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The "incredible" finalists of the 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards have been congratulated for their contributions to some of Australia's most demanding healthcare sectors.
The awards, run by health super fund HESTA, recognise exceptional achievements by individuals and teams across aged care, allied health, disability services and community services.
The 24 national finalists across the eight categories were selected from a pool of more than 420 nominations.
"Our members work in some of Australia's most demanding sectors, and every day they are taking inspiring actions to positively transform the lives of those in their care," HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.
"These awards serve as a catalyst for identifying, sharing, and celebrating many incredible people and their stories.
"Congratulations to all of this year's finalists – we are so pleased at HESTA to be able to help recognise their hard work and dedication."
The eight winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 7 August, with each receiving $7,500 for personal or professional development or to further enhance services or processes in the workplace.
The 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards finalists
Aged Care – Individual Leadership
Allison Lauder, Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care, Western Health; Bacchus Marsh, VIC
Emma Payne, The Daisie Chain; Sutherland Shire, NSW
Kerry Curran, RFBI West Wyalong Masonic Village; West Wyalong, NSW
Aged Care – Team Excellence
Social and Health Teams, ACH Group, Mile End, SA
Mark & Sylvie's Home Care, Atticus Health; Highett, VIC
Sarah Lindsay and Julie Ruzich, Julie Ruzich Physiotherapy and Functional Solutions OT services; Margaret River WA
Allied Health – Individual Leadership
Frances Bilbao, Mums Matter Psychology; Williamstown, VIC
Sandra Iuliano, University of Melbourne/Medicine; West Heidelberg, VIC
Linda Nguyen, Care Optometry; Picnic Point, NSW
Allied Health – Team Excellence
Flying Squad, Royal Melbourne Hospital; Parkville, VIC
Stem Cell Transplant Prehab & Rehab Team, Alfred Health; Melbourne, VIC
The Shepherd Centre's Tasmania Team; Montagu Bay, TAS
Disability Services – Individual Leadership
Emma Weatherley, FSHD Global Research Foundation; Sydney, NSW
Renae Gunn, Hooves of Hope; Lewison, SA
Cassandra Hughes, Down Syndrome WA; Cloverdale, WA
Disability Services – Team Excellence
Parkville Disability Identification Project Team, Parkville Precinct Health Services Victoria; Parkville, VIC
'Navigating Autism - The Early Years' Team, Autism Awareness Australia; Sydney, NSW
Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults Ltd (MACA); Kew East, VIC
Community Services – Individual Leadership
Kim Duong, Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services; Mirrabooka, WA
George Halkias, The Big Issue Australia; Melbourne VIC
Joel Orchard, Wardell CORE Neighbourhood Centre; Wardell, NSW
Community Services – Team Excellence
Foundation Care Team, Cherished Pets; Ocean Grove, VIC
Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health Program Team, Cockburn Integrated Health; Success, WA
Education Pathways Program Team, Launch Housing; South Melbourne, VIC
For more information, visit HESTA's awards hub.
- HESTA is APHA's Diamond Sponsor.
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