18 JULY 2024 - THE SHARKS EVENT CENTRE, GOLD COAST

Celebrate excellence, dedication, and innovation in the healthcare and disability sector. The awards recognise individuals and businesses who have gone above and beyond in making a tangible difference in the lives of others and embody the spirit of passion and dedication that defines the health and disability industry.

To nominate, click the "Nominate Now" button below and complete the nomination form. Share your nominee's story, and let us honor those who have made a significant impact in the healthcare and disability services industry.

AWARD CATEGORIES

  • Overview:

    Recognises the exceptional contributions of allied health organisations that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and outstanding service delivery.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Provide a description of the business, including services delivered, speciality areas, staff qualifications and locations.

    2. Describe what the business does differently and how it differentiates itself from other allied health services.

    3. Describe how the business is structured to provide the highest level of service and support to the client and their support network.

    4. Share a story of success showcasing the business’ impact and accomplishments.

  • Overview:

    Recognises operators new to business who have demonstrated good business practices in starting, setting up and growing their business for success.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Provide a description of the business, including services delivered, speciality areas, staff qualifications and locations.

    2. What was the inspiration behind starting the business? Share a notable achievement or milestone you reached in the 24 months of operation

    3. Outline the business's growth strategy, including any strategic initiatives, partnerships, or expansion plans implemented to achieve sustainable growth and make a positive impact.

    4. Describe what the business does differently and how it differentiates itself from its competitors.

  • Overview:

    Recognises coaches who offer personalised support to people or teams in health and disability. They help improve leadership skills, enhance business understanding, and tackle specific challenges.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Describe the coaching program and outline the point of difference compared with other coaching programs.

    2. Describe how coaching clients are supported and empowered to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities and build resilient teams and/or businesses.

    3. Describe how you ensure you stay abreast of best practices, industry changes, and emerging trends to provide relevant and current coaching to your clients consistently.

    4. Share a story showcasing an individual, team or business success story.

  • OVERVIEW:

    Recognises established businesses that have demonstrated remarkable achievements, resilience, and a commitment to excellence in all business aspects. 

    Entry Questions:

    1. Provide a general overview of the business

    2. How does your business's vision and mission align with the needs and goals of the health and disability sector?

    3. Outline innovative solutions or practices you have implemented to address challenges or gaps

    4. How does the business maintain high standards of quality assurance in its operations?

    5. Outline your commitment to developing staff members

    6. Provide an overview of the business's financial performance and growth trajectory

  • Overview:

    Recognises a business or Social Enterprise that has made an outstanding contribution to their community's social, cultural or economic well-being through a specific initiative. The initiative can include but is not limited to projects, programs, ventures and undertakings. 

    Entry Questions:

    1. Provide a description of the business, including services delivered, speciality areas, staff qualifications and locations.

    2. Outline your vision for building a "better community." What drives you to make an impact?

    3. Outline how your community is a better place because of your efforts to make an impact.

    4. Describe any special initiatives or things you've done to benefit your community.

    5. Share a story showcasing the impact you have had on your community.

  • Overview:

    This award recognises an individual or business that has significantly contributed to health and disability and/or community or implemented innovative solutions for new and existing business needs by introducing or improving an idea, method, technology, process, or application.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Provide an overview of you and your business and the services it offers

    2. Describe a specific innovation or improvement introduced to its primary product or service

    3. What positive impact did this innovation have on the sector or community, and what motivated your organisation to pursue this change?

    4. Looking ahead, what are your organisation's plans for sustaining and further developing its innovative service delivery initiatives within the health and disability industry?

    5. How do you envision these initiatives evolving to meet future challenges and opportunities?

  • Overview:

    Recognises individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, innovation, and impact in the health and disability sector, setting a standard for others to follow.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Describe a specific advocacy initiative or campaign you have led in the health and disability sector. What was the issue, and what impact did your efforts have?

    2. How do you collaborate with stakeholders, including clients, community groups, and government bodies, to advocate for improved services and policies in the health and disability sector?

    3. How do you demonstrate innovation in your advocacy work, finding new and effective ways to raise awareness, influence change, and support the needs of stakeholders?

    4. In what ways do you envision your advocacy efforts shaping the future of the health and disability sector, and what are your key priorities moving forward?

  • Overview:

    Recognises businesses that provide exceptional support services to other businesses within the health and disability sector. This accolade celebrates companies that excel in offering vital services, contributing significantly to their client's success and operational efficiency.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Provide a description of the organisation, including services delivered, speciality areas, staff qualifications and locations.

    2. Describe how the business caters to the unique needs and challenges faced by businesses in the health and disability sector, ensuring they receive tailored and effective support.

