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Friday night at The Roxy in Ouyen saw a vibrant display of appreciation and recognition, the MTHCS Annual Staff Awards ceremony went off with a bang, celebrating the exceptional contributions of employees from all teams across the organisation. The event highlighted the invaluable impact these individuals have made on Mallee Track Health and Community Service, honouring their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

The event was attended by over 100 guests, including executives, staff, and board members, all gathered to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the nominees and their supporters filled the elegantly decorated hall. The evening began with a welcome speech from the MC, Tsharni Burns, who emphasized with humour the importance of recognizing and valuing the efforts of every team member.

“Our employees are the backbone of our success”, MTHCS Board Chair Mary Rydberg stated. “Tonight, we are here to celebrate our dedication to the community we serve, hard work, and innovation that drive our organisation forward. These awards are a testament to the outstanding talent we have within our team.”

Highlighting Exceptional Achievements

The awards ceremony featured several categories, including the Pamela Vallance Award, MTHCS Team Award, Recognition of Educational Achievement and Service Awards. Each category was introduced with a brief description of the criteria, followed by a showcase of the nominees' achievements. The selection process was rigorous, with nominations reviewed and voted on by staff to ensure a fair and unbiased decision.

The Pamela Vallance Award was the most anticipated of the evening, with nursing legend Denise Kay, taking home the prestigious title. Known for their exceptional dedication and midwifery skills, “DKay” has touched the lives of all who live in the region, consistently demonstrated a passion for their work that goes beyond the call of duty. In their acceptance speech, Denise thanked her colleagues for the Mallee community for their support and inspiration.

A Commitment to Innovation and Teamwork

The MTHCS Team Award went to the staff at Pattinson House, whose dedication to the residents and their families shows no bounds. Their skill in taking on new challenges and granting the final request of a resident to oversee their end-of-life journey at Pattinson House, their beloved home of many years, was the true measure of the team’s spirit, but also creative thinking and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Looking Ahead to the Future

The ceremony concluded with a closing address from CEO Dr Frances Peart, who highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of recognition and continuous improvement.

“The success of our organization is rooted in the passion and commitment of our people,” Peart remarked. “We are dedicated to providing an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.”

Time wore on it was time to hit the dancefloor and enjoy each other’s company. As the night ended, guests left with a renewed sense of pride and a deeper appreciation for their colleagues, looking forward to another year of shared success and community service.