2024 ARPA WA Award Ceremony Program

Program of Events

WELCOME

ARPA WA President - Robb Moffat

Entrée served

AWARDS PROGRAM

Outstanding Consultant Awards

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Awards

Best New Starter Award

Main course served

Outstanding Student Award

Innovation in Return to Work

Exceptional Leadership Award

Exceptional Claims Manager Award

Exceptional Injury Management Professional Award

ARPA WA President's Award

Length of Service Recognitions

Formalities conclude

Dessert, tea, coffee served 

Proof the Band

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The 2024 ARPA WA 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: WorkCover WA

Outstanding Consultant Award - Same Employer 

Nominator's statement of support

Brett Johnstone

Incite Solutions Group

 Brett stands out for his exceptional ability to build strong employer relationships and facilitate successful RTW outcomes across diverse sectors and employers. His determination to understand distinct employer requirements is exceptional. This tailored approach, combined with his expertise in navigating complex cases, sets him apart as a deserving recipient.

Frances Parkhowell

Recovre

 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.

Katelyn Towie

Konekt

 Katelyn has made a significant impact on those working in the agricultural industry. Her recent promotions and awards, alongside her involvement with the Australian Wool Innovation have significantly enhanced client outcomes. With a return to work rate of 93% in 2023 and 100% in 2024, her results speak volumes.

Kelly Adano

Green Shoots

 Kelly is truly remarkable in the way they handle their caseload on a part time and flexible basis. After returning to the workforce after maternity leave lacking confidence in their own abilities - the admiration and ongoing request for their services is testament to their own abilities and passion.

Rhiannon Iliadis Snedden

IPAR Rehabilitation

 Rhiannon’s passion for occupational health and wellbeing shines through during her interaction with all parties involved in the rehabilitation process. This passion creates trust allowing her to increase engagement across all stakeholders and therefore fostering individuals who are invested in their own return to work and outcomes.

Outstanding Consultant Award - New Employer

Nominator's statement of support

Byrony Poulton

STAR IMS

 Bryony has a talent for ensuring all stakeholders understand the limitations and obligations of the workers compensation system. Their local knowledge and network within the Albany region, mean they can provide meaningful and sustainable alternate RTW options, with many of these leading to ongoing employment.

Jacob Campbell

WorkFocus Australia

 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.

Virginia Bradshaw

Recovre

Virginia has over 25 years’ experience in Vocational Rehabilitation, working exclusively with clients presenting complex psychological injuries. She is an accredited mediator, guest lecturer, and counsellor in pain management. Her Case outcomes for 2023-2024 was 100% and is a remarkable statistic for high complex claims within the new employer framework.

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: Absolute Balance

Finalists:

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Physical Claim

Nominator's statement of support

Anthony Pawelec

Altius Group

 With expertise spanning diverse industries & over 5 years of experience, this seasoned professional in injury management, Exercise Rehabilitation, strategic RTW rehabilitation consistently achieves a 89% success rate in facilitating RTW outcomes for complex physical & psychological claims. Their customized approach & dedication to clients make them a worthy winner in their field.

Elise Parker

Working Life

 Elise’ 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.

Jamie Moynihan

WorkFocus Australia

 Jamie is an industry leading professional who has a deserved reputation as a calm, courteous, compassionate and highly skilled consultant, that consistently delivers outstanding results on complex claims. Jamie has an innate ability to be analytical and sympathetic to navigate barriers while being unperturbed in the pursuit of client outcomes.

Lisa Hart

Konekt

 Lisa has dedicated over 20 years to the profession and has an insatiable commitment to quality and facilitating best-practice approaches to service delivery.
This nominee has made a significant impact on the lives of the clients they have assisted through exemplary case management and clinical skills.

Tom Vowles

WorkFocus Australia

 Tom is a leading consultant, who has a great reputation within the scheme through his interpersonal relationships and outgoing nature to achieve client-focused goals. Born and raised in country WA, Tom’s holistic approach and thorough understanding of resolving remote-located complex claims, demonstrates his worthiness of this award.

