media release
8 March 2021
Nominations open for national HESTA Excellence Awards
HESTA is today calling for nominations of dedicated professionals working in disability, allied health, aged care and community services in Australia for the 2021 HESTA Excellence Awards.
With a $60,000 prize pool up for grabs, the national Awards celebrate professionals from the four sectors who are going above and beyond the everyday high-quality care they provide to achieve outstanding health outcomes for Australians.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the ongoing battle with COVID has demonstrated the critical importance of allied health, disability services, aged care and community services professionals in protecting and supporting their communities, as well as to our economic recovery.
“These amazing professionals are supporting Australians to stay healthy and well, and our economy to remain resilient and productive. They’ve often delivered the very highest standards of care in the most challenging of circumstances,” Ms Blakey said.
“Their work is exceptional and should be recognised nationally. I’m very proud HESTA can help share their stories, their achievements and bring greater awareness to the wide-ranging impact they have had on so many lives.”
Nominations close Sunday 2 May. Anyone working in the four sectors – allied health, disability services, aged care or community services – and who are involved in the delivery of exceptional care or service can nominate or be nominated. Nominations are open for both the Outstanding Organisation and Team Excellence categories. An independent judging panel comprising sector representatives will choose a winner from each sector and for each category.
The eight winners will each take home $7500 – donated by longstanding Awards supporter ME – the bank for you – to be put towards professional development or development of their chosen initiative.
ME CEO Adam Crane said the bank was very proud of their HESTA Awards program partnership, which began in 2007.
“This is such an important award,” Mr Crane said.
“It recognises the resilience and commitment of these unsung heroes, the local legends who help us at every stage of our lives – from birth to old age and even through a pandemic. We applaud every one of this year’s future nominees.”
Finalists will be announced on 27 July 2021 and winners revealed at the Awards ceremony in Sydney on 25 August 2021, subject to COVID safety restrictions.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit hestaawards.com.au
The 2020 winners are:
OUTSTANDING ORGANISATION
AGED CARE
ECH (Enabling Confidence at Home) Inc
Parkside SA
Recognised for delivering outstanding support to older people through its innovative and inclusive model
of aged care.
ALLIED HEALTH
Cyclabilities
Evatt ACT
Recognised for providing quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for children with
disabilities or vulnerabilities.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Justice Connect
Sydney NSW and Melbourne VIC
Recognised for helping people and community organisations to access legal support by designing and
delivering high-impact interventions.
DISABILITY SERVICES
Synapse Australia Ltd
Recognised for providing a range of services, including specialist housing and support, for people who
have been impacted by brain injury, including stroke and dementia.
TEAM EXCELLENCE
AGED CARE
Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults
Swinburne Psychology Clinic, Department of Psychological Sciences
Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn VIC
Recognised for providing outstanding mental health care and support for aged care residents.
ALLIED HEALTH
PACE (Pulmonary and Cardiac Exercise and Education) Team
Alpine Health
Alpine Shire (Bright, Mount Beauty, Myrtleford) VIC
Recognised for going above and beyond to deliver outstanding client care in the face of great challenges
and adversity.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Wongee Mia
Ruah Community Services
Subiaco WA
Recognised for their innovative pilot housing project designed to end the cycle of evictions and long-term
homelessness disproportionately experienced by Aboriginal people.
DISABILITY SERVICES
Sharon’s 24/7 Support Team
Interchange
Maddington WA
Recognised for their significant contribution to people living with disability, including providing support
to start a new life at home and in the community after incarceration.
Ends.