Allied Health Excellence Awards

The ACT Health Directorate Office of the Chief Allied Health Officer hosts the annual ACT Allied Health Excellence Awards to highlight and provide formal recognition of the excellent contribution of allied health professionals and allied health assistants to the health and wellbeing of our community.

There are nine Award categories:

  • Allied Health Practice Excellence
  • Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence
  • Allied Health Team Excellence
  • Allied Health Early Career Excellence
  • Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
  • Allied Health Research Excellence
  • Allied Health Assistant Excellence
  • Allied Health Education Excellence
  • Consumer Recognition

2023 Allied Health Excellence Awards

This year’s ACT Allied Health Excellence Awards were celebrated at a ceremony on 19 October 2023. 

The winners of each award category were:

2023 Allied Health Professional of the Year and Practice Excellence: Ella Cameron (Canberra Health Services)

AHP of the Year, Ella Cameron, Minister

Ella has been recognised for bringing exceptional levels of innovation, intelligence, investigation and problem-solving capabilities to her work, service challenges, and to individuals’ care to ensure consumers are heard, understood, supported and facilitated to achieve the best physical and psychosocial outcomes.

Ella’s exemplary professional dedication, motivation and aspiration have led to outstanding patient-centred pelvic health physiotherapy services for the ACT and surrounding communities. Ella displays the highest level of ethical awareness in care provision, communication and interprofessional correspondence. She has demonstrated innovation in service provision, such as securing a research grant for an ACT schools project on pelvic health.

Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence: Emily Diprose (Canberra Health Services)

Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence, Emily Diprose, Minister

Emily has been recognised for embodying integrity and professionalism and prioritises staff wellbeing, support, and respect. She is dedicated to the profession of Pharmacy, identifying novel solutions to improve client safety, delivering evidence-based, client-centred models of care within existing resources, displaying clear leadership direction to her team, and collaborating with others to achieve successful outcomes. 

Emily is also recognised for her highly collaborative approach in the implementation of the Digital Health Record and the Pharmacy Inventory Management System at North Canberra Hospital. 

Allied Health Team Excellence: Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) Implementation Team (Canberra Health Services)

Allied Health Team Excellence Spice Team, Minister

The SPICE Implementation Team have been recognised for implementing an innovative, post-diagnostic, multicomponent, multidisciplinary intervention for members of the Canberra community who are living with dementia, and their carers.

The team fostered a positive and respectful culture for people with dementia and demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life, health and wellbeing of individuals living in the community with dementia, and their carers.

Allied Health Early Career Excellence: Imogen Cesarin (Canberra Health Services)

Allied Health Early Career Excellence, Imogen Cesarin, Minister

Imogen has been recognised for embracing diversity, building effective therapeutic relationships, and working collaboratively with consumers, carers, staff, support services, and external stakeholders. She demonstrates a caring, supportive, proactive, and collaborative approach.
Imogen provides exceptional patient-centred care and invests in herself and others to build a supportive and collegial working environment.

Allied Health Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing: Suzanne Clarke (Canberra Health Services)

Allied Health Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing: Suzanne Clarke, Minister

Suzanne has been recognised for her mentoring, collaboration, and generosity of knowledge, time, and spirit. She plays an integral role in supporting consumers and staff within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Specialist Service. 

Suzanne is adaptable, innovative, and inclusive in her approach to sharing her knowledge, and is recognised for the relevant, culturally sensitive, and engaging in-services she creates and presents.

Allied Health Research Excellence: Elizabeth Webb (Australian National University)

Allied Health Research Excellence Elizabeth Webb

Elizabeth has been recognised for being a role model and mentor for staff aspiring to be involved in research or quality improvement. This is evidenced through leading ground-breaking and internationally recognised research to assess the impact of compression therapy on recurrent cellulitis and chronic oedema. 

Elizabeth led her research team to exceed all expectations, culminating in publishing trial results in multiple academic journals. She inspires those around her to believe that Canberra-based allied health research can change the world.

Allied Health Assistant Excellence: Deanne Benton (Canberra Health Services)

Allied Health Assistant Excellence, Deanne Benton, Minister

Deanne has been recognised for leading with patience, kindness and exceptional communication skills to support her team, the Pharmacy department, and the broader hospital.

Deanne has demonstrated this through her ability to design innovative, equitable and creative workflows and procedures for the North Canberra Hospital Pharmacy Technician Service to improve systems and processes through simple yet effective changes.

