Wish I’d Thought of That

Flynn Chiem, Aged Care and Community Services

In rural and remote areas of Queensland, access to Occupational Therapy for older Australians is limited: 28 percent of regions across Queensland do not have access to a BlueCare Occupational Therapist, with few, if any, alternative providers available.

Over a period of 12 weeks in October 2023, Allied Health Lead and Occupational Therapist, Flynn Chiem, developed a telehealth occupational therapy pilot, a small-scale trial to test the concept of a hybrid model of care for the prescription of daily living aids and low risk equipment for 43 BlueCare clients. This hybrid model involved a remote session with an Occupational Therapist, with a Blue Care staff member assisting the client in person.

Flynn's innovative solution was an astounding success, shaping the future of how BlueCare delivers Occupational Therapy services.

As a result of his work, BlueCare has now invested in employing telehealth Occupational Therapists to embed Flynn’s vision for improving healthcare services in rural and remote areas.

Liam Botting, Hospitals

Liam has developed an online database to streamline operating theatre setups at St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital. This tool provides theatre orderlies with detailed instructions, including surgeon preferences and photos showing how to arrange theatres based on the procedure. By centralizing critical information, the database ensures accurate and efficient setups, reducing errors and enhancing staff productivity.

The database has been especially beneficial for overnight and weekend on-call shifts, allowing theatre orderlies to prepare operating theatres correctly before surgical teams arrive, improving patient safety by eliminating delays and last-minute searches for equipment. It has also served as a valuable resource for new staff learning the ropes.

With over two years of experience as a theatre orderly, Liam plans to expand the database to include sterile equipment and anaesthetic setups, further optimizing the hospital's processes. The nominating staff member has worked at St Andrew's for 24 years as an anaesthetic nurse and believes this is one of the most useful and user-friendly tools ever implemented.  

Lifeline Comicfest Team, Family and Disability Services

Comicfest at Lifeline Bookfest has been a team-driven project from the start: initiated by Distribution Manager, Andrea Coling, Distribution Supervisor, Viola Stewart - with Storepersons Susan Geitz and Ezra Stirling also forming a crucial part of the development team.

From years of observation at previous Bookfests, the team witnessed the popularity of comic books, graphic novels, and trade paperbacks, realising those customers might enjoy their own dedicated area - an event within an event.

The first Comicfest was held at Lifeline Brisbane Bookfest in June 2023, boasting over 10,000 comic-related items including comics, manga novels, tabletop games and pop culture memorabilia.

Team member Susan was tasked with taking ownership of the Comicfest brand, dedicating endless hours to setup, packing down and working at the event.

Thanks to the team, the event continues to grow, with the second Comicfest generating triple the revenue of the first.

Proving the Comicfest team are true superheroes, helping to save lives everywhere.

In Their Shoes

Allies in Action, Corporate Services

Simone Elias, Manager, Environment Sustainability, and Employment Experience Advisors Aria Buckland and Emma Lorimer are true allies in action.

Together, they developed and launched an ‘Allyship in Action’ event during NAIDOC week. Through close consultation with the RAP team they planned the event over three months - all outside the scope of their busy roles.

Taking the format of a yarning circle conversation, the event empowered participants to learn about and connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history, elevated First Nations voices and perspectives, and bridged gaps in knowledge and confidence.

Aria was also a passionate voice and volunteer during the Yes23 campaign, while she and Emma actively encourage colleagues to get involved allyship education. Simone recently hosted a ‘Ways to Care for Country’ panel discussion for World Environment Day, to centre and amplify First Nations voices.

Their efforts continually inspire UnitingCare staff to be effective, active, allies.

Disaster Financial Counselling Team, Family and Disability Services

The Disaster Financial Counselling Team (DFCT) was formed to assist disaster-impacted people to navigate the resulting financial stresses and build financial resilience.

Working at both a systemic and individual level, the team brings about change in how stakeholders engage with impacted people, ensuring services are tailored to individuals, and advocating for fair outcomes.

Team members spent three weeks working on the ground in Tara in November 2023, and on the Gold Coast in January 2024 sourcing local community referrals and support and providing solutions to unique and diverse problems.

This included assisting a young person who’d become homeless and non-verbal through shock; and successfully advocating for a bushfire victim who’d had a grant application rejected numerous times.

A grateful client said: “In some situations that occur in our lives when despair prevails in our hearts, God sends us human soldiers to extend a long, helping hand to us and erase despair and sadness from our hearts.”

Talanoa Group, Family and Disability Services

The remarkable Talanoa Group, comprised of dedicated staff across various family and disability services, shows an unwavering commitment to its mission - multicultural inclusion and community engagement.

One of the Group’s most significant achievements is the Multicultural Symposium, bringing together employees from diverse backgrounds to celebrate cultural diversity, share experiences and promote understanding of challenges and successes via insightful discussions, workshops and vibrant cultural performances.

Through the Symposium, they have:

* Promoted cultural awareness - creating a platform for our multicultural staff to be represented and celebrated.

* Fostered community connections - the event facilitated connections and collaborations among individuals and groups within FADS.

* Encouraged inclusivity – the Symposium is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and its positive impact.

