Arcare Star Awards 2025
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 five categories: Star Carer, Star Clinician, Star Residential Services, Star Leadership, Star Shared Services (National), and the CEO Award.
In celebration of Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August 2025, Arcare is pleased to announce the runner up and winners of the 2025 Arcare Star Awards below.
Star Carer Award 2025
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.
NSW Runner up – Pauline G, Arcare Glenhaven
Pauline’s empathy, dedication, and warmth shine through in all she does. She brings comfort and dignity to every resident she supports. One family shared how she remembered their mother’s favourite clothes and polished her nails. These small acts of love mean everything to both residents and their loved ones.
QLD Runner up – Mary A, Arcare Slacks Creek
Through gentle, respectful care Mary-Grace makes residents feel truly special. She remembers personal preferences, coordinates outfits, and sits with residents to help them eat. One daughter shared how only Mary-Grace could remove her mother’s dental plate, thanks to deep trust. Residents will constantly call her name even when she’s not on shift.
VIC Runner up – Violetta M, Arcare Sydenham
For over 10 years at Arcare Sydenham SCU, Violetta has gone above and beyond for residents, many living with dementia. She learned Spanish and Italian to better communicate with multicultural residents, ensuring they feel seen and understood. Families praise her commitment, often finding her gently chatting, laughing, or embracing their loved ones.
NSW Winner – Pajaree (Joy) R, Arcare Belmont
Described as 'simply the best', Joy’s warmth, professionalism, and dedication make her a beacon of light at Arcare. She mentors new team members, supports her team, and uplifts residents with kindness. After one resident suffered a stroke, Joy’s personal support and cheerful presence helped him feel secure and valued. Residents and families feel lucky to know her.
QLD Winner – Lachlan H, Arcare Springwood
Lachlan brings warmth, humour, and dedication to every interaction- residents feel truly seen in his care. Described as “a bit extra, but that’s what’s needed,” he creates comfort and joy through conversation and presence. One family shared how he makes their dad feel special simply by giving him genuine time and attention.
VIC Winner – Sushmita G, Arcare Essendon
Sushmita’s compassion, professionalism, and calm dedication make her a beloved presence at Arcare Essendon. Families feel peace of mind in her care. One resident shared how, even when he was initially resistant to showers, Sushmita remained calm and patient, ensuring his dignity and comfort throughout.
Star Clinicians Award 2025
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.
NSW Runner up – Rylan D, Arcare Belmont
Rylan is described as “the most reliable person you could meet,” known for his calm, compassionate care and unwavering support for residents and families. One daughter shared how he gently comforted her grieving mother, staying longer when needed and brightening her day. His professionalism and empathy define excellence in aged care.
QLD Runner up – Abhishek A, Arcare Thornlands
Abhishek is known for his composed, methodical approach- carefully monitoring medications, explaining each step with clarity, and never rushing. His presence reassures residents and families alike. One family shared how his kindness and patience helped their mother feel completely at ease. Always smiling and thorough, he earns trust through consistent, compassionate care.
VIC Runner up – Maria E, Arcare Surrey Hills
Maria will crouch to eye level with a resident to explain care gently and by name, restoring dignity amid confusion. Her clinical skill, compassion, and communication are praised by families, who feel heard and informed. She’s described as “exceptional,” “exemplary,” and consistently goes above and beyond in every detail.
NSW Winner – Tayla N, Arcare Belmont
Described as “a gift to aged care,” Tayla is trusted deeply by families for her clinical skill, empathy, and calm presence. An example provided was her support to a resident going through cancer treatment. She did this with discretion and care, dressing wounds daily and honouring his privacy. Families say simply, “Tayla is the nurse you want.”
QLD Winner – Joanne O, Arcare Springwood
Known for her empathy, teamwork, and leadership, Jo advocates for residents, resolves team issues, and listens deeply. Jo helped create a calm, dignified end-of-life experience for one resident- supporting all with compassion and strength. Respected by colleagues and residents alike, Jo leads with empathy and is known for calmly resolving issues with care.
VIC Winner – Rebecca S, Arcare Portarlington
Nominated by both families and colleagues and described as “a real earth angel,” Rebecca brings comfort and calm during life’s hardest moments. She sat with a resident’s family during end-of-life care, offered food, support, and space to grieve. Known for her clinical growth and warmth, families often ask for her by name- even on her rostered days off.
Star Residential Services Award 2025
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.
NSW Runner Up – Resom G, Arcare Glenhaven
Resom is known for his exceptional work ethic, professionalism, and warm attitude. Always punctual and reliable, he maintains Arcare to the highest standard. Residents, families, and colleagues regularly praise his attention to detail and care. His pride in his work makes him an indispensable and respected part of the team.
QLD Runner up – Mark S, Arcare Noosa
The go-to problem solver at Arcare, Mark is described as “marvellous”. From fixing IT issues to repainting rooms, he does it all with skill and speed. When a courtyard fixture broke, he took it home, repaired it, and returned it the next day. Residents say the place would be "falling apart" without him!
VIC Runner up – Claire C, Arcare Keysborough
From café to care, Claire is the quiet force who makes Arcare feel like home. Known for learning residents’ names and preferences, she creates a warm, welcoming space. “Nothing is ever too much trouble,” one family shared- her kindness and commitment bring daily comfort to both residents and families.
