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HESTA has revealed the first nominees in its new awards shining a light on health and community services professionals who are taking positive steps to create a better world.
The superannuation fund’s Impact Awards were created to recognise individuals, teams and organisations who are driving improved outcomes across areas such as equality, sustainability, health, diversity and inclusion.
The criteria for the awards were modelled on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The goals were launched in 2015 as a “universal call to action” to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
Among the nominees for the Team Innovation category was Bendigo Health’s facilities management team for its hospital-wide recycling program that has cut down the amount of waste going to landfill.
Melissa Browning from Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service was nominated for the individual award for her work in spearheading an approach to improve racial, cultural and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, fostering greater understanding and inclusion across the health service.
And The Water Well Project was named in the Outstanding Organisation category for supporting the health and wellbeing of communities from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds by increasing health literacy.
Detailing the awards last year, HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey said: “Building a better world doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the small but unrelenting steps taken by many dedicated individuals over time that will help close the gap on inequality, fight climate change and improve diversity and inclusion.
“Developing more sustainable business practices, taking steps to reduce inequality and disadvantage in our communities, and improving health outcomes for more Australians – these are just a few of the ways we know people are working together to protect the future of our society, our economy and our planet.
“We know health and community professionals care deeply about making the world a better place and it’s important we recognise and reward the life-changing work they are doing on behalf of us all.”
Winners will be announced via public broadcast on 24 February and will share a $30,000 prize pool.
Click here for the full list of nominees.
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