According to SAGE Study Tours Program Director and former Nurse Educator Judy Martin, being collegiate has never been more important for executives in the aged care sector.
We are delighted to showcase the 15 winners of the 2025 Ageing Australia You are ACE! Awards, announced on Aged Care Employee Day, held annually on 7 August.
This year, McGrathNicol – a specialist advisory and restructuring firm – sponsored the inaugural Rural and Remote Bursary for four deserving aged care employees to attend the Ageing Australia conference in their state.
Migrant nurses bring a wealth of skills, experience and cultural diversity to the aged care sector, making them a vital solution for Australia's growing workforce shortages.
As Australia prepares to roll out its new End-of-Life Care Pathway under the Support at Home Program in November 2025, the role of aged care nurses has never been more important.
One of the great things about my job is getting out to visit members, hear from sector leaders, and see how things are working on the ground. It’s what keeps me – and Ageing Australia – grounded and clear in our vision and purpose.
Tom Symondson, Chief Executive Officer
Ageing Australia
Winter 2025, pg 17
National Update
St Vincent’s Care makes bold care model shift
A move to relationship-based care is transforming aged care homes across the country, blurring the lines between residents and workers, strengthening personal connections and creating true community.
![Selected from a record 500-plus nominations and 52 finalists, they represent outstanding examples of dedication, care and excellence across the aged care sector. The Ageing Australia national awards program offers categories for individuals, teams and organisations, with five subcategories in each. From transformative leadership to the implementation of new resident-focused physiotherapy programs, advocating for multicultural aged care in Australia and celebrating a life of volunteering, the 2025 winners collectively demonstrate excellence and an outstanding commitment to older Australians, the broader community and the aged care sector. [STEPHEN PLEASE LAY OUT THE FIRST PAGE USING HIGHER-END BRAND EXECUTION IF YOU CAN, PLUS THE INTRO. I’VE STREAMLINED THE WINNERS SO WE CAN PUT THREE ON EACH PAGE AFTER THAT, FOR A SIX-PAGE SPREAD] [PAGE 2] Individual category: Consumer focus and care James Wotherspoon, Southern Cross Care, St Joseph’s Aged Care Tweed Heads, NSW Physiotherapist James Wotherspoon demonstrates clinical excellence, compassion and leadership. Going beyond his formal duties, he delivers person-centred, evidence-based care that meaningfully and measurably enhances residents’ lives and wellbeing. His tailored physiotherapy programs help restore residents’ mobility, build confidence and promote independence. Thanks to James’ leadership, physiotherapy engagements at St Joseph’s have grown from a handful to over 800 each month, with residents now actively participating in diverse and dynamic programs from strength training and yoga to dance, ping pong tournaments and community walking groups. A strategic thinker, James actively contributes to multidisciplinary team discussions, co-develops and reviews care programs, and leads monthly falls prevention meetings. His work has contributed to a 31 per cent reduction in falls between 2022 and 2024. James also mentors allied health assistants and lends his services to other Southern Cross Care homes when required. [IMAGE: Minister Jodie Harrison and James Wotherspoon of St Joseph's Aged Care] NSW Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison with James Wotherspoon at the awards ceremony at NSW Parliament House in Sydney on Aged Care Employee Day. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 139] Individual category: Innovation David Martin, St Vincent's Care Services, VIC & NSW With 18 years in hospitality, David Martin transitioned from destination restaurants Rockpool, Gordon Ramsay Maze and the Langham Melbourne to aged care, driven by a desire to change the dining experience “one plate at a time”. A transformative leader, he has made dining at St Vincent’s Care synonymous with innovation and excellence. His team has won several international accolades, including two silver medals at the 2024 International Salon Culinaire in London. David’s Chef Development Academy focuses on farm-to-table and world-class dining, while embedding Aged Care Standard 6 as a benchmark for the sector. Other aged care providers often seek David’s expertise to design and deliver their chef training programs and meal strategies, including texture-modified innovation, sustainable