    3. Outline how the business continuously innovates and evolves to meet the changing needs and demands of businesses in the health and disability sector,.

    4. Describe how you maintain a high standard of service delivery and client satisfaction.

  • Overview:

    Recognises students and early-career professionals who have done exceptional work in the health and disability sector. This award celebrates individuals making significant strides early in their careers, poised to become future leaders in the field.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Outline your academic or professional background in the health and disability sector, highlighting key experiences or achievements that have shaped your career journey so far.

    2. Describe a project, initiative, or research endeavour you have undertaken in the health and disability sector that you are particularly proud of. What impact did it have?

    3. Explain how you have demonstrated leadership qualities and a commitment to professional growth and development in your early career.

    4. Describe your long-term goals and aspirations within the health and disability sector.

  • Overview:

    Recognises individuals and businesses with exceptional resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges and achieving outstanding results.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Describe a significant challenge or obstacle you have faced. How did you demonstrate resilience and adaptability in navigating this challenge, and what was the outcome?

    2. How have you adapted in response to changing circumstances or unforeseen events? Please provide examples of successful adaptations and their impact.

    3. Describe how you promote a culture of resilience and adaptability. How do you encourage others to embrace change and thrive in challenging situations?

    4. How do you plan for and manage risks, ensuring you are prepared to handle unexpected challenges while focusing on your goals?

  • Overview:

    Recognises a group or organisation that has improved access to health services and information for rural and remote communities through innovative, comprehensive approaches. Factors considered include outreach, preventive health and education, quality and efficiency of care, and strong community support and involvement.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Describe the challenges rural and remote communities face in accessing health services and information your business aims to address.

    2. Outline how the business has ensured the quality and efficiency of health and disability services provided to rural and remote communities.

    3. Outline innovative approaches the business has implemented to improve access to health services and information in rural and remote communities.

    4. Provide a success story relating to the service/program.

  • Overview:

    Recognises exceptional professionals known for their commitment to choice and control and their strategic contributions to participants' well-being. This accolade recognises individuals who empower others to lead fulfilling lives and showcase outstanding support coordination practices.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Outline your approach to building strong relationships and partnerships with service providers to enhance the support options available to participants.

    2. Explain how you stay informed about changes and updates in the disability sector to ensure your support coordination practices are current and effective.

    3. Provide examples of how you advocate for participants' rights and preferences.

    4. Share a client success story you are particularly proud of, detailing how you supported them in achieving their goals.

  • Overview:

    Recognises support workers who go above and beyond in their roles, delivering person-centred care, fostering independence, and enriching the lives of those they support with professionalism and empathy.

    Entry Questions:

    1. Outline your approach to providing person-centred care to individuals with disabilities, highlighting how you tailor your support to meet their unique needs and preferences.

    2. Explain how you maintain professionalism and empathy in challenging or emotionally demanding situations while supporting individuals with disabilities.

    3. Describe a situation where you advocated for the needs or rights of an individual with a disability, ensuring they received appropriate support and services.

    4. Describe a moment that made you particularly proud to be a support worker, showcasing your positive impact on someone's life.

Submit an Nomination

If you’re entering, skip the nomination process and complete the entry form here

Our 2024 Judging Panel

  • Helen Whait

    Occupational Therapist & Founder of ActivOT

  • Dr. Hayley Kelly

    CEO & Founder of Therapists Rising

  • Jenny Pither

    CEO & Founder of Allied Health Admin & Consulting | Author

  • Lauren Micale

    Bookkeeper | BAS Agent and Founder of Bayside Admin + Bookkeeping

  • Naomi Bethune

    Occupational Therapist & Founder of Caregility and Respark Co.

  • Natashia Telfer

    Best Selling Author, CEO & Co-Founder of National Community Care

  • Justine Martin

    GBEA Leader of the Year 2023 | CEO | International Keynote Speaker | Resilience Mindset + Transformation Coach | Author | Podcast Host | Publisher| Artist

  • Karina Follent

    Founder of The Australian Allied Health Agency & The Heart of Health & Disability Conference and Awards

FAQs

  • No, finalists do not receive free tickets to the Heart of Health & Disability Awards. However, they are encouraged to attend and can purchase tickets to join the celebration.

  • The winners of the Heart of Health & Disability Awards will be announced at the prestigious awards gala on 18 July 2024. Finalists whose outstanding contributions will be celebrated will be announced earlier, on 16 June 2024.

  • Attendance is not mandatory, but the vision and mission behind this event is to foster connections and put the spotlight on individuals and businesses doing great work - and joining us live at the event is the best way to do that.

  • You should receive an email confirmation, but if you are not sure, send us a message through the website with your name and email and we’ll look through the submissions for you.