The "extraordinary" workers who care for their communities across Australia have been celebrated at the 2021 HESTA Excellence Awards.
Eight winners were announced at a virtual online ceremony for the country’s top organisations and teams providing allied health, aged care, community and disability services.
Professionals were recognised for achievements including reducing ear disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, bringing together aged care residents, chefs and gardening teams, and teaching film studies to people with intellectual disabilities and from marginalised communities.
“My congratulations to this year’s extraordinary winners and finalists,” HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.
“I am incredibly humbled by the innovation and dedication they have shown in caring for their communities during such challenging times.”
Each category winner at the awards – which launched in 2020 – received a prize of $7,500.
“Their contributions have made, and will continue to make, a positive and long-lasting difference to health outcomes for Australians,” Ms Blakey added.
“It’s a great honour for the HESTA team to help recognise the critical work they do every day.”
The 2021 HESTA Excellence Awards winners are:
OUTSTANDING ORGANISATION
AGED CARE
Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI), NSW and ACT – recognised for its week-long Mental Moments Show, designed to highlight the importance of mental health for aged care professionals.
ALLIED HEALTH
Earbus Foundation, Northbridge WA – recognised for its work to reduce middle ear disease in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda VIC – recognised for dedication to supporting local people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and social exclusion.
DISABILITY SERVICES
Bus Stop Films, Carlton NSW – recognised for dedication to teaching film studies to adults with intellectual disabilities and those from marginalised communities.
TEAM EXCELLENCE
AGED CARE
Lifeview Residential Care’s Hospitality and Gardening teams, Carnegie VIC – recognised for their Planting with a Purpose Program, which involves residents helping to create menus and grow the required produce.
ALLIED HEALTH
Advance Rehab Centre team, Artamon NSW – recognised for work in assisting patients with Functional Neurological Disorders.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
SHQ, Northbridge WA – recognised for developing and implementing a clinician and consumer-endorsed screening tool to identify and support women who are at risk or who have experienced intimate partner violence or reproductive coercion.
DISABILITY SERVICES
WaterAbilities team at Cyclabilities, Ngunnawal ACT – recognised for creating a dedicated allied health Safety and Survival swim program in Canberra for children with support and sensory needs.
For more information on the Awards program and 2021 winners, visit the HESTA Awards website.
Read more: 2020 HESTA Excellence Awards winners named
Read more: New HESTA awards recognise healthcare’s unsung heroes
