2025 ARPA VIC Award Ceremony Program

Exceptional Leadership Award

About the award: For demonstrated leadership in the provision of workplace rehabilitation or return to work services. Nominees were measured on an assessment of their leadership impact on consultant outcomes and provider performance, and also how they incorporated the Health Benefits of Good Work.

Briony King : AMS Consulting
An exceptional leader whose dedication, mentorship, innovation and passion to help others has transformed her team. With strategic guidance, Briony has driven 3-star ratings, nurtured award-winning talent, and championed diversity. Her commitment to excellence and supporting injured workers and her team members makes her truly a truly deserving recipient

Simon Gao : IPAR Rehabilitation
Simon is a dedicated people and operational leader who leads with expertise, empathy, and unwavering resolve. He consistently drives outstanding outcomes for clients and his teams, whilst always working toward continuous improvement internally. Simon’s leadership has fostered a culture of care and performance, as a product of his lead-by-example approach.

Urmila Gokhale : APM Workcare
Urmila is a visionary leader whose strategic innovation, sector influence, and unwavering commitment to quality have transformed our NES performance. From turning around results to scaling success nationally, her impact on clients, consultants, and the broader system makes her an outstanding and deserving award recipient.

Outstanding Consultant Awards

About the award: Nominations in the Outstanding Consultant category included outcomes achieved by the consultant, evidence of employer and worker satisfaction, showing

• how the Health Benefits of Good Work were implemented and
• how the consultant’s achievements contributed to the business and the wider industry

Outstanding Consultant - Original Employer Services

Abid Mujala : AMS Consulting 
An absolute consummate professional that brings and implements exceptional skills to achieve astonishing, industry leading RTW outcomes on the most complex cases consistently over an extended period, taking the most difficult cases head on to help those needing it most. It is difficult to see a more deserving award recipient.

Callum Rowe : Work Able Consulting
An amazing set of achievements accomplished this year. He is committed to representing himself, and the industry at such an exemplary level which is demonstrated by the quality of his RTW results, passion for personal development all while promoting the important role that OR plays in an injured workers recovery.

Min-Ju Park : Recovre Group
Min-Ju's outstanding RTW rates, exceptional customer feedback, and commitment to professional growth make them a deserving candidate for this award. Min-Ju's contributions not only reflect their individual excellence but also their positive impact to the broader community, setting a benchmark for best practices in OHS and return-to-work services.

Molly McCombe : Recovre Group
Molly consistently demonstrates a high level of empathy, assertiveness, integrity, and respect in all professional endeavours. Coupled with their extensive clinical expertise and comprehensive understanding of the Victorian worker’s compensation legislation, they effectively facilitate the early, safe and sustainable return to work of Injured Worker’s.

Outstanding Consultant - New Employer Services

Amanda Little : Rehab Management
With an 84% new employer return-to-work rate, exceptional employer engagement across diverse industries, and a holistic, client-centred approach, she delivers life-changing outcomes. Her innovation, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the Health Benefits of Good Work set her apart as a true leader in New Employer Services.

Anita Crestani : Recovre Group
Anita exhibits a deep passion for their role, their team, and assisting others. Their commitment is reflected in the high-quality work they consistently produce. With over a decade of experience in the industry, they have maintained an optimistic and positive attitude throughout, with Injured Workers being the main beneficiary.

Chris Tosin : APM Workcare
With over nine years of experience, Chris has achieved industry-leading return-to-work outcomes, driven national quality initiatives, and inspired clients and colleagues alike. Their unwavering commitment to empowering injured workers and advancing best practice makes them a truly outstanding and deserving winner of this award.

Sabrina Mure : Rehab Management
Sabrina's expertise, adaptability, and commitment to excellence drive outstanding results. Her deep understanding of the industry, innovative solutions, effective communication, and strong relationship-building make her a trusted advisor. Her passion, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities consistently exceed expectations, making a lasting impact in their profession.

Best New Starter Awards

About this award: Nominations in this category included details of successful case management and professional development undertaken, as well as a statement of management support and how the nominee promoted the Health Benefits of Good Work

Best New Starter - Original Employer Services

Adeline Wan Tiing Han : Rehab Management
With unmatched dedication, clinical insight, and a 100% return-to-work success rate, Adeline transforms complex challenges into sustainable outcomes—empowering individuals and supporting employers through thoughtful, evidence-based rehabilitation. Her genuine approach allows her to complete meaningful conversations and influence change and improvement in the lives of her clients.

