Outstanding Aged Care Providers recognised in Aged Care Awards

Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) presented seven national awards for excellence in aged care at a ceremony in Hobart tonight.

South Australia’s Dr Mike Rungie was awarded the individual prize for excellence. Dr Rungie is the CEO of ACH Group, a not‐for‐profit organisation providing an extensive range of aged care services to South Australians since 1952.

He was cited as a passionate and innovative leader in the aged care industry who believes that older people should be treated with dignity and respect, not only for their contributions to society but for what they can continue to achieve.

A Cairns‐based community services provider for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders received the organisation prize. D &R Community Services was established in 2005 with two staff. It now employs 100 staff committed to a flexible, individual and holistic approach to supporting clients. A high proportion of indigenous local staff assists in providing services which respect the beliefs and local customs of clients and understands their culturally specific needs.

Maida Chand, Manager, mental health and homelessness, UnitingCare Ageing (UCA), Sydney Region, won the employee prize. She was applauded for her strong sense of social justice and fervor in working with older people who have mental health issues and nowhere to live.

Rita Stemmerik, a volunteer with the SwanCare Group, Bentley, WA, won the volunteer award. Rita has managed a kiosk, provided live‐in support and companionship for residents at the Waminda Care Centre, and full time care for Mindy, the resident dog for more than 10 years. The award judges described Rita’s contribution as remarkable.

The trainee award was presented to Sue Hummerston, an enrolled nurse with the City of Bayswater Hostel in Blacatta, WA. In the six years since Sue started working at the hostel, managed by Uniting Church Homes, she has graduated as an enrolled nurse and become the hostel’s dementia champion. In this role Sue has encouraged changes in surroundings and activities to reflect a more familiar life for residents with dementia.

The media award for a positive portrayal of older people and/or aged care services was presented to Uniting Church Homes (UCH), WA, for their campaign to celebrate 60 years of service. A leading WA provider of residential and community aged care, UCH held special events, produced a commemorative

booklet and acknowledged 60 people who had contributed to the organisation’s success – all resulting in widespread and positive media coverage.

The winners of the national awards were selected from winners of the ACSA federation’s state awards.

The awards were announced on the eve of ACSA’s three day national conference being held in Hobart.

ACSA is the national peak body representing not‐for‐profit and faith‐based residential and community aged care providers. A full list of winners and conference program is available at www.agedcare.org.au