Their ability to manage their day-to-day duties while spearheading such a significant initiative demonstrates exceptional dedication, teamwork, and passion.

Safe and Sound

Heat Safety Campaign Team, Corporate Services

Heatwaves are the deadliest natural hazard in Queensland. So, Simone Elias (Manager, Environmental Sustainability) and Anne Curson (Manager, Executive Services, BlueCare) felt it imperative to safeguard the most vulnerable - those over 65 - and minimise the risk of heat-related illness for BlueCare staff visiting clients at home during heatwaves.

Supported by members of the Marketing and Communications team - Kristy Ellery, Briarne Manley and Danielle Hine - a three-stage campaign and heat safety resources were created to educate BlueCare’s clients and workforce.

Community clients were reached via content on bluecare.org.au and were given free fridge magnets featuring simple tips; messaging was added to customer statements and invoices; and targeted social media posts landed when heatwaves were predicted. Staff awareness was boosted via posters, fact sheets, messaging on internal platforms, and educational events.

These tools and templates are now a valuable evergreen resource we can build on to safeguard people well into the future.

Susie Plant, Corporate Services

Recognising a need for a safe space for anyone identifying as neurodivergent – and their allies – Employee Experience Advisor, Susie Plant, set up the Neurodivergent Community Circle Workplace Group, which she oversees above and beyond her normal BAU responsibilities.

The Group is all about connecting with others to share experiences, challenges, triumphs, resources, and support. Susie also shares content encompassing the spectrum of neurodiversity that we see across our diverse organisation.

This platform has had an amazing response, currently boasting over 30 members with new people signing up every week. Everyone is welcome to be a part of this beautiful, supportive community.

Susie's openness and non-judgemental approach ensures people can be their authentic selves, making a huge and meaningful difference for the neurodivergent community.

With the Group’s guidelines deeply embedded in UnitingCare's values, Susie is ensuring the organisation is a safe place to be for everyone.

The Wesley Student Wellbeing Team, Hospitals and Corporate

Each month Chaplain Liz John and Student Facilitator, Justine Simpson, team up to create a quiet space in The Wesley Hospital Graduate Nurse School where student nurses, who are on clinical placement, can take a moment to breathe, sit quietly, listen, and reflect during one of the Student Nurse Wellbeing Sessions. 

This initiative was born out of necessity during the COVID-19 Pandemic to support and promote a mentally healthy environment for our student nurses.

The sessions are safe and welcoming environment for our students, offering a sense of wellbeing, relaxation, and self-care. On average, 25-30 students attend 90-minute sessions – which are now offered twice a month – and love lying on a yoga mat while Liz guides them safely through moments of reflection and mindfulness with her calm, soothing voice.

Liz and Justine aim to continue to support future nurses to develop a wellbeing mindset that will follow them through their nursing career and into everyday life.

Go for Green

Col Thomson, Corporate Services and ACCS

During the decommissioning of BlueCare’s Millbank Aged Care Facility, Maintenance Supervisor, Col Thomson, went above and beyond to ensure that any usable equipment and items were rehomed or repurposed.

Property retrofits and decommissioning are notorious for the amount of waste generated. Exemplifying UnitingCare Queensland’s mission practice of ‘stewardship', Col intervened to divert many assets from a wasteful fate. 

These included medical and clinical items, beds, mattresses, air conditioners, water heaters, desks, and commercial ovens which found new life through local community groups, overseas aid programs and thrifty local contractors. 

Col's efforts and creativity delivered financial and environmental wins including:

• cost savings for BlueCare by avoiding waste disposal

• cost savings for item recipients

• reduced landfill

• less environmental impact due to recycling

His initiative provides inspiration for future UnitingCare Queensland stewardship improvements for property retrofits and decommissioning.

Edelmira Fitzgerald, Hospitals

The Wesley Hospital’s Edelmira Fitzgerald (Mira) has been instrumental in promoting a culture of environmental sustainability. A Waste Warrior championing sustainability, Mira's dedication has not only revolutionised our practices but also significantly reduced our environmental footprint.

This includes a comprehensive waste management audit which identified areas for improvement, opportunities to increase sustainability and a review of waste segregation practices to ensure hazardous waste is handled and disposed of accordingly.

Through her leadership, the hospital has minimised waste generation through innovative strategies and adopted sustainable solutions to optimise energy consumption.

Mira's commitment extends beyond waste management. She actively promotes sustainable procurement, prioritising environmentally friendly practices throughout our supply chain. Mira also fosters a culture of environmental stewardship by engaging staff, encouraging feedback and providing ongoing training for staff in all departments.

By minimising our environmental impact and improving operational efficiency, Mira exemplifies the dedication needed to combat climate change. Her outstanding contributions to sustainability deserve recognition.

Todd Rayner, Australian Regional and Remote Community Services

Hundreds of furniture items have received a second life in the remote First Nations community of Mutitjulu, thanks to a partnership Todd Rayner forged between ARRCS and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.

When Todd learned Voyages was refurbishing its hotels at Yulara (near Uluru) in 2019, he reached out to see if the old furniture could be rehomed.

