2024 ARPA QLD Award Ceremony Program

Program of Events

Event opening by MC's - Lise and Sarah

Welcome by ARPA QLD President - Tatjana Jokic

Welcome by Platinum Event Sponsor, WorkCover Queensland - Michael Pennisi, CEO

15 minute intermission

Outstanding Consultant Awards 

Best New Starter 

Outstanding Student 

Length of Service

30 minute intermission

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Awards

Innovation in Return to Work 

Exceptional Leadership

ARPA QLD President's Award

-

The 2024 ARPA QLD Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards would not be possible without the valued and generous contributions of our sponsors.

Outstanding Consultant Awards

About the award: Nominations in the Outstanding Consultant category included outcomes achieved by the consultant, evidence of employer and worker satisfaction, showing

  • how the Health Benefits of Good Work were implemented and 
  • how the consultant’s achievements contributed to the business and the wider industry

Sponsored by: Redimed

Finalists:

Outstanding Consultant Award - Same Employer

Avishek Singh

Rehab Management

Avishek is an exemplary leader in rehabilitation and significantly elevating industry standards through education, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. His impactful work sets new benchmarks for workplace health.

Jessica Boyle

Recovre

Jessica has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, expertise, and dedication. Jessica's outstanding achievements, including their high return-to-work rate, leadership in early intervention programs, development of critical reports, and their ability to foster a positive workplace culture, make them an ideal candidate for the Outstanding Same Employer Consultant Award.

Riley Cooper

Axis

Riley epitomizes excellence in workplace rehabilitation, demonstrating unparalleled dedication, expertise, and compassion when facilitating successful RTW. Riley's enthusiasm for the benefits of returning to work is infectious. Their unwavering support to the worker and workplace in understanding what’s possible and how to navigate barriers is this WRP’s superpower.

Sarah Jefferies

KINNECT

Sarah is a deserving recipient of this award due to her unwavering dedication, exceptional performance, and profound impact on the team and external stakeholders alike. Sarah embodies a consistent pursuit of excellence, innovative approach to challenges, and remarkable ability to inspire others.

Outstanding Consultant Award - New Employer

Gemma Sullivan

IPAR Rehabilitation

Gemma deserves recognition for her innovative strategies, challenging clients beliefs, and genuine care for clients. Exceeding a 5-year tenure, Gemma empowers clients to independently engage in their own recovery, fosters learning and champions the health benefits of meaningful employment, making her a standout candidate for recognition of this award.

Michelle Nguyen

Rehab Management

Michelle’s warmth, empathy and person-centred approach helps to support those who may feel unable to help themselves. She is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, understanding that each person’s journey is unique and deserving of compassion and understanding.

Myee Niass

Prudence Rehab

Myee embodies excellence in vocational rehabilitation, striving for successful employment outcomes for all referrals, regardless of background or complexity. Her dedication to inclusivity, innovation, and achieving tangible results sets them apart as a deserving winner, elevating standards in the industry and transforming lives.

Best New Starter Award

About the award: Nominations in this category included details of successful case management and professional development undertaken, as well as a statement of management support and how the nominee promoted the Health Benefits of Good Work.

Sponsored by: Absolute Balance

Finalists:

Hamil Desai

Prudence Rehab

Hamil’s unwavering dedication to personal development and relentless pursuit of best practices in occupational rehabilitation make them a standout candidate for this award. His commitment to ongoing learning ensures that they consistently deliver exceptional interventions, positively impacting the lives of injured workers and setting a high standard for the industry.

Tayla Bunyan

WorkFocus Australia

Tayla has achieved exceptional return to work outcomes within her short time working as a rehabilitation consultant. Her positive attitude and growth mindset has facilitated her success in both same and new employer cases and provide a fantastic platform for her ongoing development and long term career in occupational rehabilitation.

