2024 ARPA TAS Award Ceremony Program


Program of Events

Event Opening by ARPA TAS President - Ayden Demeijer

Welcome by ARPA National President - Derick Borean

Welcome by Platinum Event Sponsor, WorkSafe Tasmania - Alice Morris

Outstanding Student Award

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Awards

Best New Starter 

Intermission

Outstanding Consultant Awards 

Exceptional Leadership

Length of Service

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

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.

The winner of this award will be announced at the ceremony.

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: GIO Workers Compensation

Finalists:

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Physical Claim

Jonathan Stanborough

Altius Group

Jonathan’s proactive approach and personalised rehabilitation strategies have facilitated the seamless return to work for individuals with physical injuries, showcasing exemplary dedication and expertise deserving of recognition in the field of return-to-work initiatives.

Letty Sibanda

IPAR Rehabilitation

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.

Bronwyn Green

Total Workfit Solutions

Bronwyn has great work ethic, and is able to build meaningful relationships with employer, insurers and workers alike. Their knowledge and experience are highly valued in the industry.

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Psychological Claim

Dominique Higgins

Rehab Management

Dominique's inherent and instinctive ability to understand, empathise and relate to a client and their circumstance is awe-inspiring. Her positive impact is impossible to quantify as I am constantly flooded with unsolicited feedback and affirmations of Dominique’s positive impact on her clients’ lives.

Linda Duniam

Total Workfit Solutions

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.

Merima Pasalic

Total Workfit Solutions

Merima’s knowledge of the occupational rehabilitation industry and legislation, along with excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to navigate complex situations is highly regarded and admirable - a true mentor and example of an outstanding consultant in the industry.

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: TAVRP

Finalists:

Kristin Visser

Procare Group

Kristin was the first member of the team to jump at the chance to nominate one of their team-mates. Which is what makes them such a worthy nominee. Not only have they taken on the challenges of OR, but they’ve embraced their team, the company and the industry!

Annerie Venter

Rehab Management

Anneris’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.

Mandi Swart

Total Workfit Solutions

Mandi goes above and beyond in every task they take on, taking the utmost care to provide the highest quality service for all stakeholders involved. Their ability to be organised and calculated, while caring deeply for the wellbeing of all parties involved in the rehabilitation process, is noteworthy.

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: MAIB

Finalists:

Outstanding Consultant Award - New Employer

Leah Perrin

APM Workcare

Leah has transformed occupational rehabilitation in our organisation by masterfully integrating the Health Benefits of Good Work. Their innovative approaches, addressing both physical and psychological challenges, have significantly improved client outcomes and elevated industry standards, making the Nominee an exemplary leader in promoting workplace health and wellbeing.

Natalie Daley

Altius Group

Natalie’s swift and effective initiatives have seamlessly reintegrated employees into new roles, showcasing outstanding commitment and expertise in facilitating successful returns to work within new employers, deserving recognition for their remarkable achievements in this field.

Melissa Youd

Konekt

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.

Outstanding Consultant Award - Same Employer

Mohan Mattala

IPAR Rehabilitation

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.

Megan Reid

Procare Group

Megan understands the values of good work and healthy, thriving communities. They live these values both at work, with their team and injured workers but also at home. They create a fun and happy path wherever they travel and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.

Morgan McVilly

Rehab Management

Morgan is a unicorn employee and team member: such adaptability, versatility and resourcefulness. Nominee consistently responds to challenges with such a dynamic and adaptable ’can-do’ attitude. Megan continues to thrive as she makes such valuable contributions to our team, her clients, our customers and our local workplace rehabilitation industry.

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: CGU

Finalists:

Andrea Windebank

IPAR Rehabilitation

Andrea’s leadership is characterised by vision, empathy, and a relentless drive for excellence. Their impact on our team culture and growth is undeniable, making them a truly deserving candidate for the Outstanding Leadership Award.

Ayden Demeijer

Rehab Management

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..

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: Allianz Australia

10 years:

  • Andrea Windebank
  • Dominique Higgins
  • Jessica Febey
  • Merima Pasalic

15 years:

  • Kirsten Farmer
  • Linda Duniam
  • Vanessa Manson
  • Raelene Smith

20 years:

  • Carolyn Conway

25 years:

  • Jennie Cox

SPONSORS

Platinum Event Sponsor

WorkSafe Tasmania administers legislation covering three policy areas: work health and safety, workers and asbestos compensation, and workplace relations. Their primary role is to improve work health and safety and return to work.

WorkSafe Tasmania are dedicated to making work in Tasmania safe and healthy, and supporting those who are harmed at work, in their life and work recovery. WorkSafe Tasmania do this through information, education, advice, compliance monitoring and enforcement.

Gold Award Sponsor
Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work

Gold Award Sponsor
Outstanding Consultant

Silver Award Sponsor
Best New Starter

Silver Award Sponsor
Exceptional Leadership

Silver Award Sponsor
Length of Service