Recognising dedication during aged care reform
A record number of nominations have been received for Aged and Community Services WA’s (ACSWA) prestigious 2014 Excellence in Care Awards, to be held next month.
Trevor Lovelle, ACSWA chief executive, says it’s more important than ever to honour dedication and innovation in the aged and community care sector.
The annual awards, sponsored by First State Super, celebrate excellence across the not for profit aged and community care sector in Western Australia, and recognise the people who contribute to maintaining the quality of life of older people, people with disabilities and their carers.
The award winners will be celebrated at a gala event on Friday, 6 June at the Hyatt Regency Perth, with special guest Mr Fred Chaney AO, the 2014 Australian Senior of the Year, speaking at the event.
Trevor Lovelle, ACSWA chief executive, said the outstanding calibre of candidates had made the selection of finalists difficult in many categories.
“In this critical period of aged care reform, it’s more important than ever to honour dedication and innovation in our industry,” Mr Lovelle said.
Some of the finalists include a volunteer now in her 90s, who has given more than 40 years of service delivering meals to the elderly, as well as an inspirational care worker who has achieved university honours for successfully mentoring university students.
“An organisation that is delivering outstanding health and wellbeing programs for staff that reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and create a positive workplace culture will also be recognised,” Mr Lovelle said.
He added ACSWA was delighted to welcome Mr Chaney AO to the awards ceremony, whose work in support of marginalised people was an inspiration for all Australians.
Mr Chaney was a founding co-chair of Reconciliation Australia and an early advocate for Aboriginal voting rights in 1961 and the 1967 referendum; he also helped establish the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA during his national role as Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
“He has held many important leadership roles and has a long history of public service, grounded in his commitment to social justice and a belief in the inherent equality of all people.”
The 2014 ACSWA Excellence in Care Awards gala presentation dinner will be emceed by ABC broadcaster Trevor Jenkins. The gala night’s theme is ‘Brazil World Cup Soccer’, with live performances by a Brazilian troupe and dance band set to kick off celebrations at the conclusion of award presentations.
The 2014 Excellence in Care Awards finalists (by category):
Trainee Award (sponsored by Australian Medical Association WA)
Cale Swift – Baptistcare
Eileen Newland – Juniper
Johanna Russ – Juniper
Chanel Morrow – Baptistcare
Volunteer Award (sponsored by Braemar Presbyterian Care Group)
Joan Muhling – City of Subiaco
Joy Parnell – Braemar Presbyterian Care
Martina Van Doorn – Dutch Aged Care
Gordon Smith – Shire of Kalamunda
Employee Award (sponsored by First State Super)
Annette Panaia – The Rise Network
Marilyn Williams – Braemar Presbyterian Care
Eugene Hands – Amana Living
Linda Patmore – Silverchain
Organisation Award (sponsored by Amana Living)
Juniper
White Oak Home Care Services Pty Ltd
Brightwater Care Group
Small Provider Award (sponsored by Juniper)
Dale Cottages
Dutch Aged Care
Health and Wellbeing Award (sponsored by Western United Financial Services)
City of Subiaco
Amana Living
Silverchain
Braemar Presbyterian Care
Projects – Innovation and Best Practice Award (sponsored by WA Aged Care Financial Services)
Support Pack for Families – Advocare
Sunshine Club – Spark of Life Philosophy – Echo Community Services Project
Subiaco Active Seniors Program – City of Subiaco
Telehealth Project Expansion – Silver Chain
