Morrison named inaugural PJA winner

Bernard Morrison, an occupational therapist and general manager wellbeing and allied programs, is the winner of the Paul Johnson Positive Ageing Award for his integrated wellbeing strategy implemented across Eldercare’s 13 aged care homes in South Australia.

The winner was announced by BallyCara executive chairman Marcus Riley during the final session of the two-day conference.

Mr Morrison told the audience that the award was an opportunity for him to reflect on his achievements and the impact his wellbeing strategy has had on people.

“We’re all here for a common purpose and I really genuinely hope that this is the first of many Positive Ageing Summits. But most of all I offer my heartfelt thanks to Eldercare who I think boldly chose to pursue a wellbeing strategy over seven years ago and my extraordinary team of subject matter experts who every day so passionately ask ‘how can we create the conditions where older people in residential care can thrive?’ And then working together, putting in place those innovative strategies and services that enable that change to take place,” Mr Morrison told the summit.

Named in honour of the late Paul Johnson the award includes a $1,500 cash prize sponsored by not-for-profit aged care provider BallyCara, where Mr Johnson worked for more than 10 years.

There were 12 applications, with Guide Healthcare’s Simon Kerrigan and Plena Healthcare’s Shehan Fernando named as finalists alongside Mr Morrison.

Speaking with Australian Ageing Agenda earlier in the day, Mr Morrison discusses his passion for positive ageing and the strategy he’s implemented at Eldercare in this video below.

Positive Ageing Summit is an initiative of Australian Ageing Agenda and Community Care Review – read our coverage of the event here and find out more on the Positive Ageing Summit 2025 website