Public Guardian Excellence Awards

The Public Guardian Excellence Awards was launched in 2018 to acknowledge and celebrate the exemplary work being undertaken across the state on behalf of, and for Queenslander's experiencing vulnerability.

There were 5 categories in this years awards focusing on the community services sector, disability and mental health sector:

excellence in elevating the rights and/or aspirations of clients in disability funded services
excellence in the reduction and/or elimination of the use of Restrictive Practices by a Non-Government Organisation
excellence in approaches that promote the rights and/or aspirations of a person in an Authorised Mental Health Service
Public Guardian Special Award - Going above and beyond for client rights
excellence in elevating the rights and/or aspirations of a person with disability (DCDSS only)

Excellence in elevating the rights and/or aspirations of clients in disability funded services
Winners:
Kris Hood - Mercy Services Townsville (picture)
Jo Sampford - Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (picture)

Outstanding achievements:
Judith Bradford - Uniting Care Community
Deb Bartholomeusz, Joanne Crowther, Kane Williams - CASSI

Excellence in the reduction and/or elimination of the use of Restrictive Practices by a Non-Government Organisation
Winners:
North Queensland Support Workers - Endeavour Foundation
Leanne Lilley - Open Minds

Outstanding achievements:
Val Smith, Sunil Shrestha, Binay Shrestha - Ablecare
Damien Cameron - Uniting Care Community

Pam Evans - ITEC Health
Queenscliff Team - Endeavour Foundation

Excellence in approaches that promote the rights and/or aspirations of a person in an Authorised Mental Health Service
Winners:
Dr Geoff Leong - Metro North Mental Health
Teresa Walsh - Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service (picture)

Outstanding achievements:
Veronica Parsons - Child Youth Mental Health
Amanda Beckinsale - Townsville Community Care Unit

Courtney Whitehead - Queensland Forensic Mental Health Service

Public Guardian Special Award - Going above and beyond for client rights
Winner:
Anna-Marie Klein, Kate Sampson, Claire Kenny, Kyriaki Artis, Paula Duffy - Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service

Excellence in elevating the rights and/or aspirations of a person with disability (Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors)
Winners:

Jaclyn Bodt - Positive Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practices Team
Shay Hughes - Quality and Safeguards

Outstanding achievement:
Bill Tedford - Positive Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practices Team