Allied Health, Aged Care, and Community Services sectors. It’s a great privilege for the HESTA team to acknowledge these finalists and shine a spotlight on the crucial work done by so many across these sectors.”
The winners each shared in a $60,000 prize money pool for further education, service improvement, or team development, courtesy of longstanding HESTA Awards supporter ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ).
BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle congratulated the winners.
“We’re thrilled to support the careers of these eight winners. They embody the hard work and commitment of sectors that are so pivotal to this nation. ME is grateful to you for your tremendous contribution to our community,” Mr Boyle said.
Introducing the 2024 HESTA Excellence Award winners:
Allied Health – Team Excellence
Western Kids Health Complex Care Team
Western Kids Health
Shenton Park, WA
The Western Kids Health Complex Care Team was recognised for enhancing the lives of children and youth with complex and invisible conditions. The team has received international recognition as an Ehlers Danlos Centre of Excellence and launched the Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology (POP) program, helping to increase the quality of life of over 50 families.
Western Kids Health Head of Complex Care, Rowan Pearce said winning the award was an honour for the team.
“This recognition validates our efforts and motivates us to continue striving for excellence, innovation, and compassionate care in our field. It acknowledges the dedication and expertise of our multidisciplinary team,” Mr Pearce said.
Allied Health - Individual Leadership
Prue Walker
Monash Children’s Hospital, Monash Health
Clayton, VIC
Prue was recognised for her work as a FASD specialist social worker who provides education and training and works at the Victorian Fetal Alcohol Service (VicFAS) at Monash Children’s Hospital. Prue has significantly impacted the landscape of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Australia.
“Being recognised in the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards is a profound honour and personal validation. Throughout my career, both as a FASD advocate and now with the Victorian Fetal Alcohol Service, I've been passionate about sharing how appropriate support for individuals with FASD can profoundly transform their life outcomes,” Ms Walker said.
Aged Care – Team Excellence
FRIEND Team
The Good Shepherd Home
Annandale, QLD
The Good Shepherd Home (TGSH) was recognised for its innovative ‘Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Exercise, Nutritional Support, and Deprescribing’ (FRIEND) program. Over a 10-month period, 59 per cent of participating residents did not experience a fall, 70 per cent gained weight and polypharmacy was reduced by 20 per cent.
The Good Shepherd Home’s CEO, Brian Matthews, said it was an honour for the FRIEND program to be nationally recognised through the HESTA Excellence Awards.
“The most rewarding aspect is seeing tangible evidence of enhanced quality of life for residents brought about by the FRIEND program. The personal stories and testimonials that illustrate these improvements are significant, as they highlight the real impact our efforts have on individuals and their families,” Mr Matthews said.
Aged Care – Individual Leadership
Geraldene Marr
Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care
Redfern, NSW
Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care’s Client Support Manager, Geraldene Marr, was recognised for her exceptional work. For a decade, she has dedicated herself to enhancing the lives of elderly Aboriginal community members. Geraldene has significantly contributed to the wellbeing of her clients, and her understanding of the importance of cultural connection has helped create a space where clients feel respected, valued, and cared for.
Ms Marr said it was an incredible honour to win a HESTA award.
“This award validates the hard work, dedication, and compassion that I bring to my role in aged care every day. This recognition not only highlights the efforts of our entire team but also brings attention to the importance of providing culturally sensitive care and support to our aging population,” Ms Marr said.
Community Services – Team Excellence
Little Dreamers
South Melbourne, VIC
Little Dreamers was recognised for supporting more than 6,000 young carers in Australia by providing advocacy, aid, and tailored programs that improve education, employment, health, wellbeing, and financial literacy outcomes.
Madeleine Buchner said the award win was an incredible honour for the team.
“This award win not only puts young carers and Little Dreamers on the map, but it also validates our efforts and motivates us to continue striving for an equal world for young carers. The most rewarding aspect of our work is directly engaging with young carers and seeing the positive impact of our programs. Watching them grow and thrive over time is incredibly fulfilling and highlights the meaningful difference we make in their lives,” Ms Buchner said.
Community Services – Individual Leadership
Kylie Pussell
Miracle Babies Foundation
Liverpool, NSW
Miracle Babies Foundation Co-founder and CEO Kylie Pussell was recognised for her dedication to supporting families with premature or sick newborns. She oversees the national support program, champions mental health, advocates for extended parental leave, enhances a family’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (SCN) experience, and fosters a community for families.
Ms Pussell said it was an honour to win the award.
“Being acknowledged this way makes you consider the importance your dedication and passion bring to the Foundation’s purpose. I feel very privileged and proud of what we do for lives impacted by premature or sick births. Hearing and knowing the impact that families share after being supported by Miracle Babies is heartwarming, and something I am extremely proud of, and it is very rewarding for our whole team that what we do really does make a positive difference,” Ms Pussell said.