Allied Health Education Excellence: Jessica Barnard (Canberra Health Services)

Allied Health Education Excellence, Jessica Barnard, Minister

Jessica has been recognised for teaching, mentoring, and coordinating new and innovative ways to deliver education. She has led, developed, and delivered the Canberra Hospital Pharmacy Residency Program, providing foundational training for newly registered Pharmacists and supporting their transition to practice.

Jessica is known for her considered, respectful and inclusive communication, and for creating safe spaces for students to engage.

Consumer Recognition – Individual: Kate Dean (Education Directorate)

Allied Health Consumer Recognition - Individual Kate Dean, Minister

Kate has been recognised for her support of a consumer and their family. The member of the community who nominated Kate noted her kind, helpful, personalised, competent and non-judgemental support and advocacy. The advice and strategies Kate has provided have resulted in improved communication and confidence, and the consumer feels supported in her interactions with the education system.

Consumer Recognition – Team: High Risk Podiatry Service (Canberra Health Services) 

Allied Health Consumer Recognition - Team High Risk Podiatry Service, Minister

Kate Storer, Hannah McKinlay, and Angela Sonter have been recognised for the care they have all provided to a consumer. The member of the community who nominated the team noted their professional, knowledgeable, and friendly approach to his treatment. The care provided has alleviated distress associated with his ongoing wound management and he is grateful for their assurances and positive approach.
 

Nominees

Name Organisation
Allied Health Practice Excellence
Bobby Ryan Canberra Health Services
Chris O'Connor Canberra Health Services
Christopher Tuck Canberra Health Services
Donna Seal Education Directorate
Elise Griffiths ACT Health Directorate
Ella Cameron Canberra Health Services
James Wheller Canberra Health Services
Jasmine Yin Momentum Sport
Jeanie Norman Canberra Health Services
Leah Robinson Canberra Health Services
Margaret Campbell Canberra Health Services
Maxwell Fraval Canberra Osteopathic Centre
Naomi Sherley Community Services Directorate
Rachael Mitterfellner Canberra Health Services
Rebecca Clayton Canberra Health Services
Rebecca Shepherd Canberra Health Services
Sandy Davis Community Services Directorate
Sarah Collett Canberra Health Services
 
Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence    
Carla Ormston Canberra Health Services
Emily Diprose Canberra Health Services
Emily Peelgrane Canberra Health Services
Karen Dell Canberra Health Services
Kerri McGufficke Canberra Health Services
Lauren Hendry Canberra Health Services
Nigel Freeman Momentum Sport
Rebecca Smith Education Directorate
Allied Health Team Excellence
Care Optimisation and Transition Unit Canberra Health Services
Child and Family Centre Team Community Services Directorate
Custodial Mental Health Services Team Canberra Health Services
North Canberra Hospital Allied Health Management Team Canberra Health Services
North Canberra Hospital Medical Imaging Team Canberra Health Services
North Canberra Hospital Palliative Care Physiotherapy Team Canberra Health Services
North Canberra Hospital Pre-admission Clinic Pharmacy Team Canberra Health Services
Pharmacy Information Management Team Canberra Health Services
Pharmacy Inventory Management System Project Team Canberra Health Services and ACT Health Directorate
Radiation Safety Team - Penny Hill and Selim Mahbub ACT Health Directorate
Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Care Cognition and Engagement (SPICE) Implementation Team Canberra Health Services
The Woden School Allied Health Team Education Directorate
Allied Health Early Career Excellence    
Charlie McKeith Canberra Health Services
Darcy Sheahan Canberra Health Services
Herman Wong Canberra Health Services
Imogen Cesarin Canberra Health Services
Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing    
Suzanne Clarke Canberra Health Services
Allied Health Research Excellence    
Danealle Gilfillan Canberra Health Services
Elizabeth Webb Australian National University
Allied Health Assistant Excellence
Andrea Hurtis Canberra Health Services
Deanne Benton Canberra Health Services
Julie Griffin Canberra Health Services
Mairin Wooden Canberra Health Services
Patrick Fry Canberra Health Services
Renata Diggle Canberra Health Services
Allied Health Education Excellence
Emma Whitehead Canberra Health Services
Jessica Barnard Canberra Health Services
Consumer Recognition    
Abby Benton Canberra Health Services
Gayelene Clews Clews Psychology
High Risk Podiatry Service Canberra Health Services
Kaitlyn Tandy KT Physiotherapy
Kate Dean Education Directorate
Kevin Laws and the team Flexout Health Canberra
Moira Murphy Carers ACT
Shannon Kara Coree Occupational Therapy

 

2022 Allied Health Excellence Awards

The ACT Allied Health Excellence Awards were celebrated on Allied Health Professionals Day on 14 October 2022.

