2024 ARPA National Award Finalists

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 ARPA National Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards, that was held in Sydney on 13 November 2024:

Outstanding Consultant Award (New Employer) - Jacob Campbell, WorkFocus Australia WA
Outstanding Consultant Award (Same Employer) - Yannick Verjans, AMS Consulting, VIC
Innovation in Return to Work Award - Resilia, NSW
Exceptional Leadership Award - Jo Stanes, Custodian Work Assist, WA
Outstanding Student Award - Sarah Quaid, Custodian Work Assist, WA
Best New Starter Award - Initra Larsen, Prudence Rehab, NSW
Outstanding Achievement in RTW (Physical Claim) - Madalyn Button, Perceptive Health, NSW
Outstanding Achievement in RTW (Psychological Claim) - Clare St George, APM Workcare, NSW
Outstanding Achievement in RTW (Associate Members & Industry Stakeholders) - Olivia Blane, Allianz
ARPA National President's Award - Jacqui Keys, Work Rehab, QLD

Outstanding Consultant Awards

Best New Starter Award

Outstanding Student Award

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Awards

Innovation in Return to Work

Exceptional Leadership Award

ARPA National President's Award

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The 2024 ARPA National 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: SIRA NSW

Outstanding Consultant Award – Same Employer

Kieran Ackhurst	IPAR	ACT
Kieran is a highly regarded consultant who consistently raises the bar for what quality case management looks like. Their consistent receipt of repeat referrals and positive feedback from all stakeholders continues to set an example for the team within the ACT.
Elzanne Schipper	APM WorkCare	NSW
Elzanne exemplifies exceptional dedication and diligence, consistently surpassing expectations with commendable NPS scores and glowing feedback from all stakeholders. A collaborative team player, she consistently achieves excellent results for her client’s while offering invaluable support to her colleagues.
Amy Wight	WorkFocus Australia	NT
Amy’s success in achieving positive return-to-work outcomes for employers and workers is evidenced by frequent direct referrals, positive feedback from all stakeholders and an impressive 100% Same Employer return-to-work rate. Amy provides high quality, comprehensive, empathetic services, positively impacting all employers and workers she has worked with.
Avishek Singh	Rehab Management	QLD
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.
Jake Mitchell	Rehab Management	SA
Jake excels in facilitating seamless return-to-work transitions, prioritising holistic well-being. He focuses on rapport-building and pain management. His commitment extends to delivering training on early intervention and fostering workplace safety and resilience. He significantly impacts team dynamics by prioritising upskilling, mentoring, and fostering camaraderie, contributing to team wellbeing.
Mohan Mattala	IPAR	TAS
Mohan is a highly regarded consultant who consistently exceeds expectations. Their proactive approach to promoting early and safe return to work empowers clients and they excel in managing complex cases, especially those with persistent pain. Their dedication, evidence-based practice, and collaborative spirit make them a deserving recipient of this award.
Yannick Verjans	AMS Consulting Group	VIC
Yannick consistently achieves absolutely incredible RTW outcome on the most challenging cases where clients have been exposed to significant events and risks such as criminality, assault, death, sexual abuse and significant role pressure and does so applying best practice and a genuine client centred concern for all stakeholders.
Frances Parkhowell	Recovre Group	WA
Frances consistently receives repeat direct referrals from employers and insurers operating in Mining and Local Government. Using creative lateral thinking and highly tailored communication skills, Frances has been able to achieve the outstanding achievement of 95% RTW rate for Same Employer cases.

Outstanding Consultant Award - New Employer

Gemma Lapsley	Altius Group	ACT
Gemma consistently takes initiative, demonstrating a solution-focused approach. Their expert negotiation skills and ability to tackle difficult conversations enable effective resolution of challenging situations, fostering positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Kathleen Doyle	APM WorkCare	NSW
Kathleen demonstrates exceptional dedication, consistently exceeding expectations with strong NPS scores and positive stakeholder feedback. She has been instrumental to the improvement of DE outcomes within the business, driving a 9% improvement FYTD within the NSW team.
Alexandra Barnard	Rehab Management	NT
Alexandra is a reliable, adaptable, proactive, genuine and empathetic consultant, deserving of all the amazing feedback she has received. She is a strong supporter of the Health Benefits of Good Work and she has positively influenced many clients’ lives through her unwavering support, innovative thinking and dedication to empowering lives.
Michelle Nguyen	Rehab Management	QLD
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.
John Campbell	Konekt	SA
John delivers consistent high-quality services, which is recognised through their range of referrers, high return to work rates and the quality of feedback received from stakeholders, inclusive of clients, employers, referrers and training participants. These results and the feedback received set this consultant apart from all others.
Melissa Youd	Konekt	TAS
Melissa embodies unwavering dedication and resilience, providing compassionate support amid challenges. The nominee excel in overcoming adversity, consistently delivering outstanding results. The nominees commitment to excellence and compassion distinguishes them, making them a deserving recipient of this award.
Julian Strempel	KINNECT	VIC
Julian embodies excellence in workplace rehabilitation, promoting Health Benefits of Good Work principles through flexible assessments, tailored job training, and holistic support. Achieving a remarkable 60% New Employer RTW rate, Julian exemplifies dedication, innovation, and outstanding stakeholder satisfaction, setting a benchmark in the industry.
Jacob Campbell	WorkFocus Australia	WA
Jacob is a leading figure within the industry, where his status as an Injury Management Specialist has supported hundreds of workers to achieve their short and long-term work and life goals. Jacob’s ability to implement worker-focused and evidence-based interventions makes him the in-demand specialist to manage complex new employer claims.

