2026 ARPA ACT Award Ceremony Program


Program of Events

Event Opening by ARPA ACT President - Alasdair Grant

Entree

Outstanding Achievement in Return to Work Awards

Outstanding Consultant Awards 

Mains

Innovation in Return to Work

Best New Starter 

Outstanding Student

Exceptional Leadership Award

Exceptional Case Management Professional

Length of Service

Dessert

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The 2026 ARPA ACT Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards would not be possible without the valued and generous contributions of our sponsors.

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.

Sponsored By: Worksafe ACT


Anthony Armati

Prudence Rehabilitation

Against a resistant treating doctor, an avoidant worker, workplace conflict, and an insurer initially opposed to the recommended strategy, Anthony drove a complex spinal claim to successful new employment in the hospitality industry and full claim closure. His tenacity, clinical expertise, and worker-centred approach make them a worthy finalist. 

Carly Perry

Konekt

Carly transformed an extraordinarily complex journey into a remarkable outcome, overcoming overwhelming medical and functional adversity through unwavering advocacy, clinical brilliance, and deep compassion. Her steadfast belief in the Health Benefits of Good Work rebuilt hope, restored capability, and enabled a return once thought impossible—exemplifying truly outstanding rehabilitation excellence.  

Timothy Deeble

Beneco

Tim integrated advocacy for the rehabilitation process and his clinical expertise to navigate a complicated shoulder injury with a total of five hours of lost time for the entire claim. Comprehensive suitable duties planning enabled the worker’s return immediately post-surgery to support their recovery and the employer’s technical requirements.


Amber Jones

IPAR Rehabilitation


Amber achieved an exceptional outcome, overcoming complex PTSD-related barriers including severe trauma symptoms, avoidance, cognitive challenges, legal disruption, and workplace constraints. Through expert, evidence-based interventions and strategic collaboration, she enabled the client’s safe, sustainable return to work, exemplifying excellence and making them truly deserving of this award.

Emma Chambers

Health & Wellness Rehabilitation

Through exceptional trauma-informed leadership and unwavering support, Emma transformed a highly complex psychological injury case into a story of recovery, resilience, and sustainable employment. She demonstrates clinical excellence, genuine care, and a deep commitment to doing this work well and lifting standards across workplace rehabilitation.

Jung Chung

APM Workcare

Jung has been instrumental in strengthening service quality and growth across the ACT. Her empathy, collaboration, and client‑centred practice were central to empowering this case’s return to work. Her ability to integrate health, community, and vocational supports was critical in restoring the client’s independence and confidence.

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

Sponsored by: Rapport Psychology


Anthony Armati

Prudence Rehabilitation

Anthony transforms impossible cases into successful outcomes through extraordinary personal commitment, rapid skill adaptation, and genuine compassion that makes every worker (from international employees to complex psychological cases) feel valued. His 94-100% outcomes and 97.5% QA scores prove excellence is systematic, not accidental. Antony embodies what workplace rehab should be.

Erin Carter

Procare Group

The manner in which this Erin navigates this industry is a sight to behold. She embodies the health benefits of good work, is able to find common ground and provide a service to workers, employers and all other stakeholders we should try to emulate.  


Tamsyn Preston

APM Workcare


Tamsyn is an exceptional consultant whose leadership, expertise, and consistent excellence set her apart. She is a mentor, peer, and trusted specialist, widely regarded as a market leader in promoting the HBGW. Her performance, professionalism, and client feedback make her an outstanding and unanimously supported nominee. 


Jessica Pascoe

Ascent Rehabilitation

An evolving clinician who combines strategic innovation with unwavering compassion, Jessica has built new employer pathways from the ground up, strengthened stakeholder relationships, and expanded organisational capability. Her initiative, empathy, and commitment to meaningful participation set a new benchmark for excellence in new employer rehabilitation services.


Nicole Heggie

IPAR Rehabilitation


Nicole excels as a rehabilitation consultant, guiding complex psychological cases, and supporting the veteran community to achieve their rehabilitation goals. Through expert practice, collaborative problem-solving, and a steadfast commitment to the Health Benefits of Good Work, she consistently delivers outstanding results for clients and referrers, exemplifying excellence in practice.


Steve Gorell

Procare Group


Steve deserves this award for transforming lives through meaningful employment. His dedication helps people regain confidence, stability, and purpose by finding them roles that unlock their potential. Through empathy, expertise, and tireless commitment, Steve creates lasting positive change for every person they support on their journey to recovery.  

Innovation in Return to Work Award

About the award: is given to an individual or a 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 has improved return to work outcomes or service provision.


Elev8 Consulting

Clear Path

Clear Path redefines workplace support for neurodivergent employees by shifting from reactive intervention to a proactive, structured and collaborative model. By improving communication, strengthening leadership capability and delivering measurable outcomes, it supports sustainable employment and sets a new benchmark for allied health service delivery.

Best New Starter Award

About the 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.