NSW Winner – Salote M, Arcare Oatlands
Radiating warmth and professionalism, Salote creates genuine connections with residents and families. When a grieving family needed privacy, she transformed the hair salon into a peaceful space, complete with coffee and signage. Her empathy, attention to detail, and unwavering kindness make her an irreplaceable presence.
QLD Winner – Ashwinder R, Arcare Parkwood
Known for flawless meal service and care, Ashwinder once stepped into the kitchen to assist the chef during peak hours and another time resolving a resident’s complaint by offering a replacement and improving kitchen processes. She remembers every resident’s preferences, ensures meals are plated beautifully, and leads with calm professionalism.
VIC Winner – Rosenda C, Arcare Cheltenham
A 2022 runner-up and nominated by residents and families, Rose brings energy, creativity, and heart to Lifestyle. She has dressed as a leprechaun for St Patrick’s Day, transforming the space with music and joy. Residents say, “She gives me confidence every day,” while families credit her for “bringing light back” into their loved ones’ lives.
Star Leadership Award 2025
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; and giving their own time to advise and guide team members’ careers.
NSW Runner up – Huan Yu, Arcare Warriewood
A compassionate, hands-on leader at Arcare, Huan leads by example- covering night RN shifts or driving the bus when needed. He consistently puts residents and team members first. Known for his integrity and professionalism, Huan fosters a high-performing, respectful environment where care standards are upheld and everyone feels supported.
QLD Runner up – Angela M, Arcare Pimpama
A calm, supportive, and approachable Manager, Angela leads with fairness and professionalism. She fosters team unity, recognises contributions, and prioritises resident care. Through inclusive events and clear communication, she builds a respectful culture at Arcare- creating an environment where both team members and residents feel genuinely valued, empowered, and engaged.
VIC Runner up – Hersh S, Arcare Keysborough
With 15 nominations, Hersh is recognised for his empathy, and integrity. He inspires trust, fosters growth, and creates a positive, inclusive environment for all. Known for his approachability and clear communication, Hersh consistently supports team development, promotes wellbeing, and drives excellence in care. His leadership at Arcare has strengthened the community.
NSW Winner – Ellen H, Arcare Belmont
Ellen joined the team during a challenging period and transformed it with calm, hands-on leadership. Known for answering call bells, assisting residents during walkarounds, and staying reachable at all hours, she leads by example. Team members feel heard, supported, and inspired by her approachable style, professionalism, and deep commitment to care.
QLD Winner – Rajwinder K, Arcare Eight Mile Plains
Raj leads with empathy, urgency, and heart- resolving concerns thoughtfully while uplifting her team through openness and example. She’s known for empowering team members through development and recognition, and diffuses situations with calm professionalism. Her leadership creates a positive, inclusive environment where residents, families, and team members feel truly supported.
VIC Winner – Hassan M, Arcare Ringwood
Hassan is a steadfast leader who fosters a respectful, empowering environment. A 2024 runner-up, Hassan leads with empathy and professionalism - supporting growth, ensuring quality care, and creating a community where team members and residents feel valued.
Star Shared Services National 2025
This award was open to support roles outside of specific residences. The Star Support award looks 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.
National Runner up – Brandon Williams, Finance Business Partner, Finance
Brandon has been instrumental in the success of Arcare’s BI Dashboards. With expert knowledge and support, he empowers teams to use data effectively. From training managers to aligning metrics with strategy, Brandon drives a culture of informed decision-making, making a measurable impact across the organisation every day.
National Winner – James Aitken, Visual Producer, Marketing
A trusted, collaborative presence in Marketing. With creativity, and reliability, James has elevated Arcare’s visual storytelling and uplifts his team. In early 2025, he helped lead a major visual direction shift, bringing clarity and engagement across platforms. Organised with his time, James makes a lasting impact through his professionalism.
CEO Award 2025
This award recognises the delivery of outstanding and meaningful support to colleagues, residents and the broader community, strong alignment with Arcare’s values, proven ability to lead by example, inspire others, and take proactive steps in challenging situations, consistent reliability in responsibilities combined with a humble approach to collaboration and achievement, tangible contributions that have positively shaped the environment, relationships and outcomes within Arcare, highlights a high level of expertise in their role alongside on-going efforts to develop and refine their skills and embodies a welcoming attitude, willingness to assist others and creates a supportive and inclusive culture.
National Runner up – Janet R, Regional Support Manager, Operations VIC
A go-to for any residence in distress, Janet restores morale, compliance, and care standards. She has brought in her puppies to lift spirits, stayed on residence for months, and led teams through reaccreditation. Admired for “never saying no” and “bringing everyone along,” her leadership leaves every team stronger and united.
National Winner – Antony J, Network Administrator, IT
Closing 5,249 tickets this year, Antony often works unpaid overtime and is known to drive five hours to support NSW residences. He led the Aranda IT setup and consistently helps others with patience and professionalism. Also a registered minister, he has conducted religious ceremonies for Arcare residences in his own time, earning the affectionate nickname “the new priest for Arcare.”
