Our Annual Arcare Star Awards recognises the efforts of our resilient team members across Australia. We received outstanding nominations submitted by clients, families and fellow team members within our Arcare communities.
The awards comprise six categories: Star Carer, Star Clinician, Star Residential Services, Star Leadership, Star Shared Services (National), the CEO Award and Residence of the Year.
In celebration of Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August 2026, Arcare is pleased to announce the runner up and winners of the 2026 Arcare Star Awards below.
2026 Star Carer Award
This award recognises outstanding contribution to improving care for our residents, a willingness to ensure our residents are at the centre of everything they do and understanding, compassion and courage.
The runner ups are:
NSW/ ACT
Joel Coleman, Mollymook
Joel is recognised for his exceptional compassion, professionalism and dedication to residents living with dementia. Through his calm, intuitive approach, he has built remarkable trust with residents, bringing comfort, dignity and even moments of joy during challenging care, while also mentoring colleagues and supporting families with genuine kindness.
QLD
Jasmine Dangol, Parkwood
Jasmine is recognised for her exceptional kindness, compassion and dedication to person-centred care. Whether helping residents feel confident by taking extra time with their appearance, responding with warmth and humour, or supporting new team members, Jasmine consistently goes above and beyond to make everyone feel valued, respected and at home.
VIC
Angelita Pacio, Keysborough
Angel is recognised for her outstanding compassion, generosity and commitment to person-centred care. Whether bringing joy through her beautiful singing, supporting residents with warmth and dignity, or always stepping in to help colleagues, Angel's kindness and positive spirit make a lasting difference to everyone around her.
The winners are:
NSW/ ACT
Vicki Crosbie, Belmont
Vicki is recognised for the exceptional care she provides every day, helping residents feel safe, valued and at home. Whether preserving dignity through compassionate support or stepping forward to help colleagues whenever needed, she leads through kindness, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
QLD
Karma Dorji, Eight Mile Plains
Karma is recognised for his exceptional compassion, attentiveness and genuine connection with residents and families. Whether anticipating residents' needs with dignity and respect, sitting alongside a resident to knit, or simply taking time to make someone smile, Karma's kindness and positive spirit create a true sense of belonging every day.
VIC
Girlie Arguda, Knox
Recognised through multiple nominations from residents' families and colleagues Girlie is celebrated for her exceptional compassion and genuine connection with those in her care. Her thoughtful attention to every detail, ability to bring residents out of their shells, and unwavering kindness create a lasting impact on residents, families and colleagues alike.
Star Clinicians Award
This award recognises outstanding and compassionate care, an ability to be an advocate and professional role model, a commitment to safety and quality, leading, developing and delivering programs that have a positive outcome, a personal commitment to continuing education and consistent technical excellence in their daily nursing practice.
The runner ups are:
NSW/ ACT
Garima Dangi, Aranda
Garima is recognised for her exceptional clinical expertise, calm leadership and compassionate approach to resident care. Whether providing reassurance to residents and families through clear communication, confidently managing complex clinical situations, or supporting her team with professionalism and kindness, Garima consistently goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding care.
QLD
Michele MacDonell, Sanctuary Manors
Michele is recognised for her exceptional clinical knowledge, compassionate care and unwavering support for residents, families and colleagues. Whether taking the time to explain care with patience and respect, mentoring new team members, or remaining calm and confident during busy shifts, Michele consistently goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding clinical care.
VIC
Monica Bent, Keysborough
Monica is recognised for her compassionate care, strong leadership and dedication to resident wellbeing. Whether providing thoughtful clinical support, keeping families informed, or volunteering her own time to lead weekly Bible studies for residents, Monica consistently goes above and beyond to enrich the lives of those around her.
The winners are:
NSW/ ACT
Rylan Dailey, Belmont
Rylan, runner-up in 2025, is recognised for his calm professionalism, compassionate care and unwavering commitment to residents and their families. Through clear communication, strong advocacy and supportive teamwork, he consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional person-centred care.
QLD
Ishtema Rikhi, Springwood
Ishtema is recognised for her outstanding clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to residents, families and colleagues. From mentoring and empowering her team to supporting families through their most difficult moments, Ish consistently leads with professionalism, integrity and genuine care.
VIC
Maria Edwin, Surrey Hills
Maria, runner-up in 2025, is recognised for the confidence and reassurance she brings to residents and their families. Through compassionate advocacy, empathetic clinical conversations and clear communication, she consistently delivers outstanding person-centred care with professionalism and kindness.
Star Residence Services Award
This award recognises outstanding customer service to our residents and colleagues, commitment to safety, quality and efficiency, advanced organisational and management skills, personal commitment to continuing education, someone who advocates for those in their care and someone who motivates our residents to live a fuller life.
The runner ups are:
NSW/ ACT
Pawan Parajuli, Mollymook
Pawan is recognised for his dedication to delivering high-quality dining experiences and his commitment to resident satisfaction. Whether listening to resident feedback, tailoring menus to individual preferences, or leading the kitchen with professionalism and efficiency, Pawan consistently goes above and beyond to create meals that residents enjoy and look forward to.
QLD
Samantha Forlonge, Peregian Springs
Samantha is recognised for her creativity, enthusiasm and commitment to enriching residents' lives through meaningful experiences. Whether building innovative programs, creating spaces such as the MSU memorabilia room, or fostering connections with the local community, Samantha consistently goes above and beyond to bring joy, purpose and a sense of belonging to every resident.
