With just one week remaining, anticipation is mounting for the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards. These awards will shine a spotlight on 24 national finalists, each representing the very best in the disability, allied health, aged care, and community sectors. These finalists are set to be celebrated for their exceptional contributions, which have had a profound impact on the well-being of countless individuals across Australia.
One of the standout finalists is Pradip Chandra Bhattacharjee from Monash Health in Melbourne, Victoria. With over three decades of experience in emergency, intensive care, and mental health, Pradip has dedicated his career to improving the lives of those facing significant challenges. His work as a mental health clinician and Trauma Informed Yoga (TIY) and Mindfulness Facilitator has earned him widespread recognition for his innovative approach to care.
Pradip’s efforts go beyond traditional methods, as he integrates occupational therapy and TIY programs tailored to individuals with trauma histories. His programs, which focus on sensory, life skills, and holistic self-care, have made a tangible difference in the lives of many clients. The positive feedback he receives from both clients and colleagues is a testament to his commitment to enhancing mental health outcomes. Pradip’s ability to connect with diverse ethnic groups across various countries has enriched his practice, allowing him to create inclusive and effective therapy plans.
As a supervisor of Occupational Therapists and a mentor to students, Pradip plays a crucial role in shaping the future of mental health care. His work in assessing clients for NDIS funding has been instrumental in reducing relapses and easing the burden on the public health system. By advocating for the expansion of TIY practices, Pradip hopes to bring its benefits to a wider audience, particularly those affected by trauma. His vision is not only cost-effective but also scalable, making it a valuable addition to the mental health landscape.
The HESTA Excellence Awards have received nearly 400 nominations this year, highlighting the extraordinary work being done across the health and community sectors. These nominations underscore the dedication and passion of health and community workers who go above and beyond to support the health and well-being of their communities.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey has expressed her admiration for all the nominees, acknowledging their significant contributions. She praised the finalists for their outstanding professional excellence, deep levels of care, and compassion, which have positively impacted the lives of many. Ms. Blakey also extended her gratitude to those who took the time to nominate these exceptional individuals and teams, helping to bring their inspiring stories to the forefront.
The HESTA Excellence Awards serve as a platform to highlight the remarkable work being done across the disability, allied health, aged care, and community sectors. Finalists have been selected in the categories of Individual Leadership and Team Excellence, with eight winners set to share in a $60,000 prize pool. This prize money, provided by long-standing HESTA Awards supporter ME, a subsidiary of the Bank of Queensland (BOQ), will be used for personal or professional development or to further enhance workplace processes and services.
BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle has expressed the bank’s pride in supporting these awards. He commended the finalists for their dedication to caring for the community’s most vulnerable members, acknowledging the vital role they play in improving lives. The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 29 August 2024.
Among the other noteworthy finalists is the Jacana First 1000 Days Clinic at Monash Children’s Hospital in Clayton, Victoria. This clinic is recognised for its work in supporting infants and children aged 0-3 years who are at risk of developmental challenges associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Since its inception, the clinic has assessed more than 80 children, providing early support that has the potential to shape their futures in a positive way.
The PACE Program, led by Alpine Health and Beechworth Health Service in Victoria, is another finalist recognised for its innovative approach to healthcare. The program’s expansion into Indigo Shire, using telehealth and community-based care, has significantly reduced hospitalisations due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular issues, improving the quality of life for many patients.
The Western Kids Health Complex Care Team in Shenton Park, Western Australia, is also in the spotlight for its efforts to enhance the lives of children and youth with complex and invisible conditions. The team’s work has earned international recognition, particularly as an Ehlers-Danlos Centre of Excellence. Their Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology (POP) program, launched in 2022, has already made a difference in the lives of over 50 families.
On an individual level, Sally Harris from Bendigo Health in Victoria has been acknowledged for her leadership in improving rural and regional healthcare. Her work has led to significant growth in the allied health workforce, increased student placements, and a strengthened research culture. Sally’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through the COVID pathways program, provided support to over 25,000 people in the Loddon Mallee region. Her efforts in expanding the Better@Home programs have made a significant impact on the provision of care closer to home.
The Aged Care sector also has its share of pioneers, with teams like ACH Group’s Social Links Team in South Australia making a difference by addressing loneliness and social isolation among people over 60 through their Sing for Joy choirs. The team’s expansion to six community choirs and one in each care home has challenged ageing stereotypes and promoted inclusivity.
Another innovative initiative is the FRIEND program by The Good Shepherd Home in Queensland. This program has successfully reduced falls, weight loss, and polypharmacy among residents, demonstrating the positive impact of exercise, nutritional support, and deprescribing on frailty in aged care.
The Critical Interim Support Program team at Brotherhood of St. Laurence in Victoria is recognised for its work in connecting socially isolated and disadvantaged older people with essential services, enabling 90 per cent of clients to remain at home with support.
In the Community Services sector, teams like Odyssey House Victoria’s BRACE program are making strides in supporting young people with alcohol and other drug issues, while Little Dreamers in South Melbourne is advocating for over 6,000 young carers across Australia.
The Disability Services sector is also represented by exceptional teams and individuals, including Yooralla’s ‘Aspire to Be’ project team in Melbourne, which supports children and young people with disabilities, and Emily Caska from the Down Syndrome Institute in Sydney, who has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives for people living with disabilities.
As the 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards approach, the nation awaits the celebration of these unsung heroes whose work has touched the lives of many. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the difference that dedication, compassion, and innovation can make in the lives of others.
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