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: Comcare

Cheryl Hastie	IPAR	ACT
Since commencing in workplace rehabilitation, Cheryl has demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and ability to foster holistic rehabilitation outcomes. Their distinctive blend of empathy, expertise, and commitment to evidence-based practices and person-centred recovery approaches has significantly impacted the lives of their clients.
Initra Larsen	Prudence Rehab	NSW
Initra’s impact has contributed to the broader well-being of rural communities. By championing the HBGW and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, they have not only facilitated successful returns to work but also empowered individuals to thrive in challenging circumstances. Their achievements exemplify the transformative potential of proactive and compassionate case management.
Alexandra Barnard	Rehab Management	NT
Alexandra is a reliable, adaptable, proactive, genuine and empathetic consultant, deserving all the amazingly feedback she has received. She is a strong supporter of the Health Benefits of Good Work and she has had such a positive influence on the lives of many clients through care, dedication and innovative thinking.
Hamil Desai	Prudence Rehab	QLD
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.
Amy Wight	WorkFocus Australia	SA
Amy's skillful ’harnessing’ of the HBGW have underpinned a rapid impact on the work and wellness of SA workers. She skillfully matches work duties for RTW achievement and recovery through ’safe doing’. Amy is on her way to helping many South Australian’s through high quality workplace rehabilitation intervention.
Annerie Venter	Rehab Management	TAS
Annerie’s enthusiasm combined with their remarkable track record of achieving outstanding RTW outcomes while fostering positive relationships, and demand for their services. Their proactive approach, coupled with efficiency and empathy, exemplifies excellence in case management and makes them an invaluable asset to their clients and industry.
Ray Bagher	AMS Consulting Group	VIC
Ray has achieved exceptional RTW outcomes with achieving 12 placements within his first 6 months by helping individuals transition seamlessly back into new employment. Ray embodies the qualities we seek in a team member with a commitment to excellence.
Tiffany Hames	Custodian Work Assist	WA
With unwavering dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the industry, demonstrated through involvement in two ARPA-run university events, and impeccable performance metrics with RTW rates of 100% and NPS of 100, all whilst juggling a fast-paced consultant role with being a professional athlete.

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

Kyam Buckton	Konekt	NSW
Kyam is a worthy winner of this award, through their hard work with developing a data-base of key service providers and equipment companies. This data-base is still used, wherein across the state, the business have built successful relationships to quickly provide clients with the supports they need for recovery.
Anke Pfannkuchen	IPAR	NT
By the conclusion of her placement, Anke was able to independently complete Ergonomic Assessments, ADLs and initial assessments as well as complete the relevant reports to a proficient and impressive level. Once qualified, she successfully obtained a permanent role with us which showcases what an incredible student she was.
Caitlin Mumme	Konekt	QLD
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.
Ryan Kay	IPAR	TAS
Over the course four weeks Ryan exemplified qualities including their openness to learning, dedication to excellence and demonstrating compassionate care. Ryan implemented skills gained when working as a paramedic into an Occupational Rehabilitation setting in order to obtain positive outcomes for clients, setting them apart in their placement.
Breanna Ware	IPAR	VIC
Breanna is passionate, empathetic and embodies the core values of an occupational therapist. Her eagerness to learn and develop their skills, accompanied by strong communication skills demonstrates that they would be an exceptional occupational therapist in whichever career path she chose. Breanna was motivated to make a difference in our regional area.
Sarah Quaid	Custodian Work Assist	WA
Sarah outperformed over 50 students we have hosted in the past 3 years and set a new standard for excellence for students and new consultants. She mastered all facets of the consultant role, and demonstrated confidence, proactivity and a thirst for feedback and growth that exceeds many seasoned consultants.

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.