Now, four years later, over 100 mattresses and mattress protectors,50 lounges, 100 blankets, 50 double bed, and 20 single bed ensembles, plus  bedside and coffee tables have been donated to the community.

Todd helps facilitate delivery with the support of ARRCS and the Mutitjulu Community Aboriginal Corporation (MCAC). 

“We take it to our Nganampa Ngura Mutitjulu-nya Flexible Aged Care facility, and people can get what they need,” Todd says.

As Mutitjulu is 500km away from the nearest town, extending the life of local furniture locally means that new items don’t need to be transported in, saving further costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Caring and Connecting

Alex Bennet and Ward 4A Palliative Care Ward, Hospitals

The Ward 4A Palliative Care team embody the true spirit of palliative care and UnitingCare Queensland’s values. They advocate tirelessly for improved quality of life standards, advance care planning and empowering patients to make informed care decisions.

The team consistently strives to enhance outcomes. They identify suitable patients to partake in Ambulance Wish Queensland to fulfil final wishes, collect plastic bottles and exchange them for money to purchase personal care items for patients, and organise ward events for patients and their families. This included getting Santa to visit three young children on Christmas Day as their father was sadly passing, bringing them much needed joy and gifts. The team’s empathetic gestures can also be as simple as taking patients to feel the grass underneath their feet for the last time.

Their commitment extends beyond medical expertise, encompassing profound empathy with a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Daisy Williams, Family and Disability Services

In Daisy Williams’ eight years with the Cherbourg Safe House, her dedication to the women and children in our care has never wavered. She’s always first to offer support to clients who need it, even out of hours.

Recently a woman and her four children arrived at the safe house, but the mother had to be airlifted to hospital in Toowoomba. With nobody available to take care of the children, and the service not licensed for overnight care, a solution was needed.

Although Daisy doesn’t work on Mondays, she immediately agreed to drive the children the two and a half hours to Toowoomba to an Airbnb which the team had organised. Daisy - and the nanny booked for the overnight care - stayed three nights until the mum was well enough to leave hospital.

Testament to Daisy’s passion and commitment to providing safe, client-focused care.

“The children were awesome, and their mum was forever thankful for the support,” Daisy said.

Kingaroy Intensive Family Support Service and Assessment Service Connect teams, Family and Disability Services

The Intensive Family Support (IFS) and Assessment Service Connect (ASC) teams provide practical support to clients to clean their homes; parenting support through their training as facilitators of 123 Magic and Emotion Coaching and Bringing Up Great Kids; link clients to the right mental health, paediatric, and therapeutic supports, drug and alcohol services and financial counselling; help navigate the NDIS; assist with day care, housing, driving lessons, household routines; and provide ongoing support, offering stability and consistency.

The teams have an unwavering commitment to supporting our families in the South Burnett and helping them to achieve better outcomes.

Families allow our IFC and ASC teams into their lives, to walk alongside them and to see them at their worst and at their best. Our team members never judge but show true compassion and empathy as they help clients navigate the challenges and complexities that have brought them to our service.

Bringing People Together

Connect100+ Team, Corporate Services

The aim of the Connect100+ team is to develop shared partnerships between UnitingCare Queensland (UCQ) services and community, fostering missional innovation, and to deliver better, holistic outcomes both internally and externally for clients.

Examples of Connect100+ work include: ‘Uniting for Mental Health' - a collaboration between Uniting Church in Australia, UCQ, and Wesley Mission Queensland to respond to the mental health crisis.

In Roma through to Charleville and surrounds, our partnership with Frontier Services Bush chaplains provides care and support for Remote Area Families Services and Remote Family Care Services.

After severe North Queensland weather events, our Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy team established local connections to help provide coordinated and ongoing holistic community support.

In Chermside, partnerships with Clare Homes and Chermside Kedron Community Church help support client needs including emergency food and clothing, and yard maintenance.

The Connect100+ Team works collaboratively both across our organisation and within the community, for life in all its fullness of those we serve.

St Andrew's Food Service Team, Hospitals

Since 2022, the Food Services Team (FST) at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital (SAWMH), led by Head Chef Keith Munt, has partnered with Project SEARCH - a 12-month pre-employment program providing opportunities for young people with disabilities to train and join the workforce.

The FST team fosters an inclusive culture of shared learning by mentoring and guiding interns to learn valuable work and social skills to enable them to successfully enter the workforce.

In 2023 interns - Max and Micaiah - gained open employment at the W Hotel, a direct result of the SAWMH Food Services team passionately sharing their skills and experiences.

The FST has broken down barriers and motivated other SAWMH departments, plus those at other Project SEARCH locations, to increase their level of participation.

Private philanthropic organisations have subsequently invested nearly $3 million to support the expansion of Project SEARCH across Queensland. This will change thousands of lives across Queensland.

Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) Team, Family and Disability Services / Aged Care and Community Services

The Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) team has successfully transitioned 1300 new clients into Family and Disability Services care, and delivered over 31,000 hours of support every 3 months during the past year to chronically ill and vulnerable people in the community.

Working together tirelessly, the team members are role models for unity, innovation, perseverance, resilience, client-centric work attitudes, care, and compassion not only for the people they serve but, just as crucially, for each other.