sourcing and technology integration for streamlined kitchen workflows. “If I can give comfort through food at this stage of life, that’s the heart of it,” says David. [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_StVincents_London Salon only age care team OR Natnl_ACE_StVincents_Vic team teach NSW team for chef development] David Martin, Executive Chef Manager and Hotel Services Manager St Vincent’s Care, has brought a new level of excellence to aged care dining. [STEPHEN MAYBE ONE OF THESE CAN BE THE HERO SHOT?] [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 143] Individual category: Leadership Faye Spiteri OAM, Fronditha Care, VIC Faye Spiteri OAM is renowned for her advocacy in social justice, gender equity and aged care. In 2021, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fronditha Care, a prominent aged care provider supporting the Greek Australian community. Under her leadership, Fronditha Care has reported year-on-year growth reaching revenues of over $100 million – a 101 per cent increase. Their client base has risen from about 800 to over 2,000, and their bilingual bicultural workforce has expanded to 1,000 staff – an increase of over 20 per cent – in the past two years. In 2024, Faye championed the establishment of the Fronditha Care Foundation. Partnering with organisations like Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia, Dementia Australia, Monash University and Ageing Australia, the initiative is contributing to the evidence base that will help shape aged care legislation, policies, practices and service delivery. Faye has also promoted Fronditha Care’s role as a leading voice and advocate for multicultural aged care in Australia. [IMAGE: Natnl_YouAreACE_FrondithaStaffAwards-alexfrankphoto-167_edited 2] Faye Spiteri OAM receiving her award from Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson (left) and alongside Fronditha Care Chairman Kostas Livadaras. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 158] [PAGE 3] Individual category: Rising star Brianna Browne, Harbison Retirement Living Village, NSW Brianna (Bree) Browne is redefining what leadership looks like in aged care by demonstrating that a young, determined individual can earn the respect and trust of everyone around her. As a carer, Bree showed the maturity, insight and drive of someone beyond her years. She confidently stepped into leadership responsibilities as the Deputy Personal Care Manager, while continuing to learn and bring new perspectives to her team. Bree creates change with those around her, and is always looking for ways to improve and to do better. She inspires confidence, energises her team, and brings a sense of calm purpose to even the most challenging days. The Rising Star Award is designed for emerging leaders just like Bree, who is a beacon of hope for the future of aged care. [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_Minister, Brianna Brown and Justin Woodward – STEPHEN ARE YOU ABLE TO CUT AROUND HER AND USE HER ONLY? NOT JUST CROP BUT MAKE HER A CUT OUT?] Brianna Brown is a trailblazer for young leaders in aged care. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 129] Individual category: Volunteer Carol Pickering, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, VIC Carol Pickering has spent more than half of her life volunteering with VMCH. The 80-year-old joined the for-purpose aged and disability organisation as a volunteer at age 35 in 1979, when it was known as Villa Maria Society for the Blind. “There was one woman, Doris, who was blind and deaf,” Carol recalls. “I learnt how to do the letters of the alphabet on her hands so she could understand me. She was wonderful.” Carol volunteered within VMCH’s Disability Services for some time, before returning to aged care at their Berwick residence six years ago. She believes volunteers are vital to the fabric of our community, bringing joy to those who may otherwise feel alone. “Sometimes people need someone to give them encouragement, a cuddle, a bit of warmth. I’ve enjoyed volunteering so much. There are so many people out there who don’t have anybody.” [IMAGE: Natnl_YouAreACE_VOLS_Carol-Pickering_You-Are-Ace_Aug25_Web-1] Ageing Australia General Manager Marketing & Communications Abderazzaq Noor presenting Carol with her award certificate on Aged Care Employee Day 7 August 2025. [OR IF WANT THE AWARD ITSELF] [IMAGE: Natnl_YouAreACE_VOLS_Carol-Pickering_You-Are-Ace_Aug25_Web-5] Ageing Australia General Manager Marketing & Communications Abderazzaq Noor presenting Carol with her award on Aged Care Employee Day 7 August 2025. