media release
19 January 2021
Finalists recognised for sustainability, gender equity, diversity and health achievements in inaugural HESTA Impact Awards
Eleven finalists were today announced for the first-ever HESTA Impact Awards, recognising health and community services professionals taking positive steps to create a better world.
Finalist achievements covered sustainability, gender equity, health and diversity and inclusion initiatives, including a hospital-wide recycling program, health literacy sessions for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and a free online career support program for women in need.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said she was impressed with the calibre of the finalists, who are in the running to share a $30,000 prize pool.
“Our health and community services professionals care about the future of our society, economy and planet and do incredible things every day to make the world a better place,” Ms Blakey said.
“These finalists are improving social and financial outcomes for women, preventing a phenomenal amount of waste from going to landfill and going above and beyond to improve health and wellbeing of people experiencing disadvantage.
“HESTA is so proud to help share and celebrate their life-changing stories and achievements. They are true heroes.”
An independent judging panel will select the winners of the three categories – Team Innovation, Outstanding Organisation and Individual Distinction – who will each take home $10,000 to help them continue their work to create a better and more sustainable future.
Launched last year, the Awards were inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global blueprint for making measurable progress to tackle world challenges, including ending hunger, inequality and reducing climate change, by 2030.
Ms Blakey said HESTA has chosen seven of these SDGs to guide the Fund’s decision making and activities and to support the continued delivery of strong and sustainable long-term returns for members.
“HESTA is committed to making the world a better place for our members to live, work and retire into and we are proud to have been the first major Australian super fund to commit to a total portfolio ‘net zero by 2050’ emissions target,” she said.
“The HESTA Impact Awards tie together the work we do in pursuit of our chosen SDGs through our advocacy, responsible investment and thoughtful stewardship of our members’ savings.”
The Award winners will be announced on Wednesday 24 February 2021 via a live, public broadcast.
For more information, visit hestaawards.com.au
The 2021 finalists are:
TEAM INNOVATION
The Living Room
Youth Projects Ltd
Melbourne VIC
Area of impact: Improved health outcomes/improved patient wellbeing
Youth Projects is recognised for going above and beyond to provide people experiencing disadvantage with access to essential services through ‘The Living Room’ health initiative.
YWCA Asista Program Team
YWCA Australia
South Melbourne VIC
Area of impact: Gender equity
YWCA Australia’s Asista Program team is recognised for their life-changing work to help young women and girls in the child protection system build leadership skills and drive positive change.
Bendigo Health Facilities Management Team
Bendigo Health
Bendigo VIC
Area of impact: Sustainability
Bendigo Health’s Facilities Management Team is recognised for their outstanding work to implement a comprehensive, hospital-wide recycling program, cutting down drastically the amount of waste going to landfill.
OUTSTANDING ORGANISATION
Housing All Australians Ltd
VIC
Area of impact: Sector-wide partnerships
Housing All Australians (HAA) is recognised for their innovative ‘Pop Up Shelter’ initiative, which focuses on utilising vacant buildings awaiting redevelopment to increase the supply of short-term affordable housing options for people facing homelessness.
The Water Well Project
Malvern VIC
Area of impact: Improved health outcomes/improved patient wellbeing
The Water Well Project is recognised for their work to improve the health and wellbeing of communities from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker background by increasing health literacy.
Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services
Mirrabooka WA
Area of impact: Improved health outcomes/improved patient wellbeing
Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services is recognised for providing inclusive, holistic and culturally sensitive services for refugee and migrant women.
Big Group Hug
Bundoora VIC
Area of impact: Sustainability
Big Group Hug is recognised for their work to support families in need while minimising environmental impact.
INDIVIDUAL DISTINCTION
Jodie Bergsma
Dress for Success Sydney
Marrickville NSW
Area of impact: Diversity and inclusion
Jodie Bergsma is recognised for her exceptional leadership in supporting women to find employment through Dress for Success Sydney’s career support program.
Julia Claire Hales
My Place WA Ltd. and Black Swan State Theatre Company
Subiaco WA
Area of impact: Diversity and inclusion
Julia Claire Hales is recognised for her leadership in changing perceptions of people with disability, particularly Down Syndrome, through arts and culture.
AJ Williams-Tchen
Girraway Ganyi Consultancy
Balwyn VIC
Area of impact: Diversity and inclusion
AJ Williams-Tchen is recognised for his work to support the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, improving their social and emotional wellbeing.
Melissa Browning
Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service
Southport QLD
Area of impact: Diversity and inclusion
Melissa Browning is recognised for her leadership in developing and implementing an innovative and authentic approach to improve racial, cultural and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, building greater understanding and inclusion in Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.
Ends.