VIC
Claire Centra, Keysborough
Claire is recognised for the warmth, professionalism and positivity she brings to every interaction. Whether welcoming residents, families and visitors with a genuine smile, assisting with care enquiries, or creating a reassuring first impression of the home, Claire consistently goes above and beyond to make everyone feel valued, supported and at ease.
The winners are:
NSW/ ACT
Elise Potter, Lisarow
Elise is recognised for her outstanding customer service, professionalism and genuine care for residents and their families. Whether warmly welcoming visitors, providing reassurance during difficult moments, or going above and beyond to help families stay connected with their loved ones, Elise consistently creates a positive and supportive experience for everyone who walks through the doors.
QLD
Donna Wiles, Eight Mile Plains
Donna, runner-up in 2024, is recognised for her ability to bring people together and create meaningful moments for residents every day. Through engaging activities, thoughtful celebrations and genuine one-on-one connections, she helps residents feel connected, included and truly valued.
VIC
Satnam Singh, Essendon
Satnam, runner-up in 2023, is recognised for the genuine warmth, kindness and sense of belonging he brings to the home every day. Through meaningful connections, compassionate family support and his personal touch, he consistently goes above and beyond to help residents feel valued, connected and at home.
Star Leadership Award
This award recognises people who show a clear purpose, value, direction and performance expectation for their team, department or project, timely and effective decision making, reporting, and risk management skills, a commitment to safety, quality systems, social and environmental responsibility, setting and meeting high standards and helping others achieve them, support creativity, collaboration, positivity, and innovation, help team members expand their skills, confidence, talent and thinking, giving their own time to advise and guide team members’ careers.
The runner ups are:
NSW/ ACT
Ellen Hadden Belmont Ellen is recognised for her approachable leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment to residents, families and her team. Whether supporting staff through change, stepping in to assist on the floor, or fostering a workplace where everyone feels heard and supported, Ellen leads by example and creates a positive culture that is felt throughout the entire residence.
QLD
Jamie Oakley, Peregian Springs
Jamie is recognised for his approachable leadership, positive attitude and commitment to building strong, supportive teams. Whether mentoring and developing staff, embracing new ideas that enhance resident wellbeing, or fostering a culture where residents, families and team members feel valued, Jamie leads with integrity and purpose every day.
VIC
Hersh Singh, Keysborough
Hersh is recognised for his approachable leadership, integrity and commitment to creating a positive and supportive community. Whether mentoring team members, maintaining an open-door approach, or stepping in to support residents and staff whenever needed, Hersh leads by example and inspires those around him to achieve their very best.
The winners are:
NSW/ ACT
Sikha Wagle, Oatlands
Sikha, winner of the Clinicians category in 2024, is recognised for her calm leadership, unwavering support and dedication to resident wellbeing. Through compassionate guidance, strong teamwork and resident advocacy, she consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive difference every day.
QLD
Stacey White, Birtinya
Stacey is recognised for her supportive leadership, professionalism and commitment to creating a positive environment for residents and staff. Whether making time to listen through her open-door approach, mentoring and encouraging her team, or meeting regularly with residents to hear their feedback, Stacey consistently leads with integrity and genuine care.
VIC
Arshpreet Kaur, Cheltenham
Arshpreet is recognised for creating a welcoming, well-organised environment where residents and staff feel heard, supported and respected. Whether taking the time to listen to concerns, fostering a strong sense of teamwork, or maintaining a calm and positive culture, Arshpreet’s leadership helps ensure residents receive high-quality care every day.
Star Service Excellence (National Shared Services) Award
This award was open to support roles outside of specific residences. The Star Support award looked at those who provide exceptional service and meaningful support to our clients and colleagues, show proficiency, humility, initiative, and reliability, are consistently friendly and helpful, and have a strong commitment to the broader Arcare team.
The runner up is:
National
Pritam Tamang, IT
Pritam is recognised for his technical expertise, quiet dedication and invaluable support behind the scenes. Whether developing innovative solutions, solving complex system challenges, or helping colleagues with patience and professionalism, Pritam consistently goes above and beyond to ensure others can do their best work and critical projects are delivered successfully.
The winner is:
National
Jacqui McLean, Clinical Education Lead
Jacqui is recognised for her expertise, collaborative leadership and commitment to strengthening clinical excellence across Arcare. Whether developing innovative education programs, championing initiatives that enhance resident care, or generously sharing her knowledge to build the capability of others, Jacqui consistently goes above and beyond to make a lasting impact across the organisation.
CEO Award
For this award, Arcare CEO Colin Singh personally reviewed nominations to find an Arcare team member who truly embodies our mission and values.
The runner up is:
NSW/ ACT
Dan Vian Balisi, Aranda
Dan is recognised for his outstanding commitment to enriching residents' lives through meaningful, person-centred experiences. Whether leading engaging lifestyle programs, capturing treasured moments through photography, or checking in on residents when they're unwell, Dan consistently goes above and beyond to make every person feel valued and cared for.
The winner is:
NSW/ ACT
Santosh Poudyal, Glenhaven
Santosh is recognised for his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to residents, families and team members, and his ability to inspire excellence. From achieving exceptional operational outcomes to mentoring future leaders, his positive impact extends well beyond Glenhaven and across the organisation.
Residence of the Year Award
For this award- our first ever, with just one winner selected across the entire organisation- our Executive Team, including our CEO, carefully considered all 61 residences. This award recognises resident experience, a strong values-led culture, excellence in safety, quality and compliance, engaged leadership, innovation, inclusivity, and responsible financial stewardship.
The winner is… Arcare Taigum!
Thank you to everyone for your participation this year.
