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.
Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Physical Claim
George Lim : RehabCo
George has worked in our industry as a rehab counsellor for several years, they continue to uphold the highest standards in respect to providing new-employer RTW consulting services in a client centric model. George has an outstanding new-employer RTW outcome ratio well above industry expectations which exemplifies the positive impact they have on clients they work with. The nominee is passionate about helping all types of people find and sustain work. He provides his clients with vocational counselling beyond scheme requirements in parallel to active job seeking activities via cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing methods that instils a motivation within their clients to accept change and collaboratively participate in job seeking activities that the nominee maps out for the clients.
Gwen Zaragoza : KINNECT
Gwen's engagement and services on a claim promoted recovery at work and the re-engagement back into a work routine through an early workplace assessment and review of work duties, coupled with the identification of suitable treating doctor + treating health practitioner to support the return. Ongoing communication with worker/employer/treating health practitioner, follow up worksite visits and in person attendance at all medical case conferences with the worker ensured information was clear and all parties were up to speed with details, recommendations and potential barriers as they arose. Gwen's time spent getting to know the worker in relation to their work setting but equally holistically, as a person was a testament to outcome achieved. Gwen drew from all biopsychosocial components of the worker's situation to collaborate on an effective maintenance of work duties and using work as a therapeutic tool, whilst addressing the underlying treatment issues concurrently.
Natalie Mumford : Interact Injury Management
Natalie is an Occupational Therapist who continues to deliver exceptional outcomes to her injured workers, their employers, and the broader vocational rehabilitation sector. A positive focus on timely and sustainable return to work is central to her case management, leveraging on her client’s function in daily tasks to help ensure this is reflected in actual capacity within their certificates of capacity. Natalie has demonstrated an innate skill to build great rapport and working relationships with her workers which inherently fosters trust that the return to work focus is within their best interests. She frequently communicates with the treatment team to ensure that recommended capacity and duties align with the objective feedback available. This further instils a sense of collaboration and consensus regarding treatment, recovery, and recovery at work.
Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Award – Psychological Claim
Chris Wilson : Prudence Rehab
Chris has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, empathy and skill in managing a complex psychological claim. From the outset, Chris applied the principles of HBGW by supporting the Worker’s recovery through tailored, meaningful return-to-work planning which prioritised the Worker’s psychological safety and ensured an overall sustainable outcome for the Worker.
When initially referred, the Worker presented with nil capacity, requiring inpatient stay, and requested that all communication be mediated through their mother. Through persistence, sensitivity and gentle rapport building, Chris successfully engaged the worker, was able to remove communication channels through the worker’s mother and facilitate active participation in the recovery process from the worker.
Louise Carter : Prestige Health Services Australia
Louise's ability to deliver outcomes across the most complex psychological claims brings constant gratitude from individuals she supports as outlined above. Through exceptional vocational counselling skills, Louise supports with integrity and empathy. empowering individuals to take control of future pathways after experiencing long-term disengagement with complex psychological injuries. Her work exemplifies the health benefits of good work, actively positioning work as key to wellbeing and rehabilitation. Vocational planning with Louise is anything but ordinary. You won’t find generic or uninspired job options—there’s no mention of toll collectors here. Instead, Louise's recommendations read like a tailored, opportunity-rich roadmap. Each vocational direction the result of meticulous research, and deep industry knowledge.
Pauline Legaspi : Rehab Management
Pauline managed 17 interrelated claims stemming from a critical workplace incident, many involving psychological injuries. Her person-centred approach ensured each individual felt heard, respected, and supported. She implemented tailored return-to-work (RTW) strategies grounded in HBGW principles—such as graded re-entry, modified duties, and flexible scheduling—reducing stressors and promoting sustainable recovery. Pauline also built strong partnerships with employers and treating professionals, advocating for inclusive practices and reducing stigma around mental health. Her regular onsite presence, face-to-face engagement, and transparent communication helped rebuild trust and resilience across the affected workforce. For those unable to return to pre-injury roles, she proactively initiated vocational counselling and job-seeking support, helping clients find new, meaningful employment aligned with their goals and capacity. Her work powerfully demonstrates the HBGW philosophy in action. Through leadership, empathy, and a results-driven approach, she has made a lasting impact on individuals, workplaces, and the broader rehabilitation sector.