On Friday, 22 November, teams from across Ability Options gathered on the sunny Coffs Coast for the 2024 STAR Awards, an evening dedicated to recognising the hard work and commitment of our staff. This year’s event celebrated the contributions of staff who support people across our communities, from frontline workers to those in support roles behind the scenes.
The STAR Awards included several categories designed to highlight the wide range of contributions that make Ability Options a strong and supportive organisation, including a new award category – the Participant Choice Award, which is nominated by our participants and families. With peer nominations as the foundation of the awards, the judging process was challenging due to the calibre of the nominees, who each demonstrated a deep commitment to our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Master of Ceremonies and CEO Julia Squire commented during the evening, “Our team members consistently go above and beyond to deliver high-quality services and foster an inclusive environment. Their dedication is at the heart of what we do.”
Throughout the night, there was a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect as colleagues celebrated the achievements of their peers. Many shared meaningful moments during the acceptance speeches, where winners spoke about the importance of their work and the impact it has on the people we support.
We also heard from Board Director Dr Robert Lang and 2023 STAR Employee of the Year, Leacia Martin, who spoke about what it meant for her to win the award last year and to “pass the torch” to this year’s STAR Employee of the Year, wishing good luck to all our nominees.
Dr Robert Lang highlighted the importance of the STAR Awards, saying, “These awards are about recognising the hard work of our team members, regardless of their role. This year, your appreciation for each other was evident in every nomination.”
The Chair and CEO also thanked this year’s STAR Awards Sponsors, who between them covered much of the cost of the event.
Our generous Gold Sponsors included BrennanIT, Speak Your Language, and ServiceFM, our Silver Sponsors were CentroASSIST, CoAct, Maxxia, and Interleasing, and our Bronze Sponsors were HESTA and Canon. We are grateful for the generosity that made the night possible.
STAR Employee of the Year: Orinthia
Orinthia’s nomination highlighted her consistent dedication, integrity, and compassion. Colleagues praised her ability to handle every task with care and professionalism, ensuring that participants receive seamless and effective support.
Ability Options Values Champion: Melissa
Melissa was recognised for consistently demonstrating our values in action. Her respectful approach to both participants and staff, as seen during a recent photoshoot at Seven Hills Day Program, reflects her leadership and ability to foster positive relationships.
Bright Ideas Award: Alan
Alan was nominated for his innovative approach to problem-solving. He developed new reporting systems that allow for better data-informed decision-making, significantly improving efficiency within the organisation.
Emerging Leader Award: Chantel-Louise
Chantel was recognised for fostering a collaborative team environment through strong leadership. Her focus on celebrating others’ achievements and supporting her team’s growth makes her a standout emerging leader.
Participant Choice Award: Nick
Nick received this award for his exceptional care and responsiveness to the needs of participants and families. His clear communication and commitment to supporting people with complex needs set him apart as a trusted and valued team member.
The Participant Choice Award was presented to Nick by Grant, who is an Ability Options participant and Deputy Chair of the People’s Rights Committee. Anne, a parent of a participant that Nick proudly supports, also spoke on the night.
Standout Support Worker Award: Oriana
Oriana’s dedication to participants and her ability to connect with them on a personal level were highlighted in her nomination. Her growth as a Support Worker and her resilience make her a key part of the Ability Options community.
Standout Specialist Services Award: Marcus
Marcus was recognised for his person-centred approach to care, ensuring that participants receive the best possible support, whether it’s coordinating hospital stays or accessing both mainstream and NDIS services. His collaborative approach and advocacy for participants are highly valued within the organisation.
Teamwork Award: Daniela
Daniela was celebrated for her efforts in creating a positive and supportive work environment within the therapy team. Her mentorship of students and dedication to celebrating team successes have contributed to a strong, cohesive team culture.
Most Valuable Team Award: Workforce Australia
The Workforce Australia team was recognised for their outstanding contributions to the organisation’s goals. Over the past year, they facilitated 1,432 job opportunities, 38% of which led to long-term employment for 530 participants. Their ability to work collaboratively and deliver excellent outcomes makes them a deserving winner of this year’s team award.
Champion Employer Award: Gusto’s Home Hub
The team at Gusto’s Home Hub was recognised for their strong partnership with Ability Options in sourcing candidates. Their commitment to inclusive recruitment practices and support for individuals facing barriers to employment has led to numerous successful placements.
