31 Aug Winners of the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards announced
The eight winners of the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards were announced in Melbourne on August 30th.
Selected from a record-breaking 400 nominations. These awards celebrate outstanding teams and individuals across Australia working in the Disability, Allied Health, Aged Care, and Community Services sectors.
Among the winners are a team from WA enhancing the lives of children with complex conditions, an individual from NSW supporting families with premature and sick newborns, and a person from regional Victoria empowering people with disabilities through performance. HESTA CEO Debby Blakey praised their remarkable efforts, highlighting the profound impact these professionals have on their patients, clients, and communities.
Allied Health – Team Excellence
Western Kids Health Complex Care Team, Western Kids Health, Shenton Park, WA
The Western Kids Health Complex Care Team was recognised for enhancing the lives of children and youth with complex and invisible conditions. The team has received international recognition as an Ehlers Danlos Centre of Excellence and launched the Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology (POP) program, helping to increase the quality of life of over 50 families. Western Kids Health Head of Complex Care, Rowan Pearce said winning the award was an honour for the team.
“This recognition validates our efforts and motivates us to continue striving for excellence, innovation, and compassionate care in our field. It acknowledges the dedication and expertise of our multidisciplinary team,” Mr Pearce said.
Allied Health – Individual Leadership
Kylie Pussell, Miracle Babies Foundation, Liverpool, NSW
Miracle Babies Foundation Co-founder and CEO Kylie Pussell was recognised for her dedication to supporting families with premature or sick newborns. She oversees the national support program, champions mental health, advocates for extended parental leave, enhances a family’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (SCN) experience, and fosters a community for families. Ms Pussell said it was an honour to win the award.
“Being acknowledged this way makes you consider the importance your dedication and passion bring to the Foundation’s purpose. I feel very privileged and proud of what we do for lives impacted by premature or sick births. Hearing and knowing the impact that families share after being supported by Miracle Babies is heartwarming, and something I am extremely proud of, and it is very rewarding for our whole team that what we do really does make a positive difference,” Ms Pussell said.
For more details and the full list of winners: see Hesta Excellence Awards.
