NATIONAL UPDATE
LASA EXCELLENCE IN AGE SERVICES AWARD WINNERS SHINE BRIGHTLY IN 2021
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his year’s LASA National Excellence in Age Services Awards recognised some outstanding achievements and contributions by LASA Members, winning praise from CEO Sean Rooney and the awards judging panel.
For the second year, the awards were held online due to Covid-19 restrictions but Members joined in the celebrations and heard speeches from Sean Rooney and LASA General Manager - Member Relations Kerri Lanchester, and our national awards sponsor HESTA as they announced the winners in five award categories. Mr Rooney said although it has been an extremely challenging year, LASA Members continued to deliver high quality and safe age services for older Australians. “These awards give us an opportunity to highlight the efforts of our Members who have made an exceptional contribution to age services over the past year,” Mr Rooney said. “They are the ones who innovate, who show incredible dedication and compassion in retirement living, home care and residential aged care services. “In 2021, we recognise some outstanding achievements by our Members who have drawn on their creativity and enthusiasm, and who have simply gone that extra mile, to deliver for their clients.” The awards recognise a Rising Star in age services, an Individual, the NextGen Young Leader, an Organisation, and a Team. We thank HESTA for their support for these important awards.
Organisation winner: Blackall Range Care Group, QLD
efficient partnerships with aged care can benefit residents of a community both socially and economically. The integration of client needs and community business was a win-win that showed initiative, compassion and pro bono support for vulnerable people in lockdown.
Team winner: Community Connections Team at Gymea Community Aid and Information Service, NSW The Community Connections Team is responsible for delivering the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and services including individual and social support, transport and domestic assistance. The team devised creative and interactive excursions conducted on-site, and provide free senior’s exercise and social support programs including Zumba, seniors boxing, mat work pilates, barre, yoga, and Tai Chi.
Blackall Range Care Group are a not-for-profit organisation providing in-home community care services to aged and disabled residents living on the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland. During the initial COVID-19 lockdown, they found a way to keep their 150 staff employed and keep supporting their 2,000 clients by providing meal delivery services using local produce, an in-home hairdressing service, and an iPad loan service including free Internet and tuition. The judges commented that Blackall Range Care Group provided a wonderful example of how functional, practical and Continued on page 16
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