The winners of the 2021 HESTA Excellence Awards for organisations and teams working across disability and community services, allied health and aged care have been announced.

Professionals were recognised for achievements that included a safety and swim program for children with support needs and teaching film studies to people with intellectual disabilities.

The Outstanding Organisation winners were, Bus Stop Films Carlton, NSW, pictured, acknowledged for its dedication to teaching film studies to adults with intellectual disabilities and those from marginalised communities; Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution NSW & ACT; Earbus Foundation of WA and Sacred Heart Mission St Kilda VIC.

The awards for Team Excellence went to: WaterAbilities Cyclabilities Incorporated Ngunnawal ACT, for creating a dedicated allied health Safety and Survival swim program in Canberra for children with support and sensory needs; Lifeview Hospitality and Gardening teams Carnegie VIC; Advance Rehab Centre team Artamon NSW and SHQ Northbridge WA.

“My congratulations to this year’s extraordinary winners and finalists. I am incredibly humbled by the innovation and dedication they have shown in caring for their communities during such challenging times,” HESTA CEO, Debby Blakey said.

Each winner took home $7,500, from awards supporter the ME bank. “Congratulations to these deserving winners, whose passion for service often sees them helping our community’s most disadvantaged,” ME CEO, Adam Crane said.

For more information on the awards program and 2021 winners, visit: hestaawards.com.au