Awards celebrate ‘Excellence in Care’
Winners of this year’s Aged and Community Services WA (ACSWA) Excellence in Care Awards has been announced. Trevor Lovelle, ACSWA chief executive, said the annual awards were an important opportunity to celebrate excellence across the not for profit aged and community care industry.
Aged and Community Services WA chairman, Ray Glickman, (left) presented the 2014 ACSWA Organisation Award to Juniper Aged Care's chief executive, Vaughan Harding.
Among the winners is 92 year old, Joan Muhling, who, after more than 40 years of service to her community, continues to deliver meals to the elderly.
Other winners include well respected leader within the aboriginal community, Annette Panaia, who is ensuring that elders are being well catered for in a culturally appropriate environment; and a community organisation that delivers exemplary care and services to more than 4,000 ageing Western Australians.
Baptistcare trainee, Cale Swift, who has an enormous thirst for knowledge and education and an enthusiasm for the sector, heralding a new breed of aged care worker, was also acknowledge for his work.
The winners of the 2014 ACSWA Excellence in Care Awards were revealed at a gala event attended by Australian Senior of the Year 2014, Fred Chaney AO.
“Aged and community care providers are at the heart of many WA communities and tonight we recognised and celebrated the great work and achievements of staff, volunteers, trainees and organisations from the not for profit sector,” Mr Lovelle said.
The theme ‘Brazil and the FIFA World Cup’ showcased the excitement, passion and colour of the event, while highlighting the work of the extraordinary aged and community care providers whose passion and commitment to delivering the highest possible standard of service delivery ensures the care needs of Western Australians are met.
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.
The 2014 ACSWA Excellence in Care Winners are:
NEW PROJECTS/PROGRAMS sponsored by WA Aged Care Financial Solutions
Support Pack for Families – Advocare
Designed to reduced stress when transitioning into aged care, the Pack assists ageing Western Australians and their families navigate the aged care maze and support the older person moving into their new home. To date, more than 6,000 guides have been distributed with great success.
AGED CARE EXCELLENCE AWARD sponsored by ACSWA
David Spinks – Elderbloom chief executive
For more than a decade, this aged care warrior has contributed to numerous ACSWA and national body ACSA committees. His work leading and lobbying for sensible changes to the Retirement Villages Legislation has been above and beyond what is expected of an organisation member.
VOLUNTEER sponsored by Braemar Presbyterian Care
Joan Muhling, The City of Subiaco
At 92 years of age and with 44 years or service, Ms Muhling is the City of Subiaco’s longest serving meals on wheels volunteer. Ms Muhling is incredibly humble, loyal, energetic and passionate and an inspiration to all. Her long history of volunteering began as a member of the voluntary air observer’s corps during World War II.
SMALL PROVIDER sponsored by Juniper
Dale Cottages
For 50 years, this Armadale based community and aged care provider has valued its staff and clients, promoting the values of equity, dignity, innovation, participation, hard work and volunteering. Recently they won the ‘Best Organisation in Armadale’ short film award, which demonstrated a positive atmosphere among staff and residents.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING sponsored by Western United Financial Services
Amana Living
Adopting an early intervention program has encouraged staff to report symptoms of injury or illness early, identify areas that require adjustment and avoid the problems reoccurring or escalating. A reduction in absenteeism and injury and an improvement in health and wellbeing is making this award winning organisation stronger and as a result the community is the big winner.
TRAINEE sponsored by the Australian Medical Association (WA)
Cale Swift, Baptistcare
A part time physiotherapist, who shows extraordinary dedication and passion for this sector by holding certificates in dementia and aged care, as well as being an accredited aged care assessor. Add to that studying for his Masters in Business Administration while shadowing his facility manager to build his skills and knowledge further.
ORGANISATION sponsored by Amana Living
Juniper
Juniper is a leader and innovator in aged and community services in WA, both city and country, awarded 2013 ‘WorkSafe Platinum Certificate of Achievement’ and, recently, ‘Teaching of Aged Care Services’ in conjunction with Curtin University. Juniper services more than 4,000 Western Australians in their retirement villages, home care programs and residential and retirement living programs.
EMPLOYEE sponsored by First State Super
Annette Panaia – Rise Network
A well respected leader within the aboriginal community, Annette has delivered partnerships to ensure that elders are being well catered for in a culturally appropriate environment. Since Annette joined Rise Network, she has been able to foster program expansion at Moorditj Mia, an Aboriginal Day Centre.