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 145] Team category: Consumer focus and care CHSP group-based programs, SydWest Multicultural Services, NSW SydWest Multicultural Services is a leading organisation for cultural diversity responding to community needs throughout Greater Western Sydney and more recently parts of the Inner West and City of Sydney. Driven by love, commitment and purpose, SydWest’s Centre-Based Respite (CBR) and Seniors Social Support Group (SSSG) teams go far beyond service delivery, acting as compassionate companions, cultural connectors and advocates for seniors. They see the person behind the client, honour every story with reverence, and walk together with seniors on their ageing journey with grace, dignity and heart. Their events include trips around Sydney, art and music therapy, movement and exercise classes, English language and technology classes, information sessions about aged care services, trips to the local cinema and more. Through every program, every outing and every warm exchange, they build trust, inspire connection, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of over 900 seniors from diverse backgrounds. [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_SydWest_1754515530976] Members of the SydWest Multicultural Services team with NSW Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 149] [PAGE 4] Team category: Innovation Waratah Allied Health Team, Maroba Nursing Home, NSW The Maroba Allied Health Team is dedicated to enhancing residents' mobility and independence, while also playing a vital role in fostering a sense of community. The team’s programs go beyond physical health by encouraging social interaction, mental wellbeing and a renewed sense of purpose. What sets this team apart is its ability to adapt and personalise care, ensuring every resident receives the support they need in a way that is both achievable and motivating. Taking a collaborative approach, the team works seamlessly with nursing, care and lifestyle teams to integrate evidence-based movement and rehabilitation into daily routines, making wellbeing a shared priority. The team’s genuine enthusiasm and encouragement creates an uplifting atmosphere where residents feel empowered to challenge themselves and celebrate their progress. Participation in is carefully tailored through expert assessments, ensuring each resident works toward specific, meaningful goals to help them stay active, safe and independent. [IMAGE: NEED TO CHECK SUPPLIED BUT CAN’T SEEM TO GET ACCESS, THE URLs GO TO THE AGEING AUSTRALIA HOME PAGE – NEED SHARON TO HELP] [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 147] Team category: Making a difference ActiveStrongerBetter Seniors Exercise Program, NovaCare Community Services, NSW ActiveStrongerBetter (ASB) is a community-based exercise program empowering older people of all backgrounds and abilities. ASB aims to increase access to safe, fun and appropriate exercise programs for seniors by training fitness professionals to deliver programs that support healthy ageing through exercise and facilitate meaningful connections between participants. ASB works with established and aspiring fitness leaders, providing training and ongoing support to deliver high-quality programs across New South Wales. Since 2022, ASB has trained over 45 fitness professionals, 24 of whom run more than 100 classes every week from40 locations. There are now over 2,000 participants with an average age of 76, and 10,000 attendances every month. Research undertaken by Hunter Medical Research Institute showed 80 per cent of participants reported improved physical and mental health and social wellbeing. Many have credited the program with helping them reconnect socially, as well as find purpose. [IMAGE Natnl_ACE_ABSGenesisWarnersBay76 OR Natnl_ACE_DebClassDixonPark-71 OR Natnl_ACE_ABSGenesisWarnersBay55 OR Natnl_ACE_Minister Harrison and ActiveStrongerBetter Seniors Exercise Program] [STEPHEN Natnl_ACE_ABSGenesisWarnersBay55 OTHER POTENTIAL HERO SHOT] [CREATE CAPTION DEPENDING WHICH ONE IS USED] [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 144] Team category: Project Curtin University media student volunteers, Melville Cares, WA The Life Story project involved six media students from Curtin University who volunteered for six weeks to create a series of life story videos about 18 Melville Cares clients. The videos were given to the clients to share with friends and family, and promoted by Melville Cares online. Although only scoped to make a five-minute video for their course, the students created a 30-minute montage, two five-minute montages (one client-based, one staff-based), a trailer, five b-roll videos, a-day-in-the-life video, a photograph library and a social media plan. Melville Cares' Chief Executive Officer Maria Davison said the project was a great success, with clients having a wonderful time. "The videos really capture the personalities and the life experiences of clients and team members alike,” she said. “In aged care, unfortunately people can be seen as ‘consumers’ of things they can no longer do for themselves. The videos captured the spirit, strength and humour of the person." [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_Melville] Melville Cares staff with student volunteers. