Published on 17 November 2023

INSPIRE Awards

Thank you to everyone who tuned in to the INSPIRE Awards presentation this week and congratulations to all the deserving recipients.  

This is one of my favourite events of the year, and I enjoyed presenting these awards with Sandy Schutte, Executive Director People, Culture and Communications. We were once again honoured to be able to take the time to acknowledge our colleagues who go above and beyond for both staff and patients.   

There were a record number of nominations this year with 102 individual and 15 team recipients, as well as the Chief Executive Workplace Award. It was a true testament to the incredible people we have working here at Western Health.  

It was a privilege to be able to announce Christine Pirotta, Education Coordinator, Footscray and Williamstown Education, as the recipient of the Chief Executive Workplace Award. Christine received several nominations citing different reasons which truly shows the supportive workplace she fosters. Her provision of best care by supporting her team really shone through.   

Next month, the recipient of the Board Chair Medal will be announced with the three inspirational stories from the awards being the finalists:  

I want to send a huge congratulations and thank you to all the nominees and those who received an INSPIRE Award.  For anyone who missed the livestream, I encourage you to take the time to watch the awards. A list of recipients can be found on the INSPIRE Awards website, and everyone can expect to see more of our inspiring colleagues over the coming months as we continue to celebrate their achievements. 

Finally, thank you to the team behind the INSPIRE Awards for your hard work and dedication to bring this fabulous event to life.   

Victorian Public Healthcare Awards 

I would also like to extend my congratulations to Charry Owens, Annie Sowter and Tracey Robinson who run the Babaneek Booboop Program at Melton. The program received the Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Award at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards last night.  

The Perioperative and Critical Care Division, Alaina Zor, Fred Huynh, Meron Pitcher, Richard Grygiel and Rick Horton, were also acknowledged, with a nomination for the Excellence in Values-Based Healthcare Award.  

The West Metro Health Service Partnership, of which Western Health is a key partner, was also nominated for the Health Service Partnership of the Year.   

I’m so proud that these excellent examples of the exceptional care and culture of innovation so evident at Western Health continue to be acknowledged and celebrated.