2024 Staff Awards

On Friday 26 July, Therapy Focus staff came together to celebrate the exceptional achievements of colleagues with the presentation of our 2024 staff awards.

As the Master of Ceremonies, Amberley Lobo welcomed guests to the event, which was held at Blasta Collective in Burswood with Therapy Focus’ South West Team joining via live stream from The Hilton Busselton. Respected Whadjuk elder Vaughn McGuire opened proceedings with a heartfelt Welcome to Country, acknowledging the importance of togetherness, connection and the power of positive mindset.

Therapy Focus Deputy Chair, Tony Vis kicked off award presentations by acknowledging staff who have achieved five, 10, 15 and 20 years of dedicated service to Therapy Focus. Guests watched a video featuring well wishes from colleagues of Deanne Coleman and Tracey Ellis, who have both worked as clinicians at Therapy Focus since 2004.

Director Matthew Felton presented the Champion of Change award, which recognises an individual employee or team who has demonstrated innovation, creativity or ingenuity when addressing challenges, imp­roving processes, or delivering services. Aged Care Services Coordinator, Deborah Waghorn was selected as the winner of this award in recognition of her efforts developing and managing Therapy Focus’ aged care services.

“Deborah has been the driving force behind the establishment of allied health services for older adults at Therapy Focus.”

Director Fiona Notley presented the Inspirational Leader Award, which recognises an individual employee who displays exceptional leadership skills and possesses the ability to guide and inspire others. North Coast Team Leader, Lucie Abadi was selected as the winner in recognition of the priority she places on her team’s wellness and professional development.

“Lucie is an exceptional leader who supports her team to feel valued and heard. She leads by example, demonstrating what it means to work as a team and put our customers at the heart of our decision-making.”

Director Cristian Rapanaro presented the Everyday Excellence Award for non-clinical staff, which recognises corporate employees who consistently demonstrate excellence in their roles, providing outstanding customer service and support. Management Accountant, Casey Leeden and Brand Engagement Manager, Tessa Harding were selected as the joint winners of this award.

“Casey has been an incredible source of consistency, reliability and flexibility to the Finance team. She is a mentor to many, but also a high achiever individually.”

“In her role, Tessa has to be extremely organised, agile, collaborative and negotiate with many stakeholders – often at a moment’s notice.”

Director Matthew Richardson presented the Everyday Excellence Award for clinical staff, which recognises an individual therapist who consistently demonstrates excellence in their role, adding value, achieving targets and going above and beyond normal expectations. Senior Physiotherapist, Stephanie Andrew was selected as the winner in recognition of her unwavering commitment and seamless management of a complex caseload.

“Stephanie’s role is multifaceted and demanding, yet she excels in every aspect, consistently surpassing expectations and making a significant impact on our team, colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.”

Therapy Focus Customer Reference Group representatives, Tracey Coad and Elie Sassine presented the People’s Choice Award, which recognises exceptional service delivery and celebrates employees who demonstrate the Therapy Focus Guiding Principles in their work. Senior Assistive Technology Consultant, Eliza Chickonoski was selected as the winner of the 2024 award in recognition of her support of four-year-old Joanna, who required a communication device. 

Joanna’s Mum, Christie Mulroney, nominated Eliza for the award, stating “Everything changed when we began working with Eliza to introduce Joanna to a communication device. The device became a lifeline for our family, offering a bridge to the understanding and connection that we had longed for.”

“Everything changed when we began working with Eliza to introduce Joanna to a communication device. The device became a lifeline for our family, offering a bridge to the understanding and connection that we had longed for.”

To view more photos from the event, visit the Therapy Focus Facebook page.