Disability Services – Team Excellence
‘Aspire to Be’ Yooralla project team
Yooralla
Melbourne, VIC
'Aspire to Be', a partnership between Yooralla and Anglicare Victoria (AV), was recognised for supporting over 100 children and young people with disabilities in out-of-home care. The team helps children and young people with disabilities gain access to the NDIS and provides the disability support they need for stability and the best possible developmental outcomes.
Yooralla’s Director of Allied Health, Kylie Bowden, said it was an honour for the team to be recognised.
“It’s an honour for the team to win an excellence award, given we work with so many people in the disability sector who provide amazing services to our clients. We love knowing that the work we do with young people in this space can change the trajectory of their lives by assisting those who need access to funding to get the support they require to live their best lives, giving others a better understanding of their disability, but also helping them to understand their strengths, not only their challenges,” Ms Bowden said.
Disability Services – Individual Leadership
Samara Cunningham
(It's No) Drama
Fish Creek, VIC
Samara Cunningham was recognised for her transformative work as the Artistic Director of (It's No) Drama - a regional theatre company helping empower people living with disabilities through performance. Samara’s championing of inclusivity and equity in the arts has elevated disability visibility in the community, helped break down stereotypes, and created more opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities.
Ms Cunningham said it was a huge honour to win the award.
“It fills me with confidence to know that my work at (It's No) Drama is important and worthy of such high praise. I feel incredibly privileged to be able to support people with disabilities in achieving their artistic goals and taking centre stage. It's a wonderful feeling to see others shine,” Ms Cunningham said.
Introducing the 2024 HESTA Excellence Award finalists:
Allied Health – Team Excellence
Jacana First 1000 Days Clinic, Monash Children’s Hospital
Monash Health
Clayton, VIC
The Jacana First 1000 Days Clinic is recognised for its work supporting infants and children aged 0-3 years at risk of developmental challenges associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Since opening, the clinic has assessed more than 80 children, providing early, transformative support to shape their futures positively.
PACE Program
Alpine Health & Beechworth Health Service
Alpine & Indigo Shire, VIC
The PACE Team is recognised for expanding their flexible cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program into Indigo Shire. By using telehealth and community-based care to reduce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular hospitalisations they help patients improve their quality of life.
Western Kids Health Complex Care Team
Western Kids Health
Shenton Park, WA
The Western Kids Health Complex Care Team is recognised for enhancing the lives of children and youth with complex and invisible conditions. The team has received international recognition as an Ehlers Danlos Centre of Excellence and launched the Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology (POP) program, helping to increase quality of life of over 50 families.
Allied Health - Individual Leadership
Pradip Chandra Bhattacharjee
Monash Health
Melbourne, VIC
Pradip Bhattacharjee, a clinician at Monash Health, has 30-plus years in emergency, intensive care, and mental health. He facilitates Trauma Informed Yoga and holistic occupational therapy programs, improving recovery for trauma-affected clients. Pradip's initiatives align with community-focused mental health strategies, earning positive feedback and professional recognition.
Sally Harris
Bendigo Health
Bendigo, VIC
Through her leadership at Bendigo Health, Sally has improved rural and regional healthcare. Sally's efforts have resulted in allied health workforce growth, increased student placements, and a strengthened research culture. She oversaw the COVID pathways program, which supported over 25,000 people in the Loddon Mallee region, and the growth of the Better@Home programs, providing care for people at or closer to home.
Prue Walker
Monash Health
Clayton, VIC
Prue Walker, a senior social worker at the Victorian Fetal Alcohol Service (VicFAS), has transformed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) care in Australia. She has significantly improved support and awareness through advocacy, education, and establishing VicFAS. Her work earned her the 2023 Monash Health Excellence in Allied Health Practice award, highlighting her impact and dedication.
Aged Care – Team Excellence
ACH Group Social Links Team
ACH Group
Mile End, SA
ACH Group's Social Links Team is recognised for enriching the lives of people over 60 in Adelaide through its Sing for Joy choirs, which address loneliness and social isolation. After expanding to six community choirs and one in each care home, their 2023 milestone performance helped challenge ageing stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
FRIEND Team
The Good Shepherd Home
Annandale, QLD
The Good Shepherd Home (TGSH) is recognised for its innovative ‘Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Exercise, Nutritional Support, and Deprescribing’ (FRIEND) program. Over a 10-month period, 59 percent of participating residents did not experience a fall, 70 per cent gained weight and polypharmacy was reduced by 20 percent.
The Critical Interim Support Program team
Brotherhood of St. Laurence
Frankston, VIC
The Critical Interim Support Program team (CIS) is recognised for connecting socially isolated, disadvantaged older people in Greater Melbourne with essential aged care, community, and mainstream services. This service has enabled 90 per cent of clients to remain at home with support, greatly enhancing their well-being.