Sponsored by: Capital Clinic Physiotherapy 



Jessica Green

Rehab Management

Driven by resilience and purpose, Jessica exemplifies the Health Benefits of Good Work, turning complexity into outcomes. As a new starter, she revitalised a six‑year stagnant claim, achieving sustainable return to work within five months through person‑centred innovation, outstanding employer engagement, and industry‑leading results that redefine expectations for excellence.

Liam O'Keefe

Rehab Services by Altius

Liam is an exceptional new starter who has delivered outstanding case outcomes, rapidly expanded their clinical skills, and consistently championed the Health Benefits of Good Work. His professionalism and measurable impact, including 14 positive closures make him a standout emerging consultant and a truly deserving finalist of this award.

Samantha Sibanda

IPAR Rehabilitation

Samantha stands out for her consistent delivery of high‑quality service and strong empathetic communication with all stakeholders. Samantha manages complex situations with clarity and professionalism, maintains trust in challenging circumstances, and shows ongoing commitment to development which are qualities that make her a highly deserving finalist.

Outstanding Student Award

About the award: Nominations for the Outstanding Student Award included:

  • 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.

Sponsored by: ACT Pain Centre


Cara Martin

Procare Group

Cara stands out for delivering performance far beyond student expectations, combining exceptional clinical insight, evidence-based practice, and genuine compassion to achieve outstanding outcomes. Her professionalism, maturity, and unwavering commitment to client wellbeing set a new benchmark for emerging consultants, embodying the very essence of the Outstanding Student Award

Coco Chang

APM Workcare

Coco demonstrated exceptional readiness for professional practice, independently delivering workplace assessments, collaborating with treating practitioners, and promoting sustainable RTW outcomes. Her ability to translate clinical knowledge into practical solutions that improve worker participation and wellbeing sets her apart as an outstanding emerging practitioner

Olivia Kirkcaldie

Rehabilitation Services by Altius

Olivia is an exceptional emerging Occupational Therapist whose professionalism, initiative, and clinical maturity far exceed her experience. She consistently produces new‑graduate‑level work, demonstrated outstanding reflective practice, and made meaningful contributions to client outcomes. Olivia stands out for her compassion, capability, and readiness to make an immediate impact

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.

Sponsored by: MVMT Rehabilitation


Andrew Robinson

ORS Group

Andrew consistently demonstrates strategic, people‑centred leadership whilst leading from the front at every opportunity. He has built team capability, developed trust and expanded referral pathways while driving data‑led, collaborative approaches with executive leaders that has maintained high‑quality client outcomes as the clear priority.

Ben Kendrick

APM Workcare

Ben exemplifies exceptional leadership, providing proactive mentorship, driving high‑quality service delivery, and offering unwavering support to his team. His commitment to professional growth and wellbeing has resulted in 100% team retention over 18 months. The leadership group unanimously endorses him as an outstanding candidate for this recognition.

Carly Perry

Konekt

Carly is a truly exceptional leader, innovative, compassionate, and deeply trusted. She elevates provider performance, builds consultant capability, and leads with evidence-based excellence. Her adaptable, people centred leadership brings out the best in every team member, driving excellence in a challenging rehabilitation landscape. 

Exceptional Case Management Professional Award

About the award: must be working as a Case Manager with an insurer or self-insurer in Tasmania and have demonstrated:

·  The outcomes achieved by the nominee
·  Evidence of employer/worker satisfaction
·  Their achievements/contributions to the business and/or to the wider industry.

Sponsored by: Guardian Exercise Rehabilitation



Caro Zubieta

Allianz

Caro is an exceptional claims manager who deeply understands the role of each person involved in the claim and supports them to achieve fantastic outcomes. But more than this she is a one in a million superwoman who actively promotes and develops the industry through her tireless volunteer work. 

Esteban Nielsen

GIO

Esteban's strategic claims management transformed a long-standing claim into a sustainable return-to-work outcome. By commissioning appropriate assessments, engaging the employer directly, and removing barriers to participation, he demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the Health Benefits of Good Work.

Dakshini Surendran

Allianz

Dakshini exemplifies excellence in case management through her unwavering dedication, empathy, and professionalism. Her ability to deliver outstanding outcomes, foster trust, and inspire collaboration sets her apart. A true asset, her contributions have positively impacted clients, colleagues, and the wider industry, making her a deserving recipient of this award.   

Length of Service Awards

The Length of Service recognitions are presented to individuals nominated by their organisation who are currently working for an ARPA member and who have worked in the workplace rehabilitation provider industry for over 10 years (aggregate). 

10 Years

  • Carl Hynes
  • Natalie Wilson
  • Ryan Henman

15 Years

  • Alasdair Grant

20 Years

  • Minh Lam
  • Seema Arora

SPONSORS

 Gold Award Sponsor   

 Gold Award Sponsor   

Silver Award Partner

Silver Award Partner

 Award Partner