They’ve regularly organised formal and informal meetings to gather and share information; identify gaps; develop policies, work instructions and guidelines; and to devise service and process strategies using QCSS practice standards, alongside feedback from our workforce, clients and their representatives.

The openness and transparency of the team and their willingness to value and include all feedback ensures voices are heard, trust is fostered, and a strong team culture and bond is maintained.

You’re an Inspiration

Gold Coast After Hours Outreach Team, Family and Disability Services

The Gold Coast After Hours Outreach (AHO) 24/7 Service received the After-Hours Outreach funding in 2023 with a small budget of $400,000 and a six-month contract to provide the service to people who are sleeping rough in the region.

Thanks to the team’s dedication the service has now received funding of over $4 million for a further two years.

With the expanded funding of the AHO and the Immediate Housing Response funds, the AHO can now offer emergency accommodation to the most vulnerable, including elderly individuals, women, sick people, families, and the working homeless who need access to a warm bed and shower before they go to work.

The  team works tirelessly at building relationships and restoring dignity by offering access to showers, clothes, food, assistance with housing applications and documentation, and other essential services to those in need, with a BlueCare health nurse on Outreach to tend to people's health issues.

Jakki Weeks, Aged Care and Community Services

BlueCare Warana’s Lifestyle Coordinator, Jakki Weeks, works tirelessly to deliver great activities for residents. Her lifestyle program encompasses exercise, social engagement, intellectual stimulation, creative expression, spiritual and emotional support.  

The program is so exceptional, the recent site audit from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) featured countless positive observations from auditors, and resident feedback praising her program.

Jakki regularly travels – in her own time - to BlueCare Mackay and supports staff to improve their lifestyle program.

Her achievements were even recognised by other leaders in the lifestyle space, and she was invited to speak at the Aged and Health Care Education Conference in Melbourne.

Overcoming her fear of public speaking she presented: ‘Building from the ground up – the gardening group that just kept growing’ – a group she developed in the hope of inspiring others.

Her passion and dedication inspire others and provides the platform for our residents to ‘live life their way’.

Janine Ross, Hospitals

Janine Ross’ dedication and proactive contribution to St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital (SAWMH) over the past 30 years has not only improved operational efficiencies, but also enhanced the overall working environment for her colleagues.

As a trainer for housekeeping services, Janine has been instrumental in mentoring new staff members. She shares her vast knowledge and experience generously, ensuring new starters are well-prepared and confident in their roles, ensuring high standards within the housekeeping team are maintained. She also trains, supports and mentors the young interns from the FaDS Project SEARCH program.

Janine recently volunteered for the Hospital Linen Project, which included establishing processes and procedures to ensure the hospital was being charged correctly. In the first month, the new process identified 7% in overcharges for linen and has successfully reduced both labour and linen costs.

Janine's proactive approach and willingness to go above and beyond her duties have made a lasting, positive impact on the hospital.

Leading the Way

Debashish Ganguly, Corporate Services

Senior Technical Application Lead, Debashish Ganguly, has exemplified extraordinary leadership in the digital platform domain over the past year thanks to his commitment to excellence, innovative thinking, and relentless dedication.

Deb supported the large-scale transformation project (Bumblebee), leading the environment team. This team was responsible for setup, management, and changes across a set of nine, complex, integrated platforms with delivery pressure and dynamic usage requirements.

Due to the rapid rollout strategy - every 4 weeks - there wasn’t time to onboard a new implementation manager, so Deb took on the responsibility to lead the gruelling, technically taxing, and complex Bumblebee Wave 4 cutover involving approximately 2,500 technical steps across multiple squads, UCQ subject matter experts, and external vendors - within 72 hours - while minimising impact to business operations.  

Deb was also acknowledged by the Bumblebee SteerCo taking this incredible challenge in his stride and delivering on it when UCQ needed it the most.

Luke Lindsay, Family and Disability Services

Luke Lindsey, General Manager Lifeline and Wellbeing Services, demonstrates exceptional leadership in a very kind and humble way, wrapping support around people in and out of the organisation.

For example, during a time of organisational change when people were feeling emotionally fragile, he reached out to the People and Culture team and ACCS leaders, asking “how can I help?” Luke personally went to impacted sites, some over 2.5 hours’ drive away, to provide support, rallying his connections to help.

When challenging things happen - a change, a serious incident, a staff or client death, people will say - “call Luke, he might be able to help”. And he always does.

He also drove the ACCS/FADS Homelessness Nurse Project, getting BlueCare Nurses to work directly with homeless people on the Gold Coast to provide vital in situ health services such as wound care.

Luke is a caring, compassionate leader who puts people at the heart of all he does.

Naomi Djuric, Aged Care and Community Services

A passionate advocate for those living with dementia, Naomi Djuric leads BlueCare’s Grevillea Gardens team, leading 35 staff to complete dementia training enabling them to strengthen the care they provide.

During the last 12 months, Naomi and her team made significant improvements for residents living with dementia. Supported by medical practitioners and pharmacists she conducted a review and reduction of medications that can cause side effects including weight loss and increased falls.

