And the scholarship goes to…

Lai Woon Kong, from South Australian aged care provider, ACH Group, was announced as the national winner of Provider Assist’s 2012 Travel Scholarship at the Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) national conference on the Gold Coast last week.

The prize, valued at $35,000, includes registration, international travel, airfares and accommodation for the winner and their CEO during the two week SAGE Tour to Europe later this month.

Ms Kong is pictured second to the left after winning the Provider Assist 2012 Travel Scholarship last week.

SAGE offers innovative study tours to the aged care and retirement living industries. Delegates have the opportunity to evaluate the advancement of elder care from a global perspective and receive insights from some of the world’s most highly respected industry professionals.

“I’m really humbled as I stand before other state aged care provider winners who have shown such passion and commitment to the work they do – especially during this period of reform,” Ms Kong said.

Provider Assist Travel Scholarship 2012 state nominations:

• Victoria – Heather McKibbin (Bupa Bellarine)
• Queensland – Athena Ermides (Berlasco Court Caring Centre)
• New South Wales – Nicola Burton (Peninsula Village)
• Tasmania – Carolyn Wallace (Southern Cross Care Tasmania)
• Western Australia – Tonia Zeeman (Brightwater Care Group)

The winners of the state prizes received a scholarship valued at $2,500; including registration, travel and accommodation for the state conference or equivalent event, a trophy and plaque, and a $1,000 voucher to be used with the State Industry body (towards training, attending workshops or seminars).