Taylah Ebzery

Konekt

Despite their recent entry into Occupational Rehabilitation, Taylah displays remarkable ability and adaptability. Her capacity to seamlessly integrate into the role is impressive, demonstrating skills that surpass their tenure. She consistently exhibits a high level of work ethic, empathy, and collaborative spirit, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Outstanding Student Award

About the award: Nominations for the Outstanding Student Award included:

  • examples of outstanding performance and achievements throughout their placement
  • a statement of management support demonstrating how the student implemented the Health Benefits of Good Work
  • details of how an understanding of evidence-based practice had been demonstrated as well as the successful achievement of measurable results.

Sponsored by: Specialised Health

Finalists:

Caitlin Mumme

Konekt

Early in their placement, Caitlin surpassed expectations, displaying a remarkable passion for Occupational Rehabilitation. Cailtin's eagerness and willingness to learn and fully engage in every opportunity was unmistakable. Her sincere concern for their clients and active involvement in their caseload led to remarkable achievements within a brief timeframe.

Isabeau Given

APM WorkCare

Isabeau, through her comprehensive approach to client care, adaptability, and commitment to evidence-based practice, made a difference in each instance of her involvement. Her profound understanding of Health Benefits of Good Work principles shines, making her a deserving nominee for the Outstanding Student Award.

Length of Service

The Length of Service recognitions are presented to individuals nominated by their organisation who are currently working for an ARPA member and who have worked in the workplace rehabilitation provider industry for over 10 years (aggregate). 

Sponsored by: MVMT Rehab

10 years

  • Amelia O'Connor
  • Brennan Smith
  • Dan Flanagan
  • Dominic Manca
  • Elizabeth Patterson
  • Jacinta Macauley
  • Julia Cham
  • Kym McMaster
  • Matt Waide
  • Myee Niass
  • Nicole Bannister
  • Ryan Gilliman
  • Sally Dymock
  • Vanessa Van Zuylen

15 years:

  • Andrew Simpson
  • Angela Leybourne
  • Anna Hodge
  • Dave Hughes
  • Janna Riordan
  • Jo Russell
  • Maree Clayton
  • Rachael Wiles
  • Sarah Gulbinas

20 years:

  • David Brentnall
  • Kay Clark
  • Melissa Walter
  • Rosemary Grant
  • Samantha Bidstrup

25 years:

  • Brenda Groeneveld

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Awards

About the award: Nominations were considered on the merit of a return to work outcome on a particularly complex or unique case, requiring:

  • explanation of the case background and any complex elements
  • and how the consultant overcame barriers and difficulties implementing the Health Benefits of Good Work.

Sponsored by: Workers' Compensation Regulatory Services, Office of Industrial Relations

Finalists:

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Physical Claim

Hamil Desai

Prudence Rehab 

Hamil exemplifies the spirit of excellence through their unwavering commitment to facilitating the integration of injured workers back into their own workplace. Hamil's remarkable application of skills, despite limited industry experience, sets them apart as a deserving winner for this award.

Heidi Mules

Axis 

Heidi’s persistence and exceptional communication skills parallel their life experience driven empathy and compassion, resulting in trust, rapport and buy in from stakeholders. Combining evidence based practice, logic and skills of persuasion, Heidi can proactively and effectively navigate complex cases. She is a joy to watch in operation!

Jake Owen

Momentum4

Jake demonstrated exceptional skills in helping a worker overcome chronic pain, adjustment disorder, insecurities and marital breakdown to achieve a return to work after being off work for over a year. Jake showed great patience and persistence over one year period to achieve a full return to work outcome.

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Psychological Claim

Amelia O'Connor

Prudence Rehab

Amelia’s unwavering dedication to implementing the Health Benefits of Good Work (HBGW) principles sets them apart as a standout candidate for this award. Amelia's commitment to inclusive decision-making, early engagement with employers, and integration of treating providers exemplify excellence in promoting holistic workplace rehabilitation and well-being.

Jade Crisp

Rehab Management

Jade has an exceptional ability to inspire clients by empowering them to comprehend their injuries and leverage their strengths to secure meaningful employment. Through Jade's guidance, individuals not only gain insight into their conditions but also discover their potential to thrive in the workforce.

