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.
Among the eight winners, were two from New South Wales, including Emma Payne, founder of The Daisie Chain, and Emma Weatherley, Managing Director of the FSHD Global Research Foundation, who were recognised for their transformative work in the areas of dementia care and combatting Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), respectively.
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."
Emma Payne, founder of The Daisie Chain in Sutherland Shire, NSW, was recognised in the Aged Care – Individual Leadership category for her innovative and compassionate approach to dementia care. Through interactive programs, a dementia-friendly café, and practical resources, Emma fosters connection, joy, and dignity for people living with dementia, their families, and aged care staff.
"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," Ms Payne said.
Emma Weatherley, Managing Director of the FSHD Global Research Foundation in Sydney, NSW, was recognised in the Disability Services – Individual Leadership category for her groundbreaking work in the fight against Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD).
Living with FSHD herself, Emma has inspired others through initiatives like 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 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."
Selected from a record 420+ nominations, other 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.
Congratulations to the 2025 HESTA Excellence Award winners:
Aged Care – Individual Leadership Emma Payne The Daisie Chain Sutherland Shire, NSW
Aged Care – Team Excellence ACH Group's Social and Health Teams ACH Group Mile End, SA
Allied Health – Individual Leadership Sandra Iuliano University of Melbourne/Medicine West Heidelberg, VIC
Allied Health – Team Excellence Flying Squad Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, VIC
Disability Services – Individual Leadership Emma Weatherley FSHD Global Research Foundation Sydney, NSW
Disability Services – Team Excellence Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults Ltd (MACA) Kew East, VIC
Community Services – Individual Leadership George Halkias The Big Issue Australia Melbourne VIC
Community Services – Team Excellence Education Pathways Program Team Launch Housing South Melbourne, VIC
