Eight winners from across the aged care, allied health, disability and community services sectors were last night crowned at the 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards, which honoured remarkable contributions to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Australians.
Selected from a record 420+ nominations, winners included a team who engaged aged care residents to collectively cycle 546km as part of an innovative exercise challenge, a nutritionist working to improve the quality of food in aged care homes, and a team improving transport safety for people with disabilities and their families.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated all winners and finalists, who she said had demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and compassion in their work.
"These professionals are among the shining stars of the aged care, allied health, community and disability services sectors, going above and beyond every day to care for their communities," Ms Blakey said.
"The HESTA team is honoured to help highlight the extraordinary achievements and contributions from those who are so dedicated to improving the lives of others."
The HESTA Excellence Awards recognise leading teams and individuals from around Australia who are improving health outcomes through their work in the disability, allied health, aged care, and community services sectors.
The eight winners will each receive $7,500 courtesy of longstanding HESTA Awards supporter ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ), to be put toward further education, service improvement or team development.
"We're delighted to bolster the careers of these eight victors," BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle said.
"They personify the diligence and dedication of an industry that is crucial to our nation. ME extends its gratitude for your significant contribution to our community."
Congratulations to the 2025 HESTA Excellence Award winners:
Aged Care – Individual Leadership
Emma Payne
The Daisie Chain
Sutherland Shire, NSW
Emma Payne, founder of The Daisie Chain, transforms dementia care through music, movement, training and advocacy. Her interactive programs, dementia-friendly cafe and practical resources foster connection, joy and dignity for people living with dementia, their families, and aged care staff.
Ms Payne said the way The Daisie Chain transformed connections between residents, families and staff was the most rewarding part of her work.
"It's being with people when they're emotional or vulnerable, entering their world, and understanding what they need in that moment and helping to meet it. It's the look of surprise on a staff member's face when a resident who is normally non-verbal starts to sing. The joy and connection between a father and his daughter as they join a class together."
Aged Care – Team Excellence
ACH Group's Social and Health Teams
ACH Group
Mile End, SA
ACH Group partnered with Tourism SA's Tour Down Under to engage 210 aged care residents in a cycling challenge, fostering health, positive relationships and a sense of community. Residents collectively cycled 546km, with the winning home logging 1,304 minutes on the bikes.
ACH Group CEO Linda Feldt said being recognised in the HESTA Excellence Awards was testament to the impact of ACH Group's work and the team's dedication.
"We see this recognition as a celebration of the commitment and efforts of the ACH Group social and health teams, particularly in how they deliver innovative programs like the inaugural Cycle Challenge. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to our purpose – Good Lives for Older People – by creating meaningful programs with measurable outcomes that enhance both wellbeing and community connection."
Allied Health – Individual Leadership
Sandra Iuliano
University of Melbourne/Medicine
West Heidelberg, VIC
Sandra Iuliano, a nutritionist and researcher, is recognised for her advocacy in improving the quality of food provided to residents in aged care. A world-first intervention led by Sandra involving more than 7,000 aged care residents demonstrated that improved food quality helps reduce falls, fractures and malnutrition in residents.
Ms Iuliano said the prize money will be used to further develop training for aged care staff, supporting better nutritional care of older adults.
"We have been developing training modules for aged care staff to improve food service and delivery to older adults in aged care homes. Food is central to their lives, not only for its nutritional benefits but also for its social, emotional and cultural value. The money will be used to develop and validate these training tools," she said.
Allied Health – Team Excellence
Flying Squad
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Parkville, VIC
The Flying Squad is recognised for supporting patients with complex psychosocial barriers to leave hospital safely and with dignity. Since November 2021, the team has supported 590 patients with complex discharge needs, saving 756 bed days across a single 12-month period, and enabling 70% of patients to return home safely.
Flying Squad Occupational Therapist Jimmy Fitzpatrick said the HESTA Awards win was "deeply humbling".
"The people we support can often be marginalised, stigmatised or without a voice. And a lot of work happens behind the scenes to provide their care, so for our team to receive this recognition is incredibly meaningful," he said.
"Ensuring these patients aren't left behind, by giving them opportunities to improve their quality of life, sends a message that they matter. Being able to act on that message in practical ways is why we love what we do.
"We wouldn't be able to do the work we do without the support of our wider teams, including LGBTQI+, First Nations Health Unit and Disability Liaison Officers."
Disability Services – Individual Leadership
Emma Weatherley
FSHD Global Research Foundation
Sydney, NSW
As the CEO and Managing Director of FSHD Global Research Foundation and living with FSHD herself, Emma Weatherley is a powerful champion for change, inspiring others to join the fight against Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). She leads groundbreaking initiatives, including the launch of the world's first patient-led disease registry the 'CURE FSHD' app, which centralises medical data, empowers people living with FSHD to take control of their FSHD journey, and facilitates clinical trial participation.
"Seeing someone shift from feeling isolated and invisible to becoming informed, engaged and trial-ready is deeply fulfilling," Ms Weatherley said.
"As someone living with FSHD, and with loved ones also affected, this work is incredibly personal. The responsibility I carry is significant, but it is also a privilege. To lead this Foundation, to amplify the voices of our community and help drive progress towards treatments and a cure, is an honour and gives my life great purpose."
Disability Services – Team Excellence
Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults Ltd (MACA)
Kew East, VIC
Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults Ltd (MACA) is Australia's only organisation dedicated to advancing the rights of people with disabilities and medical conditions to safe and equitable motor vehicle transport. The team's advocacy has led to legislative changes throughout Australia, helping transform transport safety for people with disabilities and their families.
MACA Chief Executive Helen Lindner said winning the award was a "significant honour".
"Recognition through this high-profile awards program increases national visibility of MACA's work and our vision that every person has access to safe and equitable transport. This helps to influence broader awareness and promote collaborations that drive lasting policy and practice change to advance the rights of people with disabilities to safe motor vehicle transport."
Community Services – Individual Leadership
George Halkias
The Big Issue Australia
Melbourne VIC
George Halkias, a pioneer in sport-for-development, co-founded The Big Issue Community Street Soccer Program, which has impacted over 11,000 people from marginalised backgrounds. As National Coach, he uses his passion for sport to inspire stronger, healthier communities and address key social issues.
Mr Halkias said it's been a long journey growing the program from a pilot in 2004 to a network of 30 programs across Australia, as well as representing the country in the annual Homeless World Cup on 11 occasions.
"It's pretty special and rewarding to see so many people who have faced adversity come through the program and start to try new things, build their self esteem and improve their health. Since we began, more than 11,000 people have used the Community Street Soccer Program to positively change their lives – and we couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to help change lives through the power of sport."
George is about to lead the Street Socceroos to the Homeless World Cup in Norway on August 11.
Community Services – Team Excellence
Education Pathways Program Team
Launch Housing
South Melbourne, VIC
The Education Pathways Program (EPP) Team is recognised for its vital work in improving educational outcomes for children experiencing homelessness and family violence. Since the program's inception, over 1000 children have re-engaged with education, making a real difference in helping break the cycle of disadvantage.
"This acknowledgment is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team and partners who work tirelessly to support children experiencing homelessness and family violence," Acting Education Pathways Program Coordinator Sam O'Brien said.
"The most rewarding part of our work is witnessing the transformation in the children we support, seeing them grow in confidence, build friendships in their new school and communities, and access opportunities that have a massive impact in shaping their futures. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that the support is making a real difference in their lives and helping to lay the foundation for long-term success and wellbeing."
