The ACT Health Directorate hosts the annual ACT Allied Health Excellence Awards to highlight and provide formal recognition of the excellent contribution of public sector allied health professionals to the health and wellbeing of our community. The Office of the Chief Allied Health Officer co-ordinates the Awards in collaboration with ACT Government Directorates that employ eligible allied health professionals.
There are eight Award categories:
- Allied Health Assistant Excellence
- Practice Excellence
- Early Career Excellence
- Management and Leadership Excellence
- Team Excellence
- Education Excellence
- Research Excellence
- Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
2022 Allied Health Excellence Awards
The ACT Allied Health Excellence Awards were celebrated on Allied Health Professionals Day on 14 October 2022.
The winners of each award category were:
2022 Allied Health Professional of the Year and Practice Excellence: Carol McCrum (Canberra Health Services)
Carol has been recognised as Allied Health Professional of the year by demonstrating exceptional patient-centred care and motivation for change through being kind, respectful and recognising the importance of colleagues’ expertise and consumer views. Carol's exceptional abilities, drive, determination, and influence have led to significant improvements in clinical care in the field of Rheumatology.
Carol has also demonstrated Allied Health Practice Excellence through outstanding clinical leadership in the implementation of a nationally recognised innovative, advanced practice, Physiotherapy-led, multi-disciplinary service.
Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence: Cassandra Tinning (Canberra Health Services)
Cassandra has been recognised for being an outstanding mentor and a strong advocate for allied health who has demonstrated leadership in the delivery of culturally responsive services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, identifying innovative solutions to improve client safety, and delivering evidence-based, client-centred models of care within existing resources.
Cassandra is also recognised for her ability to build trust, strengthen team dynamics, and improve team culture and performance, with warmth, kindness, and positivity.
Allied Health Team Excellence: COVID-19 Wellbeing Team (ACT Health Directorate)
The COVID-19 Wellbeing Team has been recognised for demonstrating an awareness and sensitivity to the complexity of cultural beliefs and practices of all people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whilst striving to support and improve mental health and wellbeing of those impacted by COVID.
The team created solutions and refined processes to meet the evolving needs of the community and developed an appropriate and supportive community service.
Allied Health Early Career Excellence: Jelena Puskarica (Canberra Health Services)
Jelena has been recognised for her professionalism, exceptional communication, high drive, a caring client-centred collaborative approach, and dedication to innovation.
Jelena has demonstrated her dedication to allied health by making the most of opportunities to learn and develop new skills, engaging in self-reflection, sharing learnings widely, improving team processes and making a positive impact on organisation processes.
Allied Health Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing: Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy - ACT Implementation Team (Indigenous Allied Health Australia, ACT Health Directorate, Canberra Health Services, Canberra Institute of Technology, Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, Education Directorate and University of Canberra)
The ACT Implementation Team has been recognised for demonstrating inclusivity by facilitating an inter-professional, team-based, proactive and collaborative approach to implementation of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy in the ACT.
The team are also recognised for their inclusive participation and support of colleagues, students and stakeholders.
Allied Health Research Excellence: Alison McDonald (Canberra Health Services)
Alison has been recognised for displaying dedication to converting best practice into evidence-based practice through her work on the development of the Canberra Health Services Social Work Voice Research Think Tank.
Alison is a passionate advocate for social work and its unique contribution to research culture and outputs and has implemented and evaluated a process for building research capacity among social workers at Canberra Health Services.
Allied Health Assistant Excellence: Melanie Montgomery (Canberra Health Services)
Melanie has been recognised for the skills, knowledge, compassion, kindness, and respect she displays in her interactions with patients, carers and colleagues within the Driver Assessment Service.
Melanie has demonstrated a strong ability to use innovative, equitable and creative ways to engage personally and respectfully with clients, build rapport and trust, provide tangible support and develop an effective therapeutic relationship with consumers.
Allied Health Education Excellence: Rowan McIntyre (Canberra Health Services)
Rowan has been recognised for implementing innovative education activities and promoting a positive and respectful learning environment, including a culturally responsive and enjoyable learning environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Rowan is particularly commended for teaching, facilitating and coordinating key education and interprofessional learning opportunities, helping students to meet learning goals and objectives and stimulate interest in health careers.
Watch the 2022 Allied Health Excellence Awards Ceremony
