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2024 Achievement Award Winners

Winners of the 2024 Institute of Public Administration Australia WA (IPAA WA) Achievement Awards were announced at an Awards luncheon held on Thursday 12th December 2024 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Achievement Awards offer 21 categories of awards, eleven open to individuals and ten for organisations.

Start preparing your 2025 Achievement Awards nomination today – Browse Award Categories and criteria here

IPAA WA Patron’s Award

The highest accolade in public administration in WA awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the State.

Winner: Gail McGowan PSM FIPAA

Gail was the inaugural Director General of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and had a distinguished career as
a government leader and policy advisor at both State and National levels over three decades. Following her ‘retirement’ in 2021 she became Chair of the WA Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and a Director of the Mid West Ports Authority. In 2023 she was appointed as the first female Chancellor of Murdoch University. Gail is also a Director of Foundation Housing, the Western Australian Cricket Association and a member of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council.

Gail was awarded a Public Service Medal in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday honours for her outstanding public service to Western Australia. She also received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Murdoch University in 2019 to recognise her career achievements and demonstrated leadership qualities. In 2021 Gail was acknowledged as Leader of the Year in State or Federal Government at the Institute of Public Administration (WA) Awards.

Murdoch University Leader of the Year Working in State or Federal Government

Winner: Lisa Rodgers PSM
Department of Education WA

A responsive, passionate, and innovative leader, Lisa Rodgers’ dedication to improving the educational outcomes of Western Australian children is at the forefront of her leadership and service to public education as Director-General of the Department of Education (Department).

Lisa has proven she is a dynamic, results-driven, leader, with the ability to lead collectively. She is a powerful voice and advocate of reform and reconciliation and is highly committed to student outcomes, connected communities and effective leadership in schools. Under her direction, the Department has implemented significant policy reforms to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning environments.

Leader of the Year Working within a Division, Team or Organisation

Winner: Michael Andrews
Department of Treasury

Michael is widely recognized and respected as a coach who dedicates time to developing future leaders, as a pacesetter – who sets and demonstrates a standard of high performance and quality in the Department’s work, and as a consensus builder, who supports teamwork and breaking down silos.

Michael actively embodies Treasury’s core values of being committed, working collaboratively, focusing on solutions, and making a difference. Through his leadership, Michael also embodies his own personal values in treating all people with respect, supporting team members to their highest potential, and valuing diversity.

Special Commendation:

Les Marchant – Main Roads

Leader of the Year in the Not for Profit Sector

Winner: Lesley Nelson
South West Aboriginal Medical Service

Lesley Nelson, a proud Noongar woman from the Balladong and Whadjuk clans, serves as the CEO of the South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS). With over 25 years of executive leadership experience in the Aboriginal health sector, she has been instrumental in expanding accessible primary health services across Western Australia’s South West region.

Lesley’s innovative approach, backed by postgraduate qualifications
in Business and Epidemiology and a MBA, drives her mission to embed Indigenous cultural and knowledge systems into digital health care transformation. Her leadership has significantly improved health outcomes for Aboriginal communities, making her a respected figure in the field.

Leader of the Year in Local Government

Winner: Andrew Sharpe
City of Albany

Andrew Sharpe, CEO of the City of Albany, exemplifies outstanding leadership through his focus on collaboration, strategic planning, accountability, and community pride. He fosters a united team, integrates diverse perspectives, and builds strong partnerships, driving the City’s vision for sustainable growth.

His commitment to transparent decision-making and continuous improvement ensures high-quality services and public trust. By recognising contributions and celebrating successes, Andrew instils pride in both employees and the community. His leadership philosophy aligns with the City’s core values, ensuring Albany residents enjoy equal opportunities, making him an exemplary nominee for Leader of the Year in Local Government.

Public Sector Commission Award for Young Achiever of the Year

Winner: Nikita Prescott
Department of Finance

Ms Nikita Prescott has worked in the public sector in multiple roles since age 16 and has been identified for her outstanding contribution to the WA public sector and exceptional personal leadership.

Despite her young age, Ms Prescott has worked in high-pressure roles, working with senior officers on complex and sensitive matters. She is a natural collaborator that can be highly relied on due to her calm demeanour, work ethic, extensive corporate and sector knowledge and ability to bring people together.

Human Resource Management Practitioner of the Year

Winner: Blake Cooper
The Western Australian Museum

Blake Cooper has 14 years of HR experience in the WA Public Sector, having worked in agencies such as the Office of the Auditor General and Department of Premier and Cabinet. Most recently, Blake serves as Manager Human Resources at the WA Museum, providing high-level advice and contributing to the workforce plan for the new WA Museum. Blake leads a multidisciplinary team covering all aspects of Human Resource Management.

