By Lucy Waldron
The Akooramak Aged Care lifestyle team has been recognised at the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) Excellence Awards for their outstanding contributions, winning in the Making a Difference category.
The team’s dedication to fostering community engagement for residents has been pivotal to their success.
Initiatives such as organising cattle auctions, attending rodeos, hosting visits from rodeo queens, and participating in the Jumpers and Jazz festival by dressing a tree have ensured that residents maintain strong ties with the local community.
Additionally, the team organises a yearly ball, an old-fashioned country dance, for residents and their families, further nurturing the community spirit within the aged care home.
Tom Symondson, CEO of ACCPA, expressed his gratitude to all aged care workers for their unwavering dedication and commitment.
“Aged care workers often go above and beyond to ensure the people they serve receive excellent care,” Mr Symondson said.
“These employees are the unsung heroes of our communities. Their compassionate and tireless work ensures the wellbeing of older people, and their commitment is nothing short of extraordinary.
“We sincerely thank them for their exceptional service.”
Aged Care Employee Day, celebrated on August 7, recognises the more than 370,000 aged care workers across the nation.
This year, ACCPA announced the 15 category winners at their Excellence Awards, selected from 48 finalists and 460 “You are ACE!” nominations.
“These amazing individuals, teams and organisations have shown excellence in key aspects of aged care including customer focus and care, innovation, leadership, teamwork, making a difference and volunteering,” Mr Symondson said.
The winners of the ACCPA Excellence Awards include:
Individual Category:
Consumer Focus & Care: Curt Schmeissing, Aged Care Assistant, Country To Coast Home Care Services, VIC
Innovation: Julie Roppola, Lifestyle Services Coordinator, Bolton Clarke Montclaire Brighton, VIC
Leadership: Peter Williams, CEO, OneCare Limited, TAS
Rising Star: Melissa Taylor, Lifestyle Manager, Oryx Communities, WA
Volunteer: Nickolas Makrynakis, Volunteer, Fronditha Care, VIC
Team Category:
Consumer Focus & Care: Barossa Village graduate enrolled nursing team, SA
Innovation: KinCare team, NSW
Making a Difference: Akooramak Aged Care lifestyle team, QLD
Project: Burnie Brae respite team, QLD
Teamwork: Elderbloom Community Care Centres – Jacaranda & Wanneroo team, WA
Organisation Category:
Consumer Focus & Care: Gratis Home Care, SA
Excellence: Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged, NSW
Innovation: Inasmuch Community Ltd, NSW
Making a Difference: Fronditha Care, VIC
Rural & Remote: Care In Motion – Community Care and Transport, SA