Aged Care – Individual Leadership
Tracy Burling
Burling Aged Care Solutions
Rainbow Flat, NSW
With over three decades in nurse management, Tracy is recognised for pioneering the groundbreaking Burling Turn Assist Bed, significantly advancing aged care by allowing easy patient turning and reducing staff injuries. During a 12-week trial, the bed eliminated pressure injuries and slashed repositioning time by 97%. Tracy's innovation not only benefits individuals but also the broader healthcare system.
Mark Floresta
HammondCare
St Leonards, NSW
Mark is recognised for developing and implementing the SMS Project at HammondCare at Home, which enhanced aged care communication and reduced visit cancellations by 36 per cent. This initiative, which provides timely caregiver arrival alerts, has improved client and family well-being, and strengthened care partnerships.
Geraldene Marr
Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care
Redfern, NSW
Geraldene is recognised for her exceptional work at Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care, where she has dedicated a decade to enhancing the lives of elderly Aboriginal community members. Geraldene has significantly contributed to the well-being of her clients and her understanding of the importance of cultural connection has helped create a space where clients feel respected, valued and cared for.
Community Services – Team Excellence
Building Resilience via Advocacy, Counselling & Education (BRACE)
Odyssey House Victoria
Richmond, VIC
BRACE is recognised for embedding Youth alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and Mental Health Clinicians in high-needs secondary schools in northwest metropolitan Melbourne, supporting 1,500 young people with tailored counselling, outreach, and education to mitigate substance
misuse and its consequences. BRACE has successfully improved students' understanding of AOD-related issues and reduced risky behaviours.
Little Dreamers
South Melbourne, VIC
Little Dreamers is recognised for its support to over 6,000 Young Carers in Australia, providing advocacy, aid, and tailored programs that improve outcomes in education, employment, health, wellbeing, and financial literacy. Annually, the team delivers 14,500+ hours of respite, education, and peer support.
Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Team
Parkinson’s Western Australia
Perth, WA
The Parkinson's Nurse Specialist Team, nearing 25 years of service and responding to 15,000 diagnosed individuals, expertly supports over 3,000 patients in WA, along with their families and loved ones. The team help enhance life quality and healthcare navigation, aiming to reduce hospital visits through coordinated care and strong GP relationships.
Community Services – Individual Leadership
Matthew Parkinson
Bendigo Baptist Community Care Inc.
California Gully, VIC
Matthew is recognised for his transformative leadership in Bendigo, including growing MADCOW (Make A Difference, Change Our World) into a key charity. His belief in the dignity and worth of every individual drive MADCOW, as they care and support people experiencing homelessness through a self-funded model that also provides employment opportunities for Karen refugees.
Kylie Pussell
Miracle Babies Foundation
Liverpool, NSW
Kylie, co-founder and CEO of Miracle Babies Foundation, is known for her dedication to supporting families with premature or sick newborns. She oversees the national support program, championing mental health, advocating for extended parental leave, enhancing a
family’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (SCN) experience and fostering a community for families.
Jessica Staines
Koori Curriculum
Wyoming, NSW
Jessica is a proud Wiradjuri woman and early childhood educator recognised for her dedication to integrating Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood education. Her initiatives extend to a membership program, the Koori Curriculum Club, with over 1,000 educators, and free resources. Her impact is evident in the growing confidence of educators and the broader acceptance and celebration of First Nations culture in Australian society.
Disability Services – Team Excellence
‘Aspire to Be’ Yooralla project team
Yooralla
Melbourne, VIC
'Aspire to Be', a partnership between Yooralla and Anglicare Victoria (AV), is recognised for supporting over 100 children and young people with disability in out-of-home care to receive a diagnosis of disability, to support them to gain access to the NDIS and the disability supports they need for stability and the best possible developmental outcomes.
Taum’s Fishing Day
Parent to Parent Association Qld Inc.
Woombye, QLD
Taum's Fishing Day team is recognised for its innovative approach to creating a peer-led inclusive community for people with intellectual disabilities and their family members, in the Moreton Bay regions. With over fifty participants, the activity promotes connection and opportunities for friendships.
Spectrum Writing
Morphett Vale, SA
The Spectrum Writing team is recognised for its remarkable expansion from two groups in 2019 to 26 across South Australia, providing a nurturing space for neurodivergent people. Founded by award-winning autistic author and advocate Jason Fischer, Spectrum Writing has filled a void in support for neurodiverse writers and gamers.
Disability Services – Individual Leadership
Samara Cunningham
(It's No) Drama
Fish Creek, VIC
Samara Cunningham is recognised for her transformative work as the Artistic Director of (It's No) Drama. This regional theatre company helps empower people living with disabilities through performance. Her championing of inclusivity and equity in the arts has elevated disability visibility in the community, helped break down stereotypes, and created more opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities.
Lisa Moshovis
Ability WA
Coolbinia, WA
Lisa is recognised for her exceptional contributions as a Clinical Lead Speech Pathologist, addressing dysphagia (swallowing problems) and mealtimes in disability care. Her innovative research and collaborative efforts elevate care quality and patient well-being, establishing new industry benchmarks.
Ends.