Policy Practitioner of the Year

Winner: Kevin Gillingham
WorkCover WA

Mr Kevin Gillingham, Manager Policy and Legislation, WorkCover WA, is an experienced policy practitioner with a strong record as a high performer. He has focused on strengthening the workers compensation scheme to achieve positive results for Western Australia.

Mr Gillingham has led and delivered on the government’s major reform agenda, modernising workers compensation and injury management in this state. He adopted a broad, long-term perspective for implementing change, and formulated strategies for what could be achieved.

Mr Gillingham has excelled at reading social, political, economic and technological contexts to position the government’s reform agenda for success and long-term sustainability.

Department of Finance Award for Finance Practitioner of the Year

Winner: Lyn Cassettai
Rottnest Island Authority 

Due to the complexities of Rottnest Island, the Rottnest Island Authority’s (RIA) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) faces unique challenges and is required to have the business expertise and capability to proactively find solutions to ensure financial sustainability.

As CFO, Lyn Cassettai effectively implemented and refined an Activity Base Costing (ABC) model which covers a number of identified activities undertaken by the RIA across a broad range of functions and regimes. The ABC model has been invaluable in the setting of fees and charges and discussions with Treasury in relation to capital funding requirements.

Australian Evaluation Society Award for Best Practice in Public Sector Evaluation

Winner: Nature Play in the Park Evaluation Project
Nature Play WA

The Nature Play in the Park Evaluation process was designed in consultation with experts in child development and research and evaluation. It uses a mixed methods approach to assess the multi-layered outcomes for the stakeholders in the program – children, parents and guardians, and funders.

Evaluative thinking was embedded in the project from its inception and evaluation reports for each program include data across child development, health, well-being, community participation and much more. With each program, the data set increases, providing an opportunity to evaluate across and between communities.

Office of Digital Government Award for Best Practice in Digital Transformation

Winner: The Medical Imaging Replacement Program (MIRP)
Health Support Service (HSS) 

The Medical Imaging Replacement Program (MIRP), a major ICT initiative led by Health Support Services (HSS), has introduced a new and contemporary Enterprise Medical Imaging Platform (EMIP) at all major metropolitan WA health system hospital sites.

Replacing existing systems across nine major hospitals has seen major improvements in efficiency, accuracy, patient safety, usability, cyber security and more. Involving stakeholders across the WA health system, this massive program and new solution was implemented with no major issues and has resulted in a quicker and better health journey for both clinicians and patients.

Special Commendation:

WA Digital Inclusion Project – WACOSS

Business News Award for Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector

Winner: Financial Wellbeing Collective
Financial Wellbeing Collective 

Last year the Financial Counselling Network (FWC) rebranded to the Financial Wellbeing Collective. The Collective’s experience in financial crisis services has established that to achieve financial wellbeing we must adopt a strengths-based approach to help the community better prepare for financial shock of unexpected life events.

The FWC offers a broad range of services for clients seeking to improve their financial wellbeing from crisis services to workshops and financial coaching. We know that hardship happens and improving financial resilience has become a key focus of the FWC’s work.

Moore Australia (WA) Award for Best Practice in Collaboration Between Government and any other Organisation

Category 2 Gold Award Winner
WA Rent Relief Program
Anglicare WA; St Vincent de Paul Society (WA) Inc; Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation & Safety 

Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA have partnered with the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) and other community organisations to  advocate for, design and deliver the WA Rent Relief Program (WARRP). The Program is a 19-month fixed term response to WA’s intensifying housing crisis, co-led by Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA, with community services providers RUAH and Centrecare making up the WARRP Team.

The Program aims to keep Western Australian private tenants in their homes and support them to achieve long-term financial stability, through provision of brokerage, Financial Counselling and Housing Case Management.

Category 2 Silver Award Winner
The Year 9 Career Taster Program
Department of Training and Workforce Development; WA TAFE colleges; Department of Education; Catholic Education WA; Association of Independent Schools WA; Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen; School of Isolated and Distance Education 

The Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) leads the program in collaboration with TAFE colleges, the Department of Education, Catholic Education, the Association of Independent Schools, industry, and community organisations.

The Department collaborates with employers and industry associations to align school learning with workplace exploration, facilitating industry-led taster experiences.