Naomi ensures residents feel more at home, too, adding new lounges and decor in living rooms, putting up residents’ family photos in shared spaces, and introducing beautiful new gardens and walking paths in the backyard of the Memory Support Unit.

She introduced Doll Therapy, too, which brings joy to residents living with dementia who love carrying and caring for these realistic ‘babies‘.

Thanks to Naomi’s strong leadership, the environment in the Memory Support Unit is calm and relaxing, with happy, settled residents. 

Wish I’d Thought of That

Karen Eastwood, Hospitals

Clinical Nurse Specialist Karen Eastwood works collaboratively with clinical department managers and nursing staff to achieve exceptional patient outcomes.

Working in Wound Care and Stomal Therapy for the past five years, Karen has streamlined the referral process to prioritise complex patients who require their expertise, which also allows ward nurses to maintain their confidence in managing simple to moderate wound care.

“Karen is passionate about positive patient outcomes and with her drive, skill and ability to impart her knowledge to our nursing team, we have seen an overall reduction in Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries ( HAPI's) over time and we are consistently rated as ‘best practice’ when benchmarked against hospital peers.”

To further support staff, Karen has developed a resource folder for clinical departments and commenced a monthly Wound Care Club. In these group education sessions, staff and students can learn more about certain aspect of wounds, dressings or clinical conditions, in addition to discussing challenges they have faced. Karen makes herself available outside of rostered hours for clinical complex needs, to ensure nursing staff are supported and patient care is optimised.

Matthew Green and the Long COVID Clinic, Hospitals

In response to an overwhelming need within the community, the Allied Health team at The Wesley Hospital successfully established the first clinic dedicated to treating Long COVID in Queensland.

The clinic opened in July 2022 as a pilot, expanding in January 2023 to the general public to meet the increased need for specialised healthcare services.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Lead Matthew Green said the Long COVID Clinic aims to address the multifactorial effects the illness can have on a person’s long-term health.

“Our patients have access to a cohesive clinical team of physicians and allied health specialists who are able to tailor treatment and therapy plans to meet individual needs and goals.

“We work with our patients to improve their exercise tolerance, return to daily activities, cognitive dysfunction, speech or swallowing difficulties, nutritional support and advice provide mental health support plus address any other health issues a patient may be facing.”

More than 150 patients have completed treatment in the Long COVID Clinic, to date.

Lyndsey Hawthorne, Aged Care and Community Services

Lyndsey Hawthorn has been instrumental in designing the Dementia In Home Respite Program. What started as a pilot in 2022 in the Strawberry Patch in SEQ South Cluster, has now become a BAU service across BlueCare.

Lyndsey met with carers of people living with Dementia and held a number of client focus groups to ensure their voice was heard. As a result of the feedback, Lyndsey set about changing the way in which BlueCare cared for people living with Dementia.

Instrumental initiatives that have been implemented as a result of Lyndsey's work include: Personal Care Workers specially trained in Dementia Care through partnerships with Dementia Australia and TAFE QLD; client Meet and Greet sessions; creation of Dementia Service Liaison Officer roles; introduction of block extended hours for respite care.

Lyndsey has been instrumental in ensuring that families are able to access extended respite care in their own homes. In one example, scheduling a 7 day, 24 hour client respite, allowing a client’s daughter to have a much-needed holiday with her own young family.

“Lyndsey has worked across multiple stakeholders, both internal and external ensuring that the client is at the heart of everything that we do. Working across multiple teams has ensured that the experience for the client and their family is seamless and meets their needs.”

In Their Shoes

Metro Hospitals Supply, Hospitals

The Metro Supply team at The Wesley Hospital and St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital has been the most consistent, passionate and vocal supporter of Project SEARCH and training young people with disabilities.

The team has shown extraordinary commitment to giving young people with disabilities an opportunity to train within a work environment, and subsequently find ongoing employment. Manager Robert Deans is an inclusive leader who looks to find the potential in young people with disabilities, so they gain transferrable skills that lead to employment.

The Metro Supply team have subsequently employed three young people with disabilities into ongoing, meaningful employment. These employees have gained in confidence, communication skills, and ability in their roles – which has been life-changing for them and their families.

This team and their attitude is truly transformative for people with disabilities. The Metro Supply team are true ambassadors for change.

Barb Srhoj, Family and Disability Services

Barb Srhoj’s role with North Queensland Remote Area Families Service, requires travel to properties and stations to deliver child-centred mobile education, family support, working with families with complex needs or who are vulnerable.

This work can be taxing, with Barb away from loved ones for lengthy periods, travelling up to 8 hours to reach one family.

“Barb's commitment to the families in rural areas outweighs these barriers to ensure she can meet the individual needs of her clients as the Mary Poppins of the outback.”

Barb takes the time to get to know each family and child to ensure she can deliver an authentic and holistic approach to their needs.

In addition to supporting children with complex disabilities and medical diagnoses, Barb also works closely in supporting families. In one example, supporting a family experiencing domestic violence and mental health issues by arranging culturally-appropriate support, checking in regularly and suggesting resources to support the child in this situation.