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Physical Claim

Sponsored by: Absolute Balance

John Cunningham	Procare Group	ACT
In the words of the case manager, “this great and prompt outcome sits firmly on the shoulders of John. They kept the worker grounded and engaged. They assisted the employer to understand the process and helped all parties to understand the health benefits of early return to work.”
Madalyn Button	Perceptive Health	NSW
Madalyn deserves an award for their heartfelt dedication, ingenuity, and relentless perseverance in overcoming barriers to help a young amputee, return to work, demonstrating exceptional compassion and commitment throughout the rehabilitation process and never give up attitude constantly educating all parties involved about the benefits of work and rehabilitation.
Isabella Cross	WorkFocus Australia	NT
After excelling as a consultant in 2023, Isabella started their role as Team Leader in late 2023. Servicing the Alice Springs region, they dealt with a complex cohort of clients, using their ability to build rapport and providing a tailored, culturally sensitive approach to achieve positive outcomes.
Heidi Mules	Axis	QLD
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!
Matthew Woolford	Konekt	SA
Matthew navigated extremely complex cases, with serious burns injuries and associated distress to not just one client, but two. The claims had potential to destroy business operations, but due to the incredible assistance of Matthew, this was avoided and both parties made timely and sustained recoveries at work.
Lethokuhle Sibanda	IPAR	TAS
Lethokuhle drives incredible outcomes for clients with their creative resourcefulness and the way they use their extensive knowledge within their discipline to overcome barriers. Lethokuhle is in high demand and their compassion and kindness is unmatched, making them a worthy candidate for this esteemed award.
Kate Freeman	Rehab Management	VIC
Kate is a highly passionate occupational therapist renowned for her ability to think creatively to help clients overcome barriers and achieve their goals. In an industry that values innovation, she leads with lateral thinking and a deep consideration for every individual and challenge she encounters.
Elise Parker	Working Life	WA
Elise’s passionate approach and extensive experience in complex injury and psychosocial risk management, combined with her values-driven, compassionate and collaborative approach assisted the IW to overcome her significant permanent impairments and successfully return to work and life.

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Psychological Claim

Sponsored by: Absolute Balance

Gemma Lapsley	Altius Group	ACT
Gemma exhibits exceptional dedication and initiative in their role, displaying profound compassion and understanding of recovery needs. Their outstanding commitment to care shines through, demonstrating a deep sense of responsibility and empathy towards those they work with.
Clare St George	APM WorkCare	NSW
Clare has been essential to the expansion of occupational rehabilitation in the SNSW region. Their empathy, compassion and collaborative approach was foundational to empowering this case studies return to new employment as a nurse. Her ability to create cohesion between community, health and work was fundamental for the client.
Lily Shilkin	Altius Group	NT
Lily’s transformative interventions and unwavering support have facilitated the successful return to work for individuals overcoming psychological injuries, embodying excellence in rehabilitation and deserving recognition for outstanding achievement in the field.
Jade Crisp	Rehab Management	QLD
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.
Jessika Tong	Konekt	SA
Jessika provides highly valuable services, typically at a time where clients are most at need. Their ability to advocate and source supports outside of compensation schemes, which reduce psychosocial barriers and promote an ability to source and/or maintain employment is highly valued by clients and referrers alike.
Linda Duniam	Total Workfit Solutions	TAS
Linda has a wealth of knowledge. Combined with their passion for ensuring meaningful engagement and collaboration amongst injured workers and stakeholders, as well as an in depth knowledge of injury management, the nominee will always find a way to facilitate positive outcomes in return to work.
Sam Bennett	APM WorkCare	VIC
Amid profound adversity, Same brilliantly orchestrated workplace modifications and strategic interventions that restored the confidence and safety of a disability support worker in her 60s, overcoming psychological trauma and systemic challenges. This exemplary dedication to client wellbeing and safety truly merits the Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award.
Gillian Yates	Incite Solutions Group	WA
Gillian stands out for her exceptional dedication to supporting veteran rehabilitation. Through tailored goal setting and close collaboration, Gillian builds strong connections with veterans, empowering them to strive for positive change in their lives. Gillian’s commitment to fostering confidence and transformation makes her a deserving candidate.

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award - Associate Members / Stakeholders

Sponsored by: ART Super

Olivia Blane	Allianz
In 2023-2024, Olivia has assisted 14 severely injured customers return to work, achieving 100% customer satisfaction score. Olivia’s impactful contributions have influenced the industry, with stakeholders praising Olivia’s positive impact on individuals with significant disabilities, helping them maintain employment, stay connected with family, and re-engage with the community.
Kayla Dang	EXPHYS
Kayle navigated the complexities of anxiety followed by breast cancer to support their client through utmost care, trust and innovation. Health, functional capacity and work mindset improvements resulted with a successful graded RTW, in collaboration with workplace rehabilitation provider, from not working, to returning to pre-disability role, in 8 weeks.
Shara Kinney	Specialised Health
Shara works tirelessly and with such passion for every single one of her clients to improve their function. This case provided demonstrates her ability to engage clients, make them feel supported, empower them to take control of their recovery and enabling them to return back to work and life.