Category 1 Gold Award Winner
Horrocks Ground Water Treatment Plant Continuous Electrochlorination Capital Upgrade Project
Water Corporation 

The Continuous Electro Chlorination (CEC) R&D and Horrocks Capital Upgrade Project is the first of its kind in the world, and a game changer for the water industry where
oxidation and disinfection treatment technology is applied. The outcomes generated will shape future water treatment designs across the water industry on a national and potentially global scale.

Category 1 Silver Award Winner
Subi East Noongar Six Seasons Bidi Aboriginal Artist Mentoring Program
DevelopmentWA; Karrda; Apparatus 

An unprecedented public artwork program, designed to hone the talents and mentor the professional development of six emerging Noongar artists, has seen the creation of a truly stunning Six Seasons Bidi, showcased throughout the Subi East Redevelopment project and offering an immersive experience into Noongar culture, heritage and people that embed the principles of ‘Connection to Country’.

As a result of the collaboration between project partners DevelopmentWA, Karrda and Apparatus, with codesign by Whadjuk Noongar people and the artists, the Bidi artworks not only enhance the cultural richness of the area, they are opening new opportunities for these emerging artists.

Award for Best Practice in Collaboration Across Government Agencies (Gold, Silver and Bronze Winners)

Category 1 Gold Award Winner
Abortion Reform Project
Legal and Legislative Services [Dept. of Health]; Medical and Regulatory Support [Dept. of Health]; Legislative Services [Dept. of Justice]; Parliamentary Counsel’s Office; North Metropolitan Health Service

Successful development and implementation of the Abortion Legislation Reform Act 2023 represents a significant achievement for WA. This ambitious project, led by two teams within the Department of Health, succeeded through extensive collaboration across multiple agencies, including the Department of Justice, Parliamentary Counsel’s Office and North Metropolitan Health Service.

Implementation included the production of a suite of information materials for patients and health practitioners, creation of a new electronic portal and legal directions to support data collection. The formation of a collaborative implementation working group ensured the WA Health system was ready to be compliant with the new legislation.

Category 1 Silver Award Winner
Health Justice Partnership
Legal Aid WA 

Legal Aid WA has partnered with the East Metropolitan Health Service, North Metropolitan Health Service, South Metropolitan Health Service and Child and Adolescent Health Service to deliver legal services to vulnerable patients within public hospital premises.

This remarkable collaboration has resulted in lawyers being based in Royal Perth Hospital, Bentley Health Service, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth Children’s Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital and Armadale Hospital. Over 500 legal services have been provided to patients since appointments started in August 2023. This service is an outstanding example of how collaboration between government departments can result in fantastic outcomes for the public.

Category 2 Winner
Kimberley Floods State Recovery and Resilience Plan 2023 – 2024
Department of Fire and Emergency Services; Department of Communities; Department of Finance; Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries  

The January 2023 flooding in the Kimberley region caused widespread impacts across the Fitzroy River catchment inundating 11 remote communities and impacting business and service delivery. The collaborative efforts of three tiers of government, working alongside community members and Traditional Owners, have achieved real and measurable recovery progress under the Kimberley Floods State Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Outcomes focused on rebuilding a resilient community by supporting social and emotional wellbeing, maximising Aboriginal employment and local economic opportunities, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and restoring important cultural and natural environments.

Special Commendations (2):

Project Symphony – Western Power; Synergy; Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO); Energy Policy WA

PeopleWA – Department of the Premier and Cabinet; Department of Health; Department of Treasury; Department of Justice (including the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages); Department of Education; Department of Communities; Western Australia Police Force 

Best Practice in Corporate Social Values

Winner: Carer-friendly workplace accreditation
Department of Communities

In September 2023, the Department of Communities became the first State Government agency in Western Australia to be accredited as a Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers and Employers Program, run by Carers New South Wales.

The program defines best practice standards for supporting staff with caring responsibilities. Caring will affect every employee at some stage in their career. Identifying, recognising, supporting and promoting carer colleagues is critical to the future of carers, their families and community wellbeing.

Communities has demonstrated its commitment to supporting carers through its accreditation as Carer Friendly Employer.

Department of Health Award for Best Practice in Health and Wellbeing

Gold Winner
The NMHS JMO Manifesto
North Metropolitan Health Service

The JMO Manifesto showcases how strong leadership, engagement, and investment in staff wellbeing with simple but innovative ideas – can substantially and sustainably improve junior doctor wellbeing and workforce recruitment and retention.

From a 92 FTE vacancy rate to being fully recruited and the absolute employer of choice in WA, our JMO Manifesto experience demonstrates how small investments targeting common workplace issues, such as access to leave and overtime remuneration, bullying, and workplace flexibility and support, can yield substantial improvements in cultural, economic, and service delivery outcomes for health care organisations.