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 155] [PAGE 5] Team category: Teamwork Volunteer Relations, Wesley Mission Queensland, QLD At Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ), the Volunteer Relations team, comprising eight dedicated staff, plays a central role in coordinating and supporting volunteers. Working in close partnership with seniors and Ageing Well services, the team identifies opportunities, recruits and trains volunteers, matches them to meaningful roles, fosters volunteer-led initiatives, and ensures every volunteer feels valued In the past 12 months, the team coordinated over 1,000 volunteers for Ageing Well services, who contributed over 200,000 volunteer hours, averaging 3,846 hours per week. There were more than 6,000 visits to seniors; over 1,500 seniors received transportation services with approximately 26,000 trips; and more than 3,000 training sessions and education packages were completed by Ageing Well volunteers. In a May 2025 satisfaction survey, volunteers rated their experience an average of 4.7 out of 5 across eight areas of satisfaction. Between June and July 2025, WMQ also saw a peak volunteer growth of 16 per cent, exceeding the national average by 10 percentage points. [IMAGE – NEED TO DOWNLOAD AND NEED HELP WITH NAMES LEFT TO RIGHT – NEED SHARON’S HELP AS IT WON’T DOWNLOAD] The WMQ Volunteer Relations team (L-R): Lynne Dack, Kylie Chenery, Shannon Tweddle, Jess Scott, Heidi Oberholzer, Lisa Osbourne, Kaitlyn Timbrell and Nicole Mujdrica. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 159] Organisation category: Consumer focus and care St Vincent's Care, QLD The St Vincent’s Care Services (SVCS) marketing team, led by Head of Marketing James Boshier and supported by General Manager Customer Experience Prue Densley and Chief Executive Officer Lincoln Hopper, wanted to shift the narrative of residential aged care and support compassionate conversations about entry into care. The result was two seasons of the Celebrating You video series, featuring the personal stories of a total of 18 SVCS residents, family members, staff and volunteers. The first season debuted in June 2023 and the second (together with an accompanying podcast) in June 2024, each with three episodes. The Navigating Aged Care podcast included more than three hours of content across five episodes, leveraging expertise from the broader organisation across aged care, health and research. Promoted across various media channels, the campaign resulted in a 10 per cent increase in brand awareness and helped drive a record 95.5 per cent occupancy rate (as of June 2024) – 10 percentage points above the sector’s average occupancy rate. You can watch Celebrating You at svcs.org.au/celebrating-you. [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_SVCS NOTE THIS IS JUST THE SETTING FOR THE FILMING MAYBE DON’T USE?] [NEED CAPTION] [Natnl_ACE_St Vincents Care Heartprint image 1] The consumer-focused marketing campaign helped demonstrate the compassion at St Vincents Care QLD. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 170] Organisation category: Excellence Cadorna House Aged Care, TAS Cadorna House is a privately owned, 33-bed residential aged care provider in Launceston. It is an outstanding example of how aged care can feel like home, and how residents and staff can become family. With a high staff to resident ratio, the focus is on providing residents with a happy home and excellence in care which translates to high resident satisfaction. Cadorna achieved a five-star rating for residential aged care two quarters in a row. It is also rated the highest facility in Tasmania and the second in Australia for food and meals with a score of 3.92 out of four based on an external resident satisfaction survey. Family members could not be happier, with reviews like “Mum receives excellent care” and “it’s a wonderful place”. [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_Cadorna_015-1-Copy