Individuals and teams are among the 24 finalists in the 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards.
The awards recognise exceptional achievements by individuals and teams across the aged care, allied health, disability services and community services sectors.
Finalists in the disability sector include:
Disability Services – Individual Leadership
Emma Weatherley, FSHD Global Research Foundation, Sydney, NSW
Renae Gunn, Hooves of Hope, Lewison, SA
Cassandra Hughes, Down Syndrome WA, Cloverdale, WA
Disability Services – Team Excellence
Parkville Disability Identification Project Team, Parkville Precinct Health Services, Victoria, Parkville, VIC
‘Navigating Autism – The Early Years’ Team, Autism Awareness Australia, Sydney, NSW
Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults Ltd (MACA), Kew East, VIC
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated the finalists, who were selected from a pool of more than 420 nominations.
“Our members work in some of Australia’s most demanding sectors, and every day they are taking inspiring actions to positively transform the lives of those in their care,” Ms Blakey said.
“These awards serve as a catalyst for identifying, sharing, and celebrating many incredible people and their stories. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists – we are so pleased at HESTA to be able to help recognise their hard work and dedication.”
Eight winners will each receive $7,500 sponsored by ME Bank for personal or professional development or to further enhance services or processes in the workplace.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 7 August.