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Psychological Claim

Nominator's statement of support

Brett Johnstone

Incite Solutions Group

 Brett stands out for their exceptional dedication and innovative approach in facilitating the IW’s successful RTW journey, overcoming complex barriers with tailored strategies, persistent negotiations and collaborative efforts. Their unwavering commitment to holistic rehabilitation sets them apart as a deserving recipient of this Outstanding Achievement in RTW award.

Ellen Allen

Recovre

 Ellen exemplifies outstanding qualities as a mental health professional. We have been informed that Ellen’s action saved a worker’s life following significant trauma. Ellen remains dedicated to their clients’ mental health, and championing psychological safety in WA’s workplaces. We wholeheartedly recommend Ellen for this prestigious recognition.

Gillian Yates

Incite Solutions Group

 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.

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: EXPHYS

Nominator's statement of support

Nelly Ngwenya

Kairros

 Watching Nelly immerse themself into his role as a Rehabilitation Consultant has been a joy. Coupled with his motivation for learning, versatility in service delivery, professionalism, and outside the box strategic thinking, Nelly has demonstrated such promise as a successful and dependable rehabilitation consultant already delivering on outcomes.

Pallavi Pankhania

WorkFocus Australia

Pallavi commenced as a Rehab Counsellor in 2023, immediately picking up the challenge of managing complex, regional and psychological claims with empathy and maturity. Pallavi's strengths lie in her ability to build rapport with her clients to support them to achieve their goals related to work and life.

Tiffany Hames

Custodian Work Assist

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, there is no new starter more deserving.

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: Ergolink Advanced Ergonomics

Nominator's statement of support

Brooke Credaro

WorkFocus Australia

 Brooke undertook her 8-week placement in September 2023 and it felt like she had been a team member and experienced rehabilitation consultant from day one. Her application, attention to detail and drive to assist client meant she immediately made a difference to peoples lives more than any student before her.

Jasmine Ryan

Recovre

 Jasmine is highly deserving of recognition of their dedication and initiative during their student placement. They were able to fit well into the team and made a lasting impact on a number of clients and since joining the organisation, she has grown her clientele in the south west region.

Sarah Quaid

Custodian Work Assist

 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.

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: Ergolink Advanced Ergonomics

Nominator's statement of support

APM WorkCare

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.

WorkFocus Australia

Mental Health Service

In a time where psychological conditions are on the rise, and mental health literacy is still growing, this innovation is front and centre, addressing both. WorkFocus's Mental Health Service empowers and educates all towards recovery and return to life and work, whilst improving accurate diagnosis, access to care and RTW outcomes.  The service delivery model is focussed on early engagement, diagnosis confirmation and access to appropriate care for people with primary or secondary psychology conditions.

Working Life

Working Life Care Survey

Injured employees are asked to complete the online survey at initial assessment or the one-week post injury mark. The process is automated where upon completion, the survey results are automatically generated and emailed to the injured worker ensuring complete transparency. The results with recommendations are generated and emailed to the Injury Management Consultant. This innovation truly reduces the gap between evidence and practice, by allowing us to take real steps towards how best to care. The results are an affirmation of our organisation, and our core values of evidence-based practice, responsiveness, and pragmatism in action.

 

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: Headway Psychology & Wellbeing

Nominator's statement of support

Haley Dearlove

Workcom

 Haley has led Workcom's growth, championing person-centric, emotionally-intelligent rehabilitation. Her vision has fostered recognition and attracted like-minded Consultants; their expanded expertise has seen Workcom diversify services, aiding more individuals in need. For her transformative impact on Rehabilitation in WA, Haley is a winner the industry could be truly proud of.

Joanna Stanes

Custodian Work Assist

 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.

Todd Lonie

Green Shoots

 Todd has modelled excellence in leadership through all aspects of their work, demonstrating an exceptional ability to promote the best outcomes for their team; whilst fostering a culture of excellence. Their dedication to championing change for the betterment of all makes them a worthy recipient of this award.

Exceptional Case Manager Award

About the award: Nominees must be working as a Case Manager with an insurer or self-insurer in WA and must have demonstrated:

  • the outcomes achieved by the nominee 
  • evidence of employer/worker satisfaction 
  • their achievements/contributions to the business and/or to the wider industry.