Barb acknowledges cultural and family needs and listens to the complex worlds in which her clients live, responding with care and empathy.

Darren Bekue and Sam Clark, Aged Care and Community Services

Darren Bekue and Sam Clark are nominated for their life-changing efforts for a stroke victim and their family. After suffering a severe stroke and returning home two months later, their client, who had lived a very active lifestyle, was wheelchair-bound, and depressed, with the recommendation to be moved to residential care.

Physiotherapist Sam and Personal Carer Darren worked together to fulfil the client's hope to walk unaided and interact with water. Through home physiotherapy and flexible respite, included hydrotherapy, their client is now able to walk with the assistance of a walking stick, and walk laps of the pool with little assistance. Every week, Darren takes the client for a coffee with his friends at the Men’s Shed, to hydrotherapy, and then for lunch and a drive.

Our client regularly expresses their thanks that they have been sent two earth angels in Sam and Darren, who have restored his self-esteem and given him hope. The client now has their sights set on using an electric scooter and motorised lawn mower, and attending sailing for the disabled.

“What a journey from no hope, to a realistic chance of sailing again!”

Safe and Sound

Kirsty Dykes, Corporate Services

Property team Project Manager Kirsty Dykes had had profound impact on safety at Uniting Care, underpinned by her boundless energy, practical approach and inclusive personality.

As a visible safety leader, Kirsty has delivered projects with impeccable safety processes, including: a cohesive Safety Management Plan to lift safety standards for Uniting Care’s building works program; a safety forum for more than 100 Property Team employees; UnitingCare’s Notice of Impending (NIA) process, ensuring all onsite procedures are reviewed and approved prior to a contractor working onsite; the provision of Storm Kits at UnitingCare facilities.

As part of the Health and Wellbeing initiatives, Kirsty established an awards program for maintenance staff – The BRAGS (Best Residential and Grounds Awards). Kirsty encourages maintenance staff to share photos on Workplace using #BRAGS. This has been highly effective in engaging the maintenance officers and provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a positive safety culture.

“Since Kirsty has joined UnitingCare, the Property Team’s approach and impact on safety throughout the organisation has been comprehensively improved and revitalised. Kirsty’s goal is that everyone returns home at the end of the day to their family and friends.”

Rainbow Working Group Leads, Hospitals

The Rainbow Working Group Leads, Emma and Sherree, formed a LGBTQ working group at St Andrew’s Hospital, out of a desire to create a safer patient experience through actions and inclusive language.

The purpose of the group is to identify strengths and opportunity areas across organisational capability, workforce development, consumer participation, accessible and welcoming organisation, disclosure and documentation, and culturally safe and acceptable services.

The LGBTQ patient, whose experience sparked the idea, has been invited to attend working group meetings to ensure the voice and perspective of the patient is captured.

“I feel so inspired by Emma and Sherree's passion about making UnitingCare a safe place to work, and to be treated as a patient.”

Greg Shefford, Aged Care and Community Services

Staff and client safety is of paramount important to Greg Shefford, Care Coordinator and Safety Coach for Kirra Community Aged Care and Community Services. From ensuring clients homes and equipment are safe for staff, to a client's Wheelie Walker working correctly, Greg is a valued colleague and highly commended for his consistent role modelling of safe behaviours.

Greg personally meets with all new staff and provides a range of safety information that sets the safety foundation right from the start of employment. Staff report safety concerns because they are well supported in doing so. Greg promotes ACE IT principles to all staff and ensures staff feel safe and competent to perform their role, and provides extra education via one-on-one support to staff if needed. Greg is a regular user of Workplace and regularly posts and shares safety knowledge via this platform for staff.

“Greg shares his passion for safety through guidance and consistent and regular ToolBox Talks. We really appreciate his passion and continued support.”

Townsville Early Childhood Approach, Family and Disability Services

Through exceptional and compassionate leadership, The Townsville Early Childhood Approach team have worked collaboratively and reflectively to create a psychologically safe space and a neuro-affirming environment, where team members with diverse needs and perspectives can thrive.

The team feels safe to talk about their needs and ask for reasonable adjustments to environments and schedules, to accommodate disabilities and differences. Some of these adjustments include: fidget tools and movement breaks in all meetings; flexible work arrangements; sharing good news stories; a wellbeing room with sensory items, dimmed lighting, and bean bags; daily rituals such as sharing new facts, taking short exercise breaks, completing group art and puzzle projects; presenting training in a myriad of ways.

“I have never felt so supported, safe, and valued in a workplace while being my whole, authentic self. I am so grateful and proud to be part of such a special and considerate team.”

Go for Green

Zak Adams, Corporate Services

More than 1500 beds have been diverted from landfill thanks to the leadership of Zak Adams, as part of the ongoing bed replacement program within BlueCare.

Partnering with bed supplier AlphaCare and the Rotary Club, Zak was able to ensure that a minimum of 30% of the beds would be re-homed to communities in need, such as Papua New Guinea. The remaining beds will be dismantled in appropriate waste disposal facilities for recycling of valuable components. Zak's solution has allowed BlueCare to divert up to 122.5 tonnes of waste from landfill.

