media release
30 July 2024
The national 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards finalists announced
The 24 national finalists in the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards were announced today, highlighting the outstanding achievements in the disability, allied health, aged care, and community sectors.
Close to 400 nominations from around the country were submitted. HESTA CEO Debby Blakey acknowledged all those who were nominated for their contribution to the community and praised the exceptional leadership, commitment and passion of the finalists.
“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,” Ms 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. Often, they’ve provided a vital lifeline in people’s toughest moments.”
“We’re incredibly grateful for their profound contributions and thank those who nominated them for helping to recognise their amazing impact. HESTA is thrilled to share their inspirational stories and achievements.”
The national awards highlight the extraordinary work of these sectors to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. Finalists were selected across the categories of Individual Leadership and Team Excellence.
Eight winners will share in a $60,000 prize money pool – courtesy of longstanding HESTA Awards supporter ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ) – for personal or professional development or further development of processes or services in the workplace.
BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle expressed the bank's pride in supporting the awards.
“ME is proud to support these awards, recognising all the individuals whose passion for the care of others often leads them to help our community’s most vulnerable. Congratulations to this year’s finalists,” Mr Boyle said.
The eight winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 29 August 2024.
Introducing the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards 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 in 2022, 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, 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%. 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 the homeless 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
Emily Caska
Down Syndrome Institute
Sydney, NSW
Emily has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives that have helped empower and deliver positive outcomes for people living with disabilities and their families. Her strategic vision and drive led her to establish Australia's first Down Syndrome Institute for research and medical care advancement.
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.
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