Northern Territory Recipient - 2009 Minister's Awards For Excellence

THE HON JUSTINE ELLIOT MP
Minister for Ageing

NORTHERN TERRITORY RECIPIENT - 2009 MINISTER'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN AGED CARE

Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot announced the recipients of the 2009 Minister's Awards for Excellence in Aged Care including Ms Edna Snape who works at Anmatjere Flexible Aged Care Service in Ti Tree, 200 kilometres from Alice Springs.

The awards recognise best practice and innovation in residential and community aged care.

Minister Elliot said: "We have first class aged care facilities in Australia. The innovation and dedication of aged care providers and their employees to continually seek new and creative ways to provide even better care is commended.
"The Minister's Awards for Excellence recognise aged care staff and providers who provide exemplarily care to older Australians.

"Nurses, personal carers and allied health workers are the backbone of Australia's aged and community care system. It is important that their efforts are recognised and applauded," Minister Elliot said.

Ms Snape received the individual award for `Achievement in Service Provision in a Regional, Rural or Remote Area'.

This award recognises Ms Snape's contribution for her leadership and management skills, and her personal commitment to providing quality care.

Ms Snape is an Indigenous Australian who has made a remarkable contribution to the delivery of aged and community care services in remote regions by helping people recieve medical attention and assisting people with their shopping and banking.

Anmatjere Flexible Aged Care Service provides carer respite, meals on wheels and support services to communities in the Anmatjere region.

The 2009 Minister's Awards for Excellence recognised excellence in the categories of:
* Innovation in Staff Recruitment and Retention;
* Excellence in Training and Staff Development;
* Innovation in Information Technology;
* Leadership and Achievement; and
* Achievement in Service Provision in a Regional, Rural or Remote Area.

"The nominees and recipients in these highly competitive awards display a passion and commitment to care," Minister Elliot said.

The 2009 awards were open to a wider range of individuals and organisations than in previous years, including Australian Government subsidised nursing homes and hostels, Community Aged Care package providers, Extended Aged Care at Home providers, Home and Community Care aged care providers and National Respite Care Program providers.

The nominees were judged by an independent panel representing the skills industry and aged care sector.

Media contact:
Kathryn Conroy
0448 249 447

SOURCE: Justine Elliot - Minister for Ageing