Providers and leaders in Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory have been recognised for their innovation, dedication and passion at recent industry awards.
Leading Age Services Australia – Victoria said its annual awards were a special opportunity for the local sector to come together and celebrate excellence.
“This year the Awards for Excellence has given well-deserved recognition to individuals and organisations that truly go above and beyond in their significant roles of providing quality care to older Victorians,” said LASA Victoria president Ingrid Williams.
The winners in each of the categories, as judged by a panel of industry representatives were:
Employee: Helen Newell, aged/palliative care nurse practitioner from Barwon Health, who has developed clinical education, mentoring and processes that ensure staff are more clinically competent, able to identify and rapidly respond to residents whose health is deteriorating. With the development of the ‘electronic tag’, Helen has achieved a coordinated, proactive and clinically effective approach.
Organisation (Large): Southern Cross Care (Vic) is one of Victoria’s leading aged care providers and has been supporting older Victorians and their families for 45 years. SCCV has implemented strategies to respond to workforce shortages and has positioned itself as a ‘1st Choice Employer’ that is recognised for providing developmental leadership opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) staff.
Organisation (Small): Wattle Glen Aged Care Facility, were directly impacted by the Black Saturday fires and their aftermath. Their management spearheaded a comprehensive review of the unique risks faced, in consultation with the local CFA, Police, Department of Health and Ageing and the Nillumbik Council. This resulted in the formulation of an ‘Emergency Response Team’.
Volunteer: For the last 26 years Ruth Hosking has been actively participating as a volunteer at Uniting AgeWell Strath-Haven and has also taken on various role. Ruth’s most current role as admissions coordinator provides support to potential residents and families experiencing emotional turmoil during the cumbersome process of placement in a residential facility. Ruth has been described as the ‘epitome of person focused care and support’.
Young Leader Award: ACFI and documentation manager Katie Nott from SCCV was recognised for becoming an expert in the complex ACFI field after only two years in her role. Katie was invited to join two national aged care committees as a National Technical Expert and to support the Department of Health and Ageing’s technical reference group.
Recognising excellence
Elsewhere, Aged and Community Services SA & NT also recognised leading organisations and individuals at its Awards for Excellence which were presented at a dinner held at the Crowne Plaza Adelaide. ACS said the awards honour and recognise excellence in the delivery of aged and community care services.
The 2014 ACS SA & NT Awards for Excellence winners were:
Organisation: Meals on Wheels SA Inc. Every weekday a team of 8,500 Meals on Wheels SA Inc volunteers knock on 4,000 SA doors to deliver nourishing three-course meals with a friendly smile.
Employee: Duncan Norris from James Brown Memorial Trust has assisted hundreds of people who are aged or at risk of homelessness; initiating networks with carer agencies to ensure that tenants are provided with the best support to improve their wellbeing.
Industry Supporter: CBB the not4profit people, for helping not-for-profit organisations in the sector through consulting services, salary packaging and financial support solutions.
Volunteer: Emily Gurd, Anglicare SA Inc, who has volunteered at Peppertree Fashions, Anglicare SA’s opportunity shop, for 15 years. Its revenue assists Anglicare SA to deliver much needed programs and services.
Trainee: Sharon Squires, Minda Inc, has an infectious enthusiasm for learning and was instrumental in motivating other trainees with her dedication and passion for assisting people at Minda.
Retirement Living Design Award: The Riverpoint Retirement Estate Community Centre, Southern Cross Care SA & NT, which has established a strong community in addition to high quality accommodation, services and support to seniors, located near the lovely ‘sea and vine’ region of McClaren Vale.
Health & Wellbeing Award: Country Home Services, which operates over 26,000 square Kms and three distant offices, this organisation initiated a wellness program that engages employees to share strategies that support employees’ physical and emotional health.
2014 ACS Individual Award: Emily Gurd & Duncan Norris. The winners of the Employee, Volunteer, Trainee and Organisation categories will be in the running for the national titles at the Aged and Community Services Australia National Conference in September.