Sponsored by: Activity Matters

Nominator's statement of support

Chae Roxburgh

GIO Workers Compensation (Suncorp)

 Chae is kind, compassionate and driven to achieve the best possible outcome for both injured workers and their employers within the WA Workers Compensation scheme. Through their work they demonstrate the principals of ”It Pays to Care” and set the bar for exceptional case management within the industry.

Jasmin Kellett

GIO Workers Compensation (Suncorp)

 Jasmin is a passionate, dedicated and collaborative claims professional. They enthusiastically engage with Employers and Workplace Rehabilitation providers alike to drive positive claim outcomes. They demonstrate a growth mindset and consistently challenge themselves and others to create a positive customer experience and drive change in our industry.

Noelene Bailey

Allianz Australia

 Noelene’s commitment in cultivating a psychologically safe workplace for customers has had a significant impact on how mental health claims are dealt with in Workers Compensation as well as creating an internal culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to prioritise and manage their own mental health and wellbeing.

Exceptional Injury Management Professional Award

About the award: Nominees must be working as an Injury Management Professional with an employer, insurer, self-insurer or broker in WA and must have demonstrated:

  • the outcomes achieved by the nominee
  • evidence of employer/worker satisfaction
  • their achievements/contributions to the business and/or to the wider industry.

Sponsored by: OccuMED

Nominator's statement of support

Alex Long

GIO Workers Compensation (Suncorp)

 Alex is a passionate and solution focused injury management professional. Through prioritising education for both themselves and their team and implementing the principals of shared decision making, they have facilitated improved health outcomes for injured workers in the West Australian workers compensation scheme.

Diana Sadler

Mineral Resources Limited

 Diana’s exceptional commitment to injury management is evident in her effective coordination of care and support for our workforce. Her holistic approach, strong relationship-building and open communication, drives successful employee recovery and return-to-work outcomes. Her dedication to workplace health and excellence makes her a standout candidate for this award.

Jarrod Nicholson

Allianz Australia

 Jarrod’s dedication is evident through his strategic initiatives, effective management, responsiveness to feedback, and business practice enhancements. His efforts have facilitated successful RTW processes, contributing to supportive and resilient organisational environment. Jarrod’s commitment to education supports and engages Case Managers and employers alike to provide outstanding injury management outcomes.

Shona Lindley

Marsh Pty Ltd

 Shona is highly respected and loved by everyone with whom she works. Her technical knowledge coupled with her ability to connect with people, and strive for continuous improvement in the scheme, is what makes her an outstanding Injury Management Professional and someone who is very deserving of this award.

ARPA WA President's Award 

About the award: The President’s Award is solely determined by the ARPA WA 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: Robb Moffat - ARPA WA President

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: Redimed

10 years: 

  • Melissa Gill
  • Rebecca Kidd
  • Sophie Barnden-Brown
  • Meagan Bond
  • Robyn McGrath
  • Jayde Caffey
  • Kendal Sutherland
  • Rebecca Cleaver
  • Stephanie Li
  • Gillian Lees
  • Joanna Stanes
  • Kristy Joyce
  • Amanda Davy

15 years:

  • Amanda Riley
  • Anna Zimmerman
  • Caroline Zaba
  • Kate Brand
  • Amanda England
  • Jitka Kolrosova
  • Amy Richardson
  • Claudia Di Lazzaro
  • Nicole Hayes

20 years:

  • Andrew Rowcroft
  • Zoe Holdaway
  • Beverley Morhall
  • Corina Della Posta
  • Danielle Murphy

25 years:

  • Michelle Butler
  • Adrianna Farmer
  • Loan Tang


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

Platinum Event Sponsor

Outstanding Consultant

Gold Award Sponsor

Innovation in Return to Work & Outstanding Student Awards

Gold Award Sponsor

Length of Service

Gold Award Sponsor

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work

Silver Award Sponsor

Exceptional Case Manager

Silver Award Sponsor

Exceptional Injury Management Professional

Silver Award Sponsor

Exceptional Leadership

Silver Award Sponsor

Best New Starter