AgeWell Awards 2024

Congratulations to the winners of the AgeWell Awards 2024.

Winners and finalists were honoured at the Year in Review and AgeWell Awards Celebration held at The Edge, Federation Square Melbourne on Thursday 21 November, 2024.

This year, 22 Finalists for the eight categories were selected from over 270 nominations, after a rigorous process of confirmation and assessment by members of the Senior Executive Team.

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Employee of the Year

Dario Musco, Care Organiser, Loddon Mallee South Home Care

Dario is a truly outstanding member of the team whose warmth, energy and commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for customers is inspiring. Always leading by example and described as a gifted teacher, Dario has played a pivotal role in the development and successful transition of CHSP services not only across the Loddon Mallee, but also in Hume. Dario is highly regarded by his peers for the care and time he contributes to customers to ensure they feel valued and heard, for his community engagement activities on behalf of Uniting AgeWell, and for the mentoring and support he provides to new staff and his colleagues.

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BEST Team of the Year

Newnham Community, Aldersgate Village

The Team at Newnham Community has forged a strong team culture that sees them working together to constantly deliver their BEST and ensure residents can live life to the full. The team consistently achieves great outcomes for residents, the highlight being the Family Fun Fair held in April 2024 attended by 2,000 people. With their customary energy, enthusiasm, and ‘can do’ attitude, the team brought together residents, staff, volunteers and the broader community to achieve something truly special, creating a community event like no other.

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Living our Values Award

Dario Musco, Care Organiser, Loddon Mallee South Home Care

Dario embodies Uniting AgeWell’s values in all he does, interacting with customers and colleagues, with empathy, respect and kindness. Demonstrating great leadership and commitment to delivering person-centred care and service excellence, Dario is truly a team player, always willing to lend a guiding hand. He has an outstanding work ethic and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, making everyone feel welcome and valued.

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Excellence Award - Residential Victoria

Kirsty Brown, Chaplain, Hawthorn Community

Integrity, compassion and kindness are at the heart of Kirsty’s work. She maintains the highest ethical standards, always respecting the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of individuals within the community. Her professionalism and approachable manner instil trust and confidence, enabling individuals to share their deepest concerns and fears openly. She take the time to get to know people and listen deeply and ensures people feel valued and able to contribute.

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Excellence Award - Residential Tasmania

Eleanor Clinton, Lifestyle Coordinator, Newnham Community Aldersgate Village

Eleanor moves mountains to make things happen, all in the pursuit of enriching residents’ lives and creating a strong sense of community. Her energy, enthusiasm and passion for making a difference and bringing a sense of fun and joy into the home is truly a gift. She takes the time to get to know every resident and understand their individual needs, going out of her way to ensure there is variety, fun and acceptance for all.

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Excellence Award - Home and Community Victoria

Karen Myers, Home Care Worker, Loddon Mallee North Home Care, Swan Hill Office

Karen is a passionate advocate for enabling older people to live well at home and a committed and trusted member of the Swan Hill team. Her colleagues describe her as the epitome of Uniting AgeWell’s values and BEST principles in action. Karen truly cares about people and brings a level of professionalism, kindness and reflective practice to her work. It is clear by the relationships she has forged with both customers and staff that Karen is person-centred and invested in their wellbeing, helping customers to live life their way.

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Excellence Award - Home and Community Tasmania

Denise Joss, Support Worker, Tasmania South Home Care

With a history of caring at Uniting AgeWell that spans 19 years, Denise demonstrates her passion and commitment to supporting older people to live well at home and remain connected and engaged in their community. She goes above and beyond to ensure customers are happy, healthy and safe in their homes and always has a ready smile and a positive attitude that makes a real difference in a customer’s day.

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Excellence Award - Corporate & Support Services

Andy Burns - Project Officer

Andy is an exceptional project manager, tirelessly supporting significant organisational and service initiatives with his trademark collegiality and “can do” approach. Andy has been instrumental in successfully transitioning services from four councils; integrating Guardian Network services into Uniting AgeWell; spearheading the implementation of the LiveWell Advantage program; and sourcing and commissioning six new home care offices/Community Hubs.