Dynamic duo Judy Crichton and Jan Coleman, from Meercroft Care in Devonport, have been recognised
for their outstanding contribution to helping others, taking out this year’s Volunteer Contribution Award
at the 2012 Tasmanian Aged Care Awards.
Introduced by Aged and Community Services Tasmania (ACST) in 2009, the Tasmanian Aged Care Awards
aim to recognise and reward aged care providers, individuals and communities who go above and beyond
in their care for older Tasmanians.
ACST CEO Darren Mathewson said sisters Judy and Jan, known as ‘The Twins’ by residents and staff, were
‘two peas in a pod’, with over 30 years of volunteering between them.
“Jan and Judy spend endless hours preparing activities, dressing up in costume and organising themed
days and events, all in an effort to provide entertainment and laughter to residents and staff,”
Mr Mathewson said.
“They really are two very special people who show incredible dedication and compassion to those at
Meercroft and volunteer purely out of kindness.”
Mr Mathewson said other award recipients included Freemasons’ Homes of Southern Tasmania (Media,
Marketing and Engagement Award); Helen Rimmer from Queen Victoria Home (Aged Care Professional
Award); Smithton’s Emmerton Park (Aged Care Organisation Award); Friends of Corumbene (Can Do
Community Award) and Judy and Jan’s fellow Devonport-based winner Cara Shearer from Baptcare
Karingal Community (Education and Training Award).
“Cara is part of ACST’s Graduate Nurse Transition to Work program and is a great example of the
energetic and dedicated young people working in aged care,” Mr Mathewson said.
“With Tasmania’s population ageing so rapidly, we must encourage more young people to pursue aged
care as a genuine career pathway, and the Awards are a great way to let our workforce and volunteers
know that their selfless work and achievements do not go unnoticed.”
ACST would like to thank HESTA Super Fund, Millingtons Funeral Directors, Tasmanian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, Prime Times Tasmania, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre,
Australian Employment and Training Solutions and The Senior Tasmania for their support of this year’s
Tasmanian Aged Care Awards.
• Humble Helen takes top gong at Aged Care Awards
Helen Rimmer from the Queen Victoria Home in Lindisfarne has been recognised for her selfless and tireless
work in the aged care sector, taking home the Aged Care Professional Award at the 2012 Tasmanian Aged Care
Awards.
Introduced by Aged and Community Services Tasmania (ACST) in 2009, the Tasmanian Aged Care Awards aim to
recognise and reward Tasmanian aged care providers, individuals, and communities in caring for older
Tasmanians.
ACST CEO Darren Mathewson said Ms Rimmer had excelled in her role as Director of Care at the Queen Victoria
Home since her appointment in 2008.
“Helen is incredibly committed to achieving results for residents and staff at Queen Victoria Home, which is
evidenced by the success of the programs she has developed and implemented,” Mr Mathewson said.
“It is amazing how much Helen has achieved in her role, all whilst completing a Masters of Business
Administration, specialising in Health, through the University of Tasmania.
“This award really is a testament to Helen’s passion and selfless approach to her work.”
Mr Mathewson said other Tasmanian Aged Care Awards recipients included Emmerton Park (Aged Care
Organisation Award); Judy Crichton and Jan Coleman from Meercroft Care (Volunteer Contribution Award); Cara
Shearer from Baptcare Karingal Community (Education and Training Award); Friends of Corumbene (Can Do
Community Award) and Freemasons’ Homes of Southern Tasmania winning the Media, Marketing and
Engagement Award.
Mr Mathewson said the Awards highlighted the importance of recognising organisations and individuals who
devote their time to the care of older Tasmanians.
“We really do have the most generous, dedicated and talented professionals and volunteers within our sector,”
he said.
“It is critical that we continue to recognise the outstanding achievements, programs and initiatives within aged
care through the Aged Care Awards and other events throughout the year.
“2012 has been another challenging year for the sector, but I’m confident we are well-placed to tackle anything
that 2013 can throw at us.”
ACST would like to thank HESTA Super Fund, Millington’s Funeral Directors, Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, Prime Times Tasmania, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Australian Employment
and Training Solutions and The Senior Tasmania for their support of this year’s Tasmanian Aged Care Awards.
Aged and Community Services Tasmania