“Zak is to be commended for championing sustainability during the earlier stage of the contractual engagement, to ensure AlphaCare was responsible for re-homing and recycling the beds to be collected.”

“He is constantly seeking new opportunities to further reduce waste generation and improve our waste streams, helping UnitingCare Queensland in protecting the environment, and reducing its carbon footprint while saving money.”

SAWMH Environmental Sustainability Team, Hospitals

This year has seen an increased focus on environmental sustainability for the team at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, looking at how they actively monitor and manage resources, and engage all staff.

Susan Farlow from St Andrew's and Danielle Munro from CircMed represented UnitingCare and St Andrew’s at the Green and Global Healthy Hospital forum (GGHH), demonstrating the power of plastic in healthcare and the impact it has on society and the environment.

They are now removing significant quantities of soft plastics from their site and have diverted 13,893 kilograms of waste over the past 11 months.

“85% of Australian hospitals have little to no recycling programs, our innovative approach to embrace unique programs and systems within a challenging logistical facility such as St Andrew’s is not only commendable but impressive. The waste diversion targets we are achieving is outstanding.”

St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital has transitioned into a plastic’s circular economy, going beyond the traditional waste-provider mindset and leading the way to a sustainable future.

David Gale and Sonja Urban, Family and Disability Services

David Gale and Sonja Urban from Family and Disability Services were instrumental in partnering with Allround Recycling and re-UP to promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in the retail industry.

Since partnering with re-UP, the team have been able to expand their range of reusable bags, providing customers with alternative choices while continuing to be environmentally conscious.

Funds raised through the sale of these bags are being used to fund Lifeline's vital services, including crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support.

“Thanks to David and Sonja for their foresight. We believe that by collaborating with like-minded businesses, we can make a positive impact in reducing textile waste and preserving our planet for future generations.”

Caring and Connecting

TAVI Team, Hospitals

The Structural Heart Team at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital maintains remarkable patient outcomes and is at the forefront of the field in Australia, with an extremely low complication rate.

The team has performed more than 1000 Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantations (TAVI) since 2015, when the program started. At the start of 2023, The St Andrew's TAVI Team and CVC Cardiologists were named a JAPAC Teaching Centre of Excellence with Edwards Lifesciences for excellence in patient care and outcomes. In March 2023, the team performed a live case for the INDIA Live conference in Chennai, with the assistance of Dr Cartmill.

The team’s success is wonderful story of collaboration across a multidisciplinary team and multiple hospital departments, to achieve outstanding patient outcomes.

Escaping Violence Program, Family and Disability Services

The Escaping Violence Program (EVP) has brought about profound life changes and remarkable benefits to victims escaping violence across Queensland. The EVP program has provided crucial support, empowering more than 8,000 individuals and providing close to $20 million in brokerage payments in its first year.

One of the most significant benefits of the EVP program is its unwavering commitment to assisting victims escaping violence in starting a new life. Through comprehensive support services, the program has provided survivors with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to break free from the cycle of abuse and create a safer environment for themselves and their families. By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors, the EVP program has fostered resilience, restored hope, and empowered individuals to reclaim their lives. The program also recognises the importance of long-term support including counselling, access to housing, employment opportunities, and legal support.

“By providing comprehensive support and empowerment, the program has enabled individuals to break free from abusive environments, rebuild their lives, and contribute positively to society.”

Dementia In-Home Respite Program, Aged Care and Community Services

The Dementia Care Services program was designed to provide quality care services to our community clients with a team of personal care workers, specifically trained in dementia to deliver extended hours of care to our dementia clients. The program, which commenced as a pilot project in 2022 with the hope of supporting 20 clients, currently supports more than 350 clients living with Dementia.

Dementia Care Services partnered with TAFE Australia to upskill existing Personal care workers to be trained in Dementia. Leaders receive training from Dementia Australia to provide mentorship support to more than 230 Personal Carers. While three Dementia Care Consultants provide full-time individualised support to our clients, in addition to providing advice, strategies and recommendations to families and the care team.

Dementia Care Services has been embraced within the community especially by clients and their families: “A client’s daughter said the program has enabled support systems to be put in place for her to care for her mum, while allowing her to be able to work, go on holidays with her family and look after her children.”

Bringing People Together

Lisa Stewart, Aged Care and Community Services

Lisa Stewart has an outstanding ability to bring people together, leading by example, and encouraging people to make their own team improvements, as well as systematic improvements in the community business.

Lisa has always found creative ways to make service delivery improvements for customers and colleagues. In one example, Lisa created a medication tree where a flower was placed every week there were less medication incidents, promoting staff engagement, awareness and ultimately driving improvement in quality outcomes for customers.

Lisa quickly builds trust in a team, with her engaging manner and storytelling approach. Lisa introduced the program of work ‘Making Blue Care Better’, by speaking about the changes she had seen in Blue Care over her 16 years, how that benefited customers, and how that change had given her opportunities.

Feedback from Lisa's team and colleagues is that ‘nothing is too much trouble’. She has been instrumental in supporting and leading ways of working in the new Blue Care Neighbourhood model, and she has supported the Sandgate and Townsville trial areas in such a positive and proactive way, bringing teams together and supporting leaders.