Matilda Wallensky

IPAR Rehabilitation

Matilda deserves the award for her persistent support of a client facing significant psychological and psychosocial barriers. She showed dedication in helping the client to proactively transform their overall health and wellbeing, pursue their passions through study, and successfully reintegrate into the workforce in a role aligned to their interests.

Innovation in Return to Work Award

About the award: Awarded to an individual or a group that has developed an innovative approach to a challenge in the workplace rehabilitation industry.

Details of the initiative and the stakeholders involved were considered, and nominees were assessed on how the innovation has improved return to work outcomes or service provision.

Sponsored by: Chameleon Software

Finalists:

APM WorkCare

Graduate Program

We are a people orientated industry, where high-quality allied health professionals, skilled and engaged in the HBGW is essential. This innovation supports graduate allied health professionals to enter a career of occupational rehabilitation and has been recognised in Australia’s 2023 top 75 graduate employers as voted by graduates.

Rachael Wiles

Prudence Rehab

Rachael’s unwavering dedication, innovative approach, and profound impact in promoting HBGW throughout this program make them an exemplary candidate for this award, embodying the core principles of fostering healthy workplaces and enhancing employee well-being whilst participating in a novel program delivery.

Work Rehab

Recover at Home 

Through our commitment to safe return-to-work protocols and outcomes, we facilitate individuals’ return to life milestones, recognising the significance of workplace connections and community. Recover at Home (RAH) stands out as a unique initiative, offering proven benefits for all stakeholders in a client’s journey toward recovery and return to work.

 

Exceptional Leadership Award

About the award: For demonstrated leadership in the provision of workplace rehabilitation or return to work services. 

Nominees were measured on an assessment of their leadership impact on consultant outcomes and provider performance, and also how they incorporated the Health Benefits of Good Work.

Sponsored by: EXPHYS

Finalists:

David Crandell

Momentum4

David has had a profound impact on the culture performance of return to work of the team and every individual in the team. His personal ability to connect, inspire, educate and lead has resulted in sustained high performance in our return to work performance.

Jo Russell

Prestige Health Services Australia 

Jo exemplifies exceptional leadership in the workplace rehabilitation industry. Jo drives high performance in her team year on year based on her extensive experience in the industry combined with her drive and tenacity for outcomes balanced with patience, compassion and genuine kindness for her team and workers at all times.

Rosemary Grant

Axis

Rosemary demonstrated unparalleled dedication to sustainable outcomes that exceed customer and client expectations. She fosters supportive, inclusive, and innovative strategies to promote physical and mental well-being. Her compassionate leadership and advocacy embodies the ethos of workplace rehabilitation, fostering problem solving and inspiring growth within others, the organisation and the industry.

ARPA President's Award 

About the award: The President’s Award is solely determined by the ARPA QLD President – no nominations are accepted – and is presented to an individual who has demonstrated continuous contribution to the workplace rehabilitation industry over a 5 year or greater period.

Presented by: Tatjana Jokic - ARPA QLD President 2024 

SPONSORS

Platinum Event Sponsor

WorkCover QLD

WorkCover Queensland has been providing workers’ compensation insurance in Queensland for more than 25 years to more than 170,000 businesses.

Supporting Queensland workers and businesses is at the heart of everything we do, from customer service and managing claims, to accessing rehabilitation, and making sure employers have insurance in place to protect their workers. 

The most important thing for us is helping Queenslanders return to work safely and we understand everyone's needs are different. We work with each individual to make sure they get the best outcome for their situation.

Gold Award Sponsor
Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work

Proudly supported by the Queensland Government

 

Gold Award Sponsor
Outstanding Consultant

Redimed

Silver Award Sponsor
Best New Starter

Absolute Balance

Silver Award Sponsor
Innovation in Return to Work

Chameleon Software

Silver Award Sponsor
Exceptional Leadership

EXPHYS

Silver Award Sponsor
Outstanding Student

Specialised Health

Silver Award Sponsor
Length of Service

MVMT