AgeWell Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the AgeWell Awards 2023.

Winners and finalists were honoured at the prestigious AgeWell Awards Celebration held at The Edge, Federation Square Melbourne on Wednesday 22 November, 2023.

This year, 28 Finalists for the eight categories were selected from over 140 nominations, after a rigorous process of confirmation and assessment by members of the Senior Executive Team.

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Employee of the Year

Kelina Tokunai, Lifestyle Coordinator, Andrew Kerr Care community

Kelina is described as a truly outstanding member of the team who personifies the Uniting AgeWell values of kindness, respect, integrity, innovation and inclusion.

Kelina works tirelessly to ensure residents can participate in activities that genuinely inspire their passions and has played a pivotal role in the development and successful implementation of The Herd Intergenerational Program at Andrew Kerr Care Community. Kelina’s boundless energy and enthusiasm is infectious and an inspiration to all.

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BEST Team of the Year

Recruitment team, People and Culture

Attracting and on-boarding skilled staff in a nation-wide workforce shortage is no easy feat, but the commitment, capability and results of the Recruitment team have been outstanding.

Undaunted by the challenge, they have worked closely with managers across the business, responded to their needs and enhanced the candidate and new-starter experience. They have achieved great success across home care, residential care and corporate services, regularly recruiting over 100 people each month.

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Living our Values Award

Rosie Borshch, Senior Care Manager, Box Hill Community

Rosie whole-heartedly dedicates herself to the holistic care of residents, a role she undertakes with empathy, respect and kindness.

Demonstrating great leadership and commitment to delivering safe quality care, Rosie puts the needs of residents above her own.

Throughout the pandemic, she worked in COVID-hotspots when sites were short-staffed and recently uprooted her life to help out at Strathdevon in Tasmania for six weeks.

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Excellence Award - Residential Victoria

Harpreet Kaur, Personal Care Worker, Hawthorn Community

Words don’t do justice in describing the difference Harpreet makes to the residents in the Memory Support Unit at Hawthorn Community.

Their faces light up when they see her, and she’s always there with a smile, no matter what happens, delivering amazing care. Sometimes her presence is the only thing that comforts them. With Harpreet’s gentleness, dedication and kindness, it’s no surprise that she is highly regarded by residents, families and colleagues.

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Excellence Award - Residential Tasmania

Sophie Rowlands, Extended Care Assistant, Sorell Community, Ningana

Sophie is a dedicated team member at Ningana who truly excels in providing person-centred resident care. She always steps up to provide support when needed, and this was especially evident during COVID-related staff shortages, when she took on extra hours. A strong advocate for the residents and the organisation, Sophie always goes above and beyond, and is a shining example of living our values.

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Excellence Award - Home and Community Victoria

Sharon Scott, Care Advisor, Melbourne North West Metro Home Care

To say Sharon is well-respected and valued is an understatement!

Many of Sharon’s home care customers joined through word of mouth from others who have experienced the difference Sharon makes. A strong advocate and support for enabling older people to live well at home, Sharon also provides exceptional support to her colleagues through training, encouragement and emotional support.

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Excellence Award - Corporate & Support Services

Josh Mumford – Senior Finance Business Partner

Josh is a collaborative and committed partner to the Residential Services team, displaying excellence in all he does.

His mantra is “I am here to help”. He goes out of his way to support the team to succeed, often taking on responsibilities beyond his portfolio. Always supportive, decisive and patient, Josh is a critical asset in helping the team to adapt to change, overcome challenges and take on new opportunities.

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Excellence Award - Home and Community Tasmania

Hannah Baldock, Care Advisor, North West Tasmania Home Care

Hannah is a vital member of the North West Tasmania Home Care team who freely shares her knowledge, mentors others, embraces change and looks for ways to improve practice and outcomes for older people.

Embodying Uniting AgeWell’s values, Hannah keeps her clients at the heart of everything she does.