South Australian standout takes gold at HESTA Excellence Awards

Eight winners from across the aged care, allied health, disability, and community services sectors were last night crowned at the 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards, which honoured remarkable contributions to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Australians.

Among the winners was a standout team from South Australia, ACH Group’s Social and Health Teams, recognised for their innovative work in engaging 210 aged care residents through a 546km cycling challenge, logging an impressive 1,304 minutes on the bikes.

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated all winners and finalists, who she said had demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and compassion in their work.

"These professionals are among the shining stars of the aged care, allied health, community, and disability services sectors, going above and beyond every day to care for their communities,” Ms Blakey said.

"The HESTA team is honoured to help highlight the extraordinary achievements and contributions from those who are so dedicated to improving the lives of others."

The HESTA Excellence Awards recognise leading teams and individuals from around Australia who are improving health outcomes through their work in the disability, allied health, aged care, and community services sectors.

The eight winners will each receive $7,500 courtesy of longstanding HESTA Awards supporter ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ), to be put toward further education, service improvement, or team development.

“We’re delighted to bolster the careers of these eight victors,” BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle said.

“They personify the diligence and dedication of an industry that is crucial to our nation. ME extends its gratitude for your significant contribution to our community.”

ACH Group’s Social and Health Teams from Mile End, South Australia partnered with Tourism SA’s Tour Down Under in their mission to promote health, positive relationships and a sense of community.

CEO Linda Feldt said the award reflected the impact of their work and the team’s commitment to delivering meaningful programs for older Australians.

“We see this recognition as a celebration of the commitment and efforts of the ACH Group social and health teams, particularly in how they deliver innovative programs like the inaugural Cycle Challenge. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to our purpose – Good Lives for Older People – by creating meaningful programs with measurable outcomes that enhance both wellbeing and community connection.”

Selected from a record 420+ nominations, the other winners included a nutritionist working to improve the quality of food in aged care homes, and a team improving transport safety for people with disabilities and their families.

Congratulations to the 2025 HESTA Excellence Award winners:

Aged Care – Individual Leadership
Emma Payne
The Daisie Chain
Sutherland Shire, NSW

Aged Care – Team Excellence
ACH Group’s Social and Health Teams
ACH Group
Mile End, SA

Allied Health – Individual Leadership
Sandra Iuliano
University of Melbourne/Medicine
West Heidelberg, VIC

Allied Health – Team Excellence
Flying Squad
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Parkville, VIC

Disability Services – Individual Leadership
Emma Weatherley
FSHD Global Research Foundation
Sydney, NSW

Disability Services – Team Excellence
Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults Ltd (MACA)
Kew East, VIC

Community Services – Individual Leadership
George Halkias
The Big Issue Australia
Melbourne VIC

Community Services – Team Excellence
Education Pathways Program Team
Launch Housing
South Melbourne, VIC