Silver Winner
Smoke Free Town Centres Project
City of Vincent

The City of Vincent is the first Western Australian Local Government to implement smoke and vape-free environments within its Town Centres, showing Public Health leadership and best practice in health and wellbeing.

The project is part of the City’s Public Health Plan 2020 – 2025 and aims to reduce environmental smoke from cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vapes) in our Town Centres.

After 12 months, we have engaged with 3360 people and have an 88 per cent support rate from community and businesses. We have achieved a 42 per cent reduction in people smoking cigarettes in our Town Centres.

Lotterywest Award for Best Practice in LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

Winner: Ruah’s LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program 
Ruah Community Services

Ruah celebrates, values, and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, and abilities because it genuinely believes that we are better off, as a community and as a society when we are all connected.

Ruah in the last year has made bold strides in embedding its LGBTIQA+ inclusion program into its governance framework, its model of care, and its day-to-day business providing wrap around support to the vulnerable people it provides services to.

Following a successful Rainbow Tick reaccreditation in 2023, Ruah now supports other organisations in the Rainbow Tick accreditation process and sharing LGBTIQA+ inclusive practices.

Commissioner for Children and Young People Award for Best Practice in Children’s Consultation

Gold Winner
Youth Action Plan consultations
Department of Communities

The Youth Action Plan champions universal youth services and initiatives. It is based on consultation with more than 2,000 young people across the state. The Department of Communities provided a variety of ways to participate, capturing the diverse views of young people and making engagement accessible.

Consultations were held across metropolitan and regional WA, with multiple workshop formats at each location, including school-based workshops, informal consultations at popular youth ‘hang-out’ spots, and forums for young people and other stakeholders. Participants could also complete an online survey, make a submission (for example song or video) or comment on social media posts.

Silver Winner
Youth Advisory Group
City of Mandurah

In 2020, the City of Mandurah established a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) to give Mandurah’s young people an even stronger voice on local projects and issues and an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. The group consists of 14 young people aged 15-24 who are appointed by Council.

Since its creation, City teams have been highly encouraged to consult the YAG for projects that impact the community or young people specifically. The YAG have been consulted on a wide range of City projects including:

  • Western Foreshore Leisure Precinct and Commercial Site
  • Falcon Skatepark
  • Environmental Strategy
  • Community Safety Strategy
  • Youth Strategy

Best Practice in Innovation

Category 1 Gold Award Winner
Crumb Rubber Recycling
Main Roads

Main Road’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and sustainability is demonstrated in our use of recycled materials such as crumbed rubber in road construction. Crumbed rubber is obtained from end-of-life tyres, typically recovered from cars and trucks and used mining conveyor belts.

The use of crumbed rubber is high on Main Roads’ sustainability priorities, as it provides excellent performance and durability, as well as reducing the amount of scrap rubber going to landfill with the added value in reducing the quantity of virgin bitumen, extending the life of virgin bitumen and crude oil stocks.

Category 1 Silver Award Winner
Oral Health Project – Palmerston Farm Therapeutic Community, Perth 2022 – date
Palmerston Association; St Patrick’s Community Support Centre; Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame; Dr Richard Slattery (BDSc)  

Palmerston Association are delighted to have developed an innovative partnership project which aims to remove barriers to oral health promotion and improve access
to dental treatment for residential clients from Palmerton Farm Therapeutic Community in Perth, all as part of their recovery journey from alcohol and other drug issues.

The pilot has addressed a service gap in WA and has been delivered in partnership with St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (St Pat’s) and retired General Dentist Dr Richard Slattery (BDSc UWA). The pilot has been evaluated by Professor Lisa Wood, Institute for Health Research at Notre Dame University.

Category 2 Winner
The Continuous Electro Chlorination (CEC) Project
Water Corporation

The Continuous Electro Chlorination (CEC) R&D and Horrocks Capital Upgrade Project is the first of its kind in the world, and a game changer for the water industry where oxidation and disinfection treatment technology is applied. The outcomes generated will shape future water treatment designs across the water industry on a national and potentially global scale.

Special Commendation:

Plan for Plastics – Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Department of Finance Award for Best Practice in Procurement

Winner: New Fitzroy River Bridge Project 
Main Roads and OMTID

The New Fitzroy River Bridge project successfully challenged established procurement and contractor management processes, building a culture of collaboration and innovation. This led to an expedited project delivery and the provision of life-changing opportunities for communities in the Fitzroy Valley.

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