Individuals and organisations in the aged care sector were recognised for their outstanding achievements at an industry conference this week.
Winners from six categories were awarded an Aged and Community Services Australia National Award, which honours excellence at the highest level of work in the community.
Evan Cox from Rise Network in Western Australia was named Trainee of the Year at the ACSA National Summit in Sydney.
Mr Cox entered aged care in his 40s after pursuing a successful career in sales and marketing for over 25 years, which taught him the value of high standards of customer service.
The award recognises the outstanding achievement of an employee who is undertaking study towards a qualification in the aged care sector.
The Volunteer of the Year award was received by Gilbert Hicks from Astley Care Inc in Western Australia.
Mr Hicks was recognised for his tireless generosity in caring and supporting older people and their carers. He commenced his volunteer work to ‘give back’ to the community by driving residents to appointments, shopping trips and social outings following his retirement as a carpenter.
Joyce Ashworth from Juniper in Western Australia won Employee of the Year. Ms Ashworth was praised for her limitless generosity and compassion.
Also in Western Australia, Amana Living received the Innovation in Service or Design award for its dedicated staffing model. The award recognises an original program, project or initiative that works to improve the lives of seniors living in aged care.
Jennie Hewitt from NSW residential aged care provider Feros Care received the Lifetime of Achievement award which acknowledges an individual who has worked in the sector for over 10 years and is continually providing care to the sector today.
Ms Hewitt was recognised for her work in aged care as a researcher, scholar and advocate for the aged care industry.
Ms Hewitt said she was inspired by seniors to make a change.
“It is the inspiration of the wonderful older adults we care for that has driven me to strive for change,” Ms Hewitt said.
Elsewhere in NSW, not-for-profit aged care facility Warrigal was named Provider of the Year.
Outstanding leadership management, workforce culture, innovation and communication are among the forms of excellence to the sector the award recognises.
Warrigal CEO Mark Sewell accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.
ACSA CEO Pat Sparrow said the awards acknowledge those in the community who have strived to make a difference in older people’s lives.
“The 2018 ACSA Aged Care Awards celebrate the dedication and commitment we see daily and ensure our teams, organisations and colleagues are recognised for their hard work.
“These individual contributions set a standard for all of us in their example and in turn remind and teach us about the potential all care-givers have to positively affect the lives of those around them,” Ms Sparrow said.
The ACSA National Summit was held in Sydney from September 3-5.
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