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

Renae Pickering	Procare Group	ACT
Renae's exceptional leadership shines through their relentless dedication, repeated innovation, and genuine care for their team. They lead with integrity and inspire their team to exceed expectations and achieve remarkable results consistently. Their leadership extends beyond their local team, highly regarded, and respected for their knowledge and initiatives nationally.
Danel Craib	Prudence Rehab	NSW
Over the past 4 years Danel has enabled a large cohort to find their home in our industry. This includes an unwavering commitment to strengthening staff and the wider industry efforts to make WRPs recognised as technical experts in our complicated landscape, enabling better understanding of our benefit.
Phoebe Jones	IPAR	NT
It speaks volumes that every member of Phoebe's team expressed a desire to nominate her for this award - she has not only created a stable respected high-performing consultant group but she has completely shifted the reputation and perspective of our business in the NT through her leadership.
Rosemary Grant	Axis	QLD
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.
Kelly Courtney	IPAR	SA
Kelly is a caring and committed leader, focused on the wellbeing and capability of her team. She supports the team to achieve success in service delivery, while encouraging a work/life balance that will enable them to improve and strengthen their work (and ultimately the industry) for the long term.
Ayden Demeijer	Rehab Management	TAS
Ayden stands out as an exceptional leader, not only elevating company performance through innovative practices and rigorous training but also significantly enhancing the broader industry. The proactive contributions to industry standards and dedication to improving outcomes across the sector exemplify their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
David Ronan	Nabenet	VIC
David’s dedication to excellence in occupational rehabilitation, demonstrated through their comprehensive training initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and innovative strategies, sets them apart as an exceptional candidate for this award, embodying the values of leadership, expertise, and positive impact within the industry.
Joanna Stanes	Custodian Work Assist	WA
Notable business growth and a prominent role on the ARPA WA Council for over 5 years, in addition to contributions on the WAOTA, Recruitment and Awards Committees, alongside academic teaching roles at 2 WA universities, exemplifies Joanna's remarkable leadership and dedication to the workplace rehabilitation industry.

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

Steve Gorell	Procare Group	ACT
Job Readiness Program - The idea of identifying especially vulnerable people and ensuring that they receive the highest possible level of service was of true inspiration/innovation. The Job Readiness Program was designed to address a gap in the ACT market, targeted to engage a particular cohort who so often fall through the cracks.
ResilientMe	Resilia	NSW
ResilientMe - This program stands out for its unparalleled success in psychological strengthening, evidenced by significant improvements in emotional well-being and return-to-work outcomes. Its holistic approach, validated methodologies, and transformative impact make it an exceptional choice for this prestigious award.
Early Intervention program	WorkFocus Australia	NT
Early Intervention Program: WFA's program has proved to be a cost-effective, reliable way to provide professional, proactive support without relying on full rehabilitation. This service has resulted in earlier access to RTW support for injured persons and Employers, promoting the HBOGW and resulting in reduced claims costs and earlier, positive re-engagement.
Recover at Home	Work Rehab	QLD
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.
Jemma Thacker	Altius Group	SA
Care and Wellbeing Program -This program integrates early intervention, trauma-informed care, and a holistic approach to assessment. Its ’screen and support’ methodology, coupled with tailored assessment tools, epitomizes excellence in addressing individual needs and fostering effective recovery outcomes.
Elizabeth Ibrahim	Nabenet	VIC
Move and Stretch: Empowering Workers to Exercise Anywhere Program - The client is a national food manufacturing provider and distribution service and having a widespread workforce, the client sought Elizabeth’s assistance to increase the health literacy of their staff and empower them to take control of their health. A comprehensive project was introduced to encourage their workers to incorporate stretching and exercise into their daily routine and make their health a priority. The project was piloted in Victoria and subsequently scaled up and implemented nationwide and it catalysed a cultural shift towards prioritising health and wellness in the workplace.
Virtual Reality Pain Program	APM WorkCare	WA
Virtual Reality Pain Program - To improve the functional literacy of injured workers and in-turn their ability to manage pain associated with injury, the organisation developed their Virtual Reality Pain Program (VRPP) which utilises virtual reality therapy to improve client’s understanding of pain and therefore ability to manage their symptoms. Measured by the lead indicators of RTW, this innovation demonstrates cost effective improvements for long-tail chronic pain claims using education and technology.

ARPA National President's Award

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

Presented by: Derick Borean - ARPA National President