NOTE THIS IS JUST A FOOD PIC, Natnl_ACE_Cadorna_022-Copy EXTERNAL IMAGE PIC OR Natnl_ACE_Cadorna_002] [CAPTION DEPENDING ON PIC] [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 126] [PAGE 6] Organisation category: Innovation Kaloma Home for The Aged, QLD Kaloma Home for The Aged (Kaloma) is recognised for the innovative ways it keeps staff turnover low, at just 18 per cent. Through extra income generated via commercial enterprises, it rewards and nurtures staff with a program of annual bonuses, scholarships and other opportunities – including a loan program to help with personal expenses as well as funding and mentoring for those who wish to start their own business. These ‘out of the box’ efforts have helped create a workplace where staff feel valued, engaged and happy. Kaloma’s first commercial activity Outback Kusina commenced as an ‘all you can eat’ buffet at the local bowls club and has grown to be a fully online virtual restaurant run out of Kaloma’s kitchen on Friday and Saturday nights. Rejuvaflo IV, an intravenous vitamin business which is run by two of Kaloma’s nurses and supported by an integrative doctor has been another great success story. Kaloma also has a contract lawn and garden business which caters to all clientele in the community, and hosts events for extra income. [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_Kaloma Home for The Aged] [NEED CAPTION – ASKED SHARON FOR NAMES] [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 174] Organisation category: Making a difference Lifeview Emerald Glades, VIC Lifeview Emerald Glades’ Community Connection Program offers an outstanding example of how aged care providers can make a difference in the lives of older people and the wider community. Intergenerational bonds are strengthened through an ongoing collaboration with Year 11 and Year 8 students from Emerald High School, as well as a partnership with CIRE Community School in Monbulk (a local special assistance school). At the other end of the spectrum, fortnightly interactions with local kindergarten children create cherished moments and nurture empathy across generations. The home runs a pet therapy program with animal-assisted visits, and for spiritual nourishment there are weekly church services and one-on-one pastoral visits. Residents enjoy walking groups, bus outings, footy tipping, carpet bowls and bingo. Piano tunes and chat groups bring music, storytelling and lively discussion into the community, while a strong connection with Rotary ensures involvement in the wider community. Emerald Glades residents also participate in Melbourne’s annual Pride March. [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_Lifeview] L-R Linda Lawrance (Office Manager), Emma Morrison (Housemate), Abderazzaq Noor (Ageing Australia General Manager Marketing & Communications), Tracy Winning, Chi Dirorimwe (Residential Manager), Danielle Tesse (Housemate), Taylah Boatwood (Clinical Care Manager) and Tania Campanelli (Housemate) celebrating Emerald Glades’ national win in the Ageing Australia You Are ACE! Awards. [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTION: 157] Organisation category: Rural and remote selectability, QLD The story of selectability’s is about perseverance and overcoming challenges. Two years ago, they opened residential aged care homes in three of the most remote locations in Queensland, catering to First Nations Older People. With no experience in the sector, their homes were non-compliant, and communities were not engaged. One year later, they are now compliant against all criteria. The communities are engaged, the homes are welcomed, and feedback from their Older People is that the care they receive is dramatically improved and person-centred, valued and appreciated. The organisation has now been approached to deliver care in another First Nations community, offering a valuable safety-net for First Nations communities. [IMAGE: Natnl_ACE_Selectability LOW RES] [Natnl_ACE_Selectability – LOW RES IT IS OKAY?] CEO of selectability Debra Burden receiving the organisation award from Ageing Australia State Manager QLD Ian Poalses. [IMAGE OPTION 2 CHECK SUITABILITY FOR COVER FIRST] [WORDS WITHOUT CAPTIONS: 106] [STEPHEN IF THERE IS ROOM CAN WE PUT THIS IN A BOX SOMEWHERE?] Nominate for 2026 If you would like to nominate an individual, team or organisation for next year’s awards, Ageing Australia has already begun accepting nominations for 2026. Applications will close 30 June 2026.](https://staging.ageingaustralia.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Passata-making-at-Cardona-House.jpg)
