NATIONAL UPDATE
LASA INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS NOW OPEN REDESIGNED NATIONAL FORMAT AND NEW CATEGORIES PROVING POPULAR
T
he LASA Excellence in Age Services Awards have a new look in 2022. Just opened, applications have already been received from people eager to nominate their hard-working colleagues.
With a proud history in recognising and promoting excellence in the age services industry, the awards were previously hosted at a state level, and national winners selected from state finalists. This year, the program has been redesigned, with all nominations going directly into the prestigious national awards. The categories have also been reimagined, with two new categories established to reflect the important role of executive leaders as well as volunteers, who make a valuable contribution to the lives of vulnerable older Australians. Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) CEO Sean Rooney says the LASA Excellence in Age Services Awards are more important now than ever before, as an opportunity to showcase the tremendous talent and dedication to quality service that exists in the age services industry. “The age services industry has carried an enormous burden since the beginning of the pandemic, yet as individuals they continue to go about their work with a smile and good cheer,” he said. “Because for the people who care for our most vulnerable older citizens, the focus is entirely on making lives better. “It’s not about the hardship faced by understaffing, underpayment, under-resourcing, it’s about the joy in caring for others, in doing their best to support the elderly and frail people of our community. “We want to honour those individuals, teams and organisations that are continuing to excel during these challenging times. There are many of them, and we are sure the selection process will be tough.”
LASA encourages nominations in the following categories: Individual, Team, Organisation, Executive Leader and Volunteer. Individual Award. This award recognises those individuals who have demonstrated excellence through their contribution and dedication in the delivery of aged care and services. This award is particularly for those who have made a difference in their workplace and in the lives of older Australians. Team Award. This award recognises a team within an organisation that is a part of the age services sector who have demonstrated ongoing excellence through an initiative or contribution that improves the lives of older people in the delivery of care and services. Organisation Award. This award recognises an organisation that has continuously showcased excellence through an initiative or contribution that improves the lives of older people through the delivery of care and services. Executive Leader Award. This award is for executive leaders within the age services industry. The nominated executive leader will need to demonstrate outstanding leadership and excellence through their contribution and dedication in the delivery of aged care and services. Volunteer Award. This award recognises the un-sung heroes of our industry, the volunteers. This award is for a volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond through their initiative or contributions to improve the lives of older people. Nominations close on 20 May 2022 and finalists will be announced on 6 June 2022. The awards presentation will take place on Aged Care Employee Day, which is celebrated each year on 7 August 2022. Linda Baraciolli is Communications Advisor and Fusion Editor, Leading Age Services Australia. For more information visit www.lasa.asn.au/2022excellence-in-age-services-awards
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