Joshua Hua : AMS Consulting
Joshua's exceptional ability to navigate complex claims, achieve superior return-to-work outcomes, and demonstrate outstanding professional development makes them a deserving nominee. Their commitment to best practices and consistent excellence in handling highly complex cases showcases their dedication and skill despite being new to OR, earning respect from stakeholders

Tanya Shah-Scott : KINNECT
Tanya is an absolute standout. In their short time, they’ve not just achieved a 100% success rate in OES outcomes but has done so with genuine care. The leaders at this organisation rave about the consultant’s clear communication and follow-through. Tanya is someone who really makes a difference.

Best New Starter - New Employer Services

Christina Tieppo : KINNECT
In under a year, this consultant has delivered life-changing outcomes through empathy, skill, and innovation. They led a job seekers group session, teaching 10 participants interview skills and calming techniques, creating a platform for connection, learning, and shared growth. They are a standout contributor to the team.

Lindo Matsebulo : AMS Consulting
Lacking prior industry experience, Lindo has made an exceptional impact, placing 12 injured workers into appropriate, meaningful employment while learning the role and managing a complex caseload. Complete dedication to helping clients and purposeful outcomes. An absolute standout, a truly deserving recipient of the Best New Starter Award.

Stef Trajcevska : Nabenet
Passionate, dedicated, diligent, caring, and supportive team player are all appropriate adjectives to describe Stef and exemplify the far-reaching impact they have had within a short period of time within the industry. Stef is a blessing to their team and incredibly useful to the workers they are assisting.

Timothy Miller : IPAR Rehabilitation
Since commencing in February 2024, Tim has consistently exceeded expectations – driven by curiosity, sharp critical thinking, and an empathetic, can-do approach. His dedication delivers outcomes 80-100% above scheme average with exceptional client satisfaction, earning him multiple direct referrals and a reputation for going above and beyond.

Innovation in Return to Work Award

About the award: Awarded to an individual or group that has developed an innovative approach to a challenge in the workplace rehabilitation industry. Details of the initiative and the stakeholders involved were considered, and nominees were assessed on how the innovation improved return to work outcome or service provision. 

Claudia Caccaviello & Caleb Mason : Connected Consultant Program IPAR Rehabilitation
Connected Consultant Program (CCP) facilitates equal access care for regional/remote clients through a unique, three-tiered service delivery model – specialised outreach, virtual and hybrid. Delivered by a specifically trained consultant, this approach bridges geographical barriers, enhances accessibility, and supports tailored interventions to significantly improve RTW outcomes for regional/remote clients.

Frank Imbesi : AMS Consulting Pty Ltd
The tool developed intentionally addresses the prediction of injured workers successfully sourcing and maintaining suitable new employment outside of their preinjury role or occupations based on biopsychosocial and demographic factors. A weighted algorithm refined over 8 years predicts success between 85-97% and no success of new employment of 99% accuracy

Thrive at Work : Nabenet
Nabenet's innovative initiatives in injury prevention and holistic workplace health strategies have significantly improved return-to-work outcomes and employee well-being for the client. Their collaborative approach and dedication to best practices make them a key driver of organisational success and a worthy winner of this award.

Outstanding Student Award

About the award:
* Examples of outstanding performance and achievements throughout their placement 
* A statement of management support demonstrating how the student implemented the Health Benefits of Good Work
* Details of how an understanding of evidence-based practice had been demonstrated as well as the successful achievement of measurable results

Kyle Reid : Recovery Partners
Kyle is built for the occupational rehabilitation field, what he achieved during his placement was outstanding. He was part of the team by the end of his 9 weeks and has since transitioned to obtain ongoing employment with our organisation and is thriving. In essence, this award belongs to him.

Millicent Valencia : KINNECT
Millicent was a standout, bringing empathy, structure, and evidence-based support to their placement. One worker is now returning to employment, thanks to their care. Their approach reflects the essence of this award: professional growth, meaningful impact, and a deep understanding of the health benefits of good work.

Nicole Servinis : APM Workcare
Nicole demonstrated exceptional professionalism, initiative and skill from the outset of their placement. The high-quality work, praised as comparable to that of a senior consultant, significantly supported the team. Their rapid transition to a full-time role reflects their outstanding capability and lasting impact within the occupational rehabilitation space.

ARPA VIC Presidents Award

About the award: The President's Award is solely determined by the ARPA VIC President - no nominations are accepted - and is presented to an individual who has demonstrated continuous contribution to the workplace rehabilitation industry over a five year or greater period.