IRT means business

By Kate Horowitz

Lifestyle community operator and aged care provider, IRT, has taken out three coveted Australian Business Awards in this year’s competition, which honoured business excellence, product excellence, sustainability and commercial success.

IRT won the awards for Enterprise, Community Contribution and Marketing Excellence.

IRT CEO, Nieves Murray, said she was delighted at the company’s success, and paid tribute to the 2,000 staff and 6,000 customers who make up the IRT family across NSW and the ACT.

Above: IRT Chief Executive Nieves Murray

“I think [these wins] are a great tribute to the people of IRT. I am elated on their behalf.  It’s a wonderful recognition for the last 12 months of work.

” I would also like to acknowledge the board and committee as well as the customers for all their ongoing support.”

Ms Murray said she was most excited about receiving the Award for Marketing Excellence.

“As the aged care industry has traditionally suffered from a bad image, it’s been a personal endeavour of mine to shift people’s perceptions of the industry.

“To win that award is terrific, especially considering the other award nominees were all big organisations. On a personal level, to have our industry recognised is great; it shows public attitudes are changing.”

Ms Murray believed the community Contribution Award was bestowed upon IRT for their provision of training and employment opportunities in rural communities, where both are in chronically short supply.

Program director of the Australian Business Awards, Tara Johnston, said the high standard of entries for 2011 was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Australian economy.

“The Australian Business Awards provide a welcome opportunity for organisations committed to business and product excellence to receive recognition throughout their respective industries for driving positive business outcomes,” Ms Johnston said.

“We are proud that the awards continue to promote the key values in the workplace which foster a vibrant organisational culture and encourage enterprise, product innovation, service excellence, marketing excellence, environmental sustainability and community contribution.”

Awards won by IRT:

• 2011 Australian Business Award for Enterprise, recognising IRT for achieving outstanding commercial success and sustainable growth.
• 2011 Australian Business Award for Community Contribution, recognising IRT for its significant contribution to the community and the aged care industry.
• 2011 Australian Business Award for Marketing Excellence, recognising IRT as an industry leader for innovative marketing strategy and execution.