The winners of each award category were:

2022 Allied Health Professional of the Year and Practice Excellence: Carol McCrum (Canberra Health Services)

Picture of Carol McCrum and Ministers Emma Davidson and Rachel Stephen-Smith

Carol has been recognised as Allied Health Professional of the year by demonstrating exceptional patient-centred care and motivation for change through being kind, respectful and recognising the importance of colleagues’ expertise and consumer views. Carol's exceptional abilities, drive, determination, and influence have led to significant improvements in clinical care in the field of Rheumatology.

Carol has also demonstrated Allied Health Practice Excellence through outstanding clinical leadership in the implementation of a nationally recognised innovative, advanced practice, Physiotherapy-led, multi-disciplinary service.

Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence: Cassandra Tinning (Canberra Health Services)

Picture of Cassandra Tinning and Dave Peffer and Ministers Emma Davidson and Rachel Stephen-Smith

Cassandra has been recognised for being an outstanding mentor and a strong advocate for allied health who has demonstrated leadership in the delivery of culturally responsive services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, identifying innovative solutions to improve client safety, and delivering evidence-based, client-centred models of care within existing resources.

Cassandra is also recognised for her ability to build trust, strengthen team dynamics, and improve team culture and performance, with warmth, kindness, and positivity.

Allied Health Team Excellence: COVID-19 Wellbeing Team (ACT Health Directorate)

Picture of COVID-19 Wellbeing Team with Minister Emma Davidson

The COVID-19 Wellbeing Team has been recognised for demonstrating an awareness and sensitivity to the complexity of cultural beliefs and practices of all people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whilst striving to support and improve mental health and wellbeing of those impacted by COVID.

The team created solutions and refined processes to meet the evolving needs of the community and developed an appropriate and supportive community service.

Allied Health Early Career Excellence: Jelena Puskarica (Canberra Health Services)

Picture of Jelena Puskarica and Dave Peffer and Ministers Emma Davidson and Rachel Stephen-Smith

Jelena has been recognised for her professionalism, exceptional communication, high drive, a caring client-centred collaborative approach, and dedication to innovation.

Jelena has demonstrated her dedication to allied health by making the most of opportunities to learn and develop new skills, engaging in self-reflection, sharing learnings widely, improving team processes and making a positive impact on organisation processes.

Allied Health Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing: Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy - ACT Implementation Team (Indigenous Allied Health Australia, ACT Health Directorate, Canberra Health Services, Canberra Institute of Technology, Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, Education Directorate and University of Canberra)

Picture of Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy - ACT Implementation Team

The ACT Implementation Team has been recognised for demonstrating inclusivity by facilitating an inter-professional, team-based, proactive and collaborative approach to implementation of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy in the ACT.

The team are also recognised for their inclusive participation and support of colleagues, students and stakeholders.

Allied Health Research Excellence: Alison McDonald (Canberra Health Services) 

Picture of Alison McDonald and Dave Peffer and Ministers Emma Davidson and Rachel Stephen-Smith

Alison has been recognised for displaying dedication to converting best practice into evidence-based practice through her work on the development of the Canberra Health Services Social Work Voice Research Think Tank.

Alison is a passionate advocate for social work and its unique contribution to research culture and outputs and has implemented and evaluated a process for building research capacity among social workers at Canberra Health Services.

Allied Health Assistant Excellence: Melanie Montgomery (Canberra Health Services)

Picture of Melanie Montgomery and Dave Peffer and Ministers Emma Davidson and Rachel Stephen-Smith

Melanie has been recognised for the skills, knowledge, compassion, kindness, and respect she displays in her interactions with patients, carers and colleagues within the Driver Assessment Service.

Melanie has demonstrated a strong ability to use innovative, equitable and creative ways to engage personally and respectfully with clients, build rapport and trust, provide tangible support and develop an effective therapeutic relationship with consumers.

