Ageing Australia is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 You are ACE! Awards, honouring the outstanding individuals, teams and organisations making a real difference in aged care, retirement living and seniors housing.
Fifteen winners have been recognised across individual, team and organisation categories.
From frontline care workers and volunteers to visionary leaders and innovative teams, this year’s winners represent the best of aged care combining compassion, creativity and commitment to help older Australians live well.
“We received more than 500 nominations from across the country this year,” said Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson.
“These winners are true champions of aged care. Their dedication, innovation and leadership are shaping a better future for older people every day.”
Among the winners is 22-year-old Brianna Browne of Harbison Retirement Living Village, NSW, who took out the Rising Star award for her rapid progression from care worker to deputy manager and her ability to inspire and support colleagues well beyond her years.
In the Volunteer category Carol Pickering, 80, has been recognised for her remarkable achievement with Villa Maria Catholic Homes where she volunteered for 45 years, more than half her life.
Also recognised was Cadorna House, a boutique aged care home in Launceston, Tasmania, which won the Excellence (Organisation) category for delivering consistently high-quality care and satisfaction.
Other standout winners include David Martin of St Vincent’s Care for innovation across VIC and NSW, Faye Spiteri of Fronditha Care for exceptional leadership and provider Selectability in Queensland for its transformative work in remote and First Nations communities.
Media contact: Najma Sambul 0405 020 175 or
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Individual – Consumer focus and care category
James Wotherspoon, Southern Cross Care, St Joseph’s Aged Care Tweed Heads, NSW
Individual – Innovation category
David Martin, St Vincent’s Care, VIC & NSW
Individual – Leadership category
Faye Spiteri, Fronditha Care, VIC
Individual – Rising star category
Brianna Browne, Harbison Retirement Living Village, NSW
Individual – Volunteer category
Carol Pickering, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, VIC
Team – Consumer focus and care category
CHSP group-based program (centre-based respite and seniors social support group), SydWest Multicultural Services, NSW
Team – Innovation category
Waratah Allied Health Team, Maroba Nursing Home, NSW
Team – Making a difference category
ActiveStrongerBetter Seniors Exercise Program, NovaCare Community Services, NSW
Team – Project category
Curtin University Media Student Volunteers, Melville Cares, WA
Team – Teamwork category
Volunteer Relations, Wesley Mission Queensland
Organisation – Consumer focus and care category
St Vincent’s Care, QLD
Organisation – Excellence category
Cadorna House Aged Care, TAS
Organisation – Innovation category
Kaloma Home for The Aged, QLD
Organisation – Making a difference category
Lifeview Emerald Glades, VIC
Organisation – Rural and remote category
Selectability, QLD
