Ageing Australia is thrilled to unveil the finalists for the 2025 You are ACE! Awards – a national celebration of excellence, innovation and heart in aged care, retirement living and seniors housing – ahead of Aged Care Employee Day on Thursday 7 August.
With more than 500 nominations received from every corner of the country, this year’s finalists are a vibrant reflection of the extraordinary people and providers transforming the way older Australians live, age and thrive.
“We’ve had a tremendous number of people nominated this year, which speaks volumes about the dedication across our sector,” said Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson.
“During a time of major reform, more people than ever are working incredibly hard to support older Australians – and the You are ACE! Awards are our chance to recognise, celebrate and thank those making a real difference every day.”
Among this year’s 52 finalists are trailblazers, quiet heroes and changemakers, recognised across 15 individual, team and organisation categories – from Leadership and Innovation to Consumer Care and Focus, Teamwork, and Rural and Remote.
In Queensland’s remote Gulf, non-profit provider Selectability stepped into aged care at a critical juncture, transforming local services and driving occupancy rates close to full in Normanton, Mornington Island and Doomadgee.
The provider also recently took over management of Aurukun aged care services on 2 July, further expanding its commitment to remote communities.
Selectability CEO Debra Burden said it was an honour to be placed as a finalist in this year’s awards.
“We’re very thrilled to be recognised in the Rural and Remote category,” said Burden.
“It’s been an exciting two years for us given we weren’t in aged care two years ago, and now to be supporting the First Nations communities in delivering aged care services in Aurukun is a privilege,” Burden said.
With a legacy spanning over 175 years, St Vincent’s Care has been recognised as finalists across multiple categories, including Consumer Focus and Care for its innovative work in storytelling.
St Vincent’s Care created the Celebrating You video and podcast series to change perceptions of aged care by sharing real stories from residents, families and staff.
Launched in 2023, the series has drawn over 140,000 visits to the campaign website, alongside hundreds of podcast listeners and thousands of video views – reflecting its strong public impact.
In Victoria, Carol Pickering is being honoured for an incredible 45 years of volunteering with Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH), spreading warmth and kindness across generations.
Also, from VMCH, Senior Case Manager Asmir Huzejrovic is a finalist in the Individual – Consumer Focus and Care category, recognised for his deep empathy and dedication.
After arriving in Australia as a 16-year-old refugee from the Bosnian war, Asmir left a successful IT career to care for his father with dementia, a decision that led him into nursing and, eventually, case management.
“I’m surprised that I’m a finalist for the You are Ace! Awards, I feel honoured that the team [at VMCH] nominated me,” he said.
“Helping people is something I’ve always wanted to do; I love what I’m doing.”
The winners of the You are ACE! Awards will be announced on Thursday 7 August, in celebration of Aged Care Employee Day.
View the full list of the 2025 Ageing Australia You are ACE! Awards finalists.
