The SummitCare team accepting its silver award.

NSW provider SummitCare has been awarded a prestigious silver award in the Australian Business Excellence Awards.

For over 20 years, the awards have recognised distinction, quality and merit among the nation’s businesses.

SummitCare is the first aged care provider to receive the silver award and CEO, Cynthia Payne said the award reflects well on the entire industry

“In the current environment, things have been quite negative,” she said. “This is not just a good news story for us – it’s a message for the industry overall.”

“It puts aged care on the international map and I think we all should be proud of that.”

The organisation has been working to reach the requirements of the Australian Business Excellence Framework across its nine residential services for the past five years.

Ms Payne dedicated the award to SummitCare’s 900 staff members and its nine management teams.

“We are grateful for this prestigious acknowledgement and I thank personally every member of my senior leadership team – who are outstanding women and who are supported by amazing families,” she said.

Duncan Lilley from SAI Global – the company which conducts the awards – praised Summit Care for its commitment to continuous improvement.

“SummitCare has a model that goes beyond regulatory mandates,” he said.

“Its enthusiasm to deliver superior facilities and service has seen each of its homes fully accredited and externally verified.

“It positively influences the direction of aged care at federal and state government levels.

“Management and staff actively share knowledge and experiences via participation in industry and professional forums.

Last year Queensland-based provider RSL Care was awarded a bronze award for business excellence.

SummitCare's silver award.