Allied Health Education Excellence: Rowan McIntyre (Canberra Health Services)

Picture of Rowan McIntyre and Dave Peffer and Ministers Emma Davidson and Rachel Stephen-Smith

Rowan has been recognised for implementing innovative education activities and promoting a positive and respectful learning environment, including a culturally responsive and enjoyable learning environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Rowan is particularly commended for teaching, facilitating and coordinating key education and interprofessional learning opportunities, helping students to meet learning goals and objectives and stimulate interest in health careers. 

2021 Allied Health Excellence Awards

2021 award winners were announced on Allied Health Professionals Day, Thursday 14 October 2021. There were 20 nominees across eight excellence award categories. 

The winners of each award category are:

John Wsol is the 2021 ACT Allied Health Professional of the Year award winner - in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education. 

As Lead Pharmacist for Education at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, John is recognised for outstanding interprofessional collaborative practice to achieve high quality learning environments and patient outcomes.
John is also the recipient of the Allied Health Education Excellence Award, recognised for the ability to respond to complex clinical challenges with individual and service level responses. John is an outstanding mentor who demonstrates a creative approach to making sure that education is engaging and meets the needs of learners.


Andrew Slattery, Canberra Health Services — for Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence 

Andrew continuously shows tangible respect for the cultural beliefs and practices of consumers and staff which has resulted in the implementation of innovative and inclusive initiatives at Canberra Health Services. 


Renata Kiss, Canberra Health Services — for Allied Health Clinical Excellence 

Renata contributes significant innovations to the development of new service initiatives.  Renata has demonstrated leadership and innovation in implementing and sustaining the Strengthening Health Responses to Family Violence (SHRFV) program at Canberra Health Services during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Strengthening Health Responses to Family Violence Team, Canberra Health Services — for Allied Health Team Excellence
Team members: Ursula Hawkins, Fiona Holihan, Renata Kiss, Anna McLeod.

The team has developed, implemented, and evaluated an innovative program dealing with family violence, which required significant training and practice change. The team is recognised for collaboratively creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment for a complex and sensitive topic based on best practice.


Laura Triggs, Canberra Health Services — for Allied Health Early Career Excellence

Laura demonstrates initiative in leading innovative projects and activities to promote the profession of Pharmacy, contribute to the care of vulnerable groups, and promote Canberra Health Services as an employer of choice.
Laura brings a positive, inclusive and supportive influence to both the Pharmacy profession and the culture of the Canberra Health Services Pharmacy Team. 


First Nations Menu Team, Canberra Health Services — for Allied Health Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
Team members: Taryn Billing, Graeme Brown, Jacinta Bryce, Susan Davis, Danial Farias, Joyce Graham, Sanjay Prasad, Andreas Seibold, Andrew Slattery, Suzi Vrbat.

The team has demonstrated excellence through design and implementation of an innovative, progressive, and sustainable culturally sensitive food menu across Canberra Health Services.
The team is recognised for their ongoing collaborative engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer representatives to ensure respect for culture and connection with food and health.


Rosalyn Stanton, Canberra Health Services — for Allied Health Research Excellence

Rosalyn makes a significant contribution to proactive and collaborative leadership of allied health staff and allied health research across Canberra Health Services. 
Rosalyn is recognised for innovation in practice, directly through evidence-based practice and indirectly through providing professional development and growth opportunities for staff and students. Rosalyn strives to create a supportive and positive environment and always demonstrates the highest level of integrity and ethical standards.


Carol Manga, Canberra Health Services — for Allied Health Assistant Excellence

Carol demonstrates excellence by using innovative, equitable and creative ways to engage personally and respectfully with clients, build rapport and trust, provide tangible support, and develop an effective therapeutic relationship with consumers.
Carol is recognised for being an inclusive mentor and role model.

Nominees

In 2021 there were 20 nominees across the eight Allied Health Excellence Award categories. Congratulations to the following nominees:

  • Allied Health and Nursing Team, Ward 9B, Canberra Health Services
  • Allied Health P.A.R.T.Y Team, Canberra Health Services
  • Allied Health Pilot Team, Community Services Directorate
  • Ashlee Bullock, ACT Health Directorate
  • Elizabeth Webb, Calvary Public Hospital Bruce
  • Forensic Toxicology Unit, ACT Health Directorate
  • Fran Freeman, Canberra Health Services
  • Homelessness Outreach Team, Canberra Health Services
  • Pain Management Unit Allied Health Team, Canberra Health Services
  • Roisin O’Hagan, Canberra Health Services
  • Student Network Engagement Team, Education Directorate
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Page last updated on: 20 Oct 2023