Todd Rayner, Australian Regional and Remote Community Services

Todd Rayner is a pivotal figure in his community. During his tenure as Activities Officer he has fostered mutually beneficial and ongoing relationships with key figures within the Ayers Rock Resort and associated business partners.

His collaborative efforts have resulted in once-in-a- lifetime experiences for residents: private and culturally-safe flights over homelands; camel rides; invitations to provide community feedback and input; expanding the residents' range of artistic projects; invitations to participate in graduation and awards ceremonies, cultural events and Christmas carols.

Todd facilitates the Elders' attendance at events, ceremonies and cultural meetings to maintain an enhanced presence in the community, ensuring they receive the appropriate care and support.

“There is nothing he will not do if the outcome benefits our residents. There are not many roles in this remote setting in which he does not excel. He is adept at covering sick leave whether we need a cook, kitchen hand, residential carer, community carer, forklift driver or 4x4 bus driver. Todd is not only willing but also does a sterling job.”

Homelessness & Domestic Violence Recreational Therapy Program, Family and Disability Services

The Domestic and Family Violence Recreational Therapy Program fosters a culture of shared learning, breaking down barriers, and creating valuable partnerships.

One of the program's most commendable aspects is its commitment to fostering a culture of safety and acceptance for clients who are often marginalised in our community. By encouraging clients to engage and participate, the program has created an environment where everyone learns from one another in a safe space.

Utilising art as a non-traditional therapeutic approach, the program has effectively addressed the complex trauma, mental illness, addiction, and numerous challenges faced by its clients. Providing a safe space for clients to work through their trauma has resulted in significant improvements in their mental health, housing stability, and overall quality of life.

“The transformative power of art and recreational therapy is evident in the numerous success stories of clients who have overcome unimaginable hardships and found hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose through this program.”

You’re an Inspiration

Rash Khan, Corporate Services

Rash Khan is an exemplary role model and outstanding leader, who has had a transformative impact on his team by fostering a culture of openness, growth, and innovation.

Rash has created an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their feedback through initiatives such as a ‘Team Temperature’ survey.

“He not only listens attentively but also takes actionable steps to address the feedback. This approach has fostered trust and collaboration within the team, enabling us to grow and thrive under Rash's leadership.”

‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions and ‘Innovation Friday’ are two examples of Rash's commitment to learning and innovation. By dedicating specific time for team members to explore innovative ideas, he has created a stronger and more versatile team where everyone has an opportunity to shine.

What sets Rash apart as a leader is his unwavering availability and willingness to listen to concerns and frustrations, with care, respect and support.

“Rash's availability, active listening, and genuine care for his team members further exemplify his outstanding leadership qualities. It is with great pleasure that I nominate Rash Khan for this well-deserved recognition as a leader of the year.”

Tony Pountney, Aged Care and Community Services

Tony Pountney supports Home Care Partners from Roma to the Fraser Coast, going above and beyond for his team. By prioritising face-to-face support and travelling all across Queensland, Tony has built strong and supportive relationships, fostering the team’s confidence and problem-solving abilities.

Tony’s team said they feel set to succeed, thanks to Tony's guidance, patience and understanding. He has a wealth of knowledge and is quick to assist with ideas and ways to work through challenges, offering a different perspective:

“I’ve really appreciated his guidance and reassurance when I’ve encountered challenges outside of working hours.”

“Tony always makes himself available for advice and direction - he is the most accessible and helpful Manager I have ever had dealings with, in my 12 years of HCP Care Management.”

He has created a workplace where people feel valued, included and supported; providing a flexible work environment to support colleagues facing personal challenges.

His team say he is engaging and supportive and brings joy into the workplace when spirits are low: “It is people like Tony that enable and promote great client care and also give staff joy at work.”

UnitingCare Employment Service, Family and Disability Services

Uniting Care’s Disability Employment Service is a team of ten, based across Toowoomba, Laidley and Gatton, who support more than 380 customers who identify as having a disability or barriers to employment.

In 2022, the team assisted over 210 clients reach their goal of gaining employment. On average, that is one paid employment opportunity secured, every two days.

“The team knows first-hand how employment transforms our customer’s lives – not just by having a job, but also through the many far-reaching social, economic and positive health impacts which having employment brings.

The Service’s end goal is to assist customers to gain employment and feel comfortable enough within their role, that they no longer require support and exit the program as independent workers.

A team member recalls a client who sought their support following an accident where he became an above the knee amputee. He could no longer drive trucks to support his family and found himself suffering from depression, anxiety and PTSD in his 40s.

“He had no idea what he could do but had let us know he had a love of gardening. With support from external support services, we addressed his mental health concerns, and our team supported and assisted him to complete a Certificate in Horticulture. We also assisted in finding him an employment opportunity.

“The last time he contacted our service, he advised us that he is now in charge of a work crew and has designed and won entries in the Toowoomba Carnival of flowers, which is a wonderful achievement.”

“Sometimes we need a reminder, not only of our strengths, but also someone to believe in us… and this is what the Uniting Care Employment team do each and every day.”