2025 You are ACE! Awards finalists and winners

Proudly presenting this year’s winners!

Welcome to the official announcement of the 2025 You are ACE! Awards winners – a celebration of the outstanding individuals, teams and organisations who exemplify excellence in aged care, retirement living and seniors housing across Australia.

Join us in recognising these 52 remarkable finalists and winners who continue to inspire and uplift our sector every day.

This year, over 500 nominations were received from across the country, each one showcasing an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older and ageing Australians by going above and beyond the call of duty.

From frontline carers and dedicated volunteers to visionary leaders and collaborative teams, these finalists and winners set an excellence benchmark and help lift the profile and reputation of our sector.

Awards Gallery

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Individual

Team

Organisation

Finalists and winners for each category

The You are ACE! Awards span 15 categories, such as leadership, innovation, consumer focus and care, rising star and making a difference. Each finalist (including the winners) has been recognised for their exceptional contribution and the values they bring to the communities they serve.

Individual finalists and winners

Individual category

Congratulations to:

Award criteria

Leadership

	WINNER Faye Spiteri, Fronditha Care, VIC
	Aurielle Reyes, The Shoreline Coffs Harbour, NSW
	Ben Hall, Barossa Village Inc., SA
	Veronica John, Whiddon, NSW

Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead a team toward outstanding results.
Strategic vision that aligns with organisational goals.
Positive influence on team morale and culture.
Commitment to mentoring and developing future leaders.

Innovation

	WINNER David Martin, St Vincent's Care, VIC & NSW
	Amanda Schofield, Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), NSW & ACT
	Kelvin Neave, Dougherty Apartments, NSW
	Marg Alexander, Benetas, VIC

Creative thinking leading to innovative ideas and solutions.
Successful implementation of innovative practices.
Potential for innovation to be scaled or replicated.
Overcoming challenges through innovation.

Consumer focus and care

	WINNER James Wotherspoon, Southern Cross Care, St Joseph’s Aged Care Tweed Heads, NSW
	Asmir Huzejrovic, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, VIC
	Dave Bell, Rise, WA
	John Fato, Lifeview Emerald Glades, VIC
	Kerry Curran, Royal Freemasons' Benevolent Institution, NSW

Commitment to person-centered, personalised care.
Tangible improvements in care quality and resident satisfaction.
Strong relationships with residents and families.
Advocacy for resident wellbeing and dignity.

Rising star

	WINNER Brianna Browne, Harbison Retirement Living Village, NSW
	Dylan Dumbleton, Community Vision Australia, WA
	Justin Woodward, Harbison Retirement Living Village, NSW

Rapid professional growth and future leadership potential.
Contributions to team and fresh perspectives.
Initiative and proactive approach to challenges.
Recognition as a promising talent by peers and supervisors.

Volunteer

	WINNER Carol Pickering, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, VIC
	Gail Williams, Calvery Mount Carmel, NSW
	Gary Hollier, Royal Freemasons' Benevolent Institution, NSW
	Marilyn Hobbs, Royal Freemasons' Benevolent Institution, NSW
	Theodorus Giannicopoulos, Fronditha Care, VIC
	Viv Simpson, Sawtell Catholic Care, NSW

Long-term commitment and dedication to volunteering.
Positive impact on residents' wellbeing and engagement.
Active involvement in community initiatives.
Embodiment of compassion and service.

Team finalists and winners

Team category

Congratulations to:

Award criteria

Project

WINNER
Curtin University Media Student Volunteers, Melville Cares, WA

Effective project planning and successful execution.
Strong teamwork and collaboration.
Innovative project outcomes with measurable impact.
Project sustainability and scalability.

Innovation

	WINNER Waratah Allied Health Team, Maroba Nursing Home, NSW
	Logan Team Leaders, Anglicare Southern Queensland, QLD
	Infinite Care Cornubia Team, Infinite Care Cornubia, QLD

Creative problem solving leading to innovation.
Successful implementation with significant impact.
Team collaboration on innovative solutions.
Broader influence of the innovation on the sector.

Consumer focus and care

	WINNER CHSP group-based program (centre-based respite and seniors social support group), SydWest Multicultural Services, NSW
	Killara Respite Centre Team, Anglicare Southern Queensland, QLD
	Aged & Disability Team, Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service, WA

Person-centred care approach.
Improved quality of care and resident satisfaction.
Engagement of families and community in care delivery.
Innovative practices enhancing resident wellbeing.

Teamwork

	WINNER Volunteer Relations, Wesley Mission Queensland
	HealthX Covid Surge Workforce, HealthX, QLD
	Moopi Moopi Team, St Vincent's Care Services, QLD
	Whiddon Wingham – Residential Services Team, Whiddon, NSW

Strong collaboration, communication, and mutual support.
Shared vision and goals aligned with organisational mission.
Resilience in overcoming challenges.
Positive impact on residents and the organisation.

Making a difference

	WINNER ActiveStrongerBetter Seniors Exercise Program, NovaCare Community Services, NSW
	Residential Allied Health Team, Alwyndor, SA
	Calvary Haydon Knitting Group, Calvary Haydon Retirement Village, ACT
	St Vincent's Care Toowoomba Team, St Vincent's Care, QLD