Monday December 8, 2025
The Eastern Health Aspire to Inspire (A2i) Awards recognise those who go above and beyond in their day to day work, demonstrating Eastern Health’s values in action.
Congratulations to all 2025 A2i Award winners.
Bunjil’s Spirit Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
Josette O’Donnell, Clinical Risk Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Josette is recognised for her unwavering commitment to cultural responsiveness and inclusive care at Eastern Health.
Josette has raised awareness of First Nations health issues, strengthened respect for cultural protocols, and created welcoming environments for Aboriginal consumers and communities.
Consumer Participation
Lived Experience Consumer Team – Spectrum, Ruth Deane and Bronwen Coleman
The team is recognised for their exceptional contribution to consumer participation through a peer-to-peer support group for individuals with BPD and complex trauma.
Their innovative program provides connection, hope and practical support, embedding lived experience into care and exemplifying the values of the Consumer Participation Award.
Consumer Participation
Lived Experience Consumer Consultant Team – Mental Health, Zoe Lethbridge, William Lau, Ella Roberts and Nadia Rigoni
The Lived Experience Consumer Consultant team demonstrates a commitment to embedding consumer voices into everyday mental health care.
By gathering meaningful feedback beyond standard surveys, they have informed service improvements, strengthened peer workforce development, and elevated lived experience perspectives across the Mental Health program.
Consumer Representative Award
Dilnaz Billimoria, Consumer Representative
Dilnaz is a valued member of the consumer representative register, passionately advocating for culturally and linguistically diverse, multi-faith and seldom-heard voices.
Active across many community groups and networks, she consistently champions Eastern Health at every opportunity.
Diversity and Inclusion Champion
West Ward Wantirna Multidisciplinary Team
The team demonstrated exceptional commitment to inclusive care and workplace culture.
Supporting patients with disabilities alongside NDIS teams, they embed equity and respect into daily practice through collaboration.
Their tailored care planning for complex NDIS participants involving support teams, allied health and family, highlights a person-centred approach and drives cultural change to improve outcomes.
Eastern Health Foundation Award
Michael Maher, Consumer
Michael’s advocacy for the biplane angiography suite campaign involves sharing his stroke journey to inspire donors and strengthen community support.
As a connector between patients, partners, and the Foundation team, he ensures lived experience drives lasting impact through funding, rehabilitation, staff development, research, and courageous leadership that reflects Eastern Health values.
Excellent Care and Experiences
Clare Neale, Nurse Unit Manager, Maroondah IPU 1
Clare is recognised for her exceptional care and leadership, ensuring consumers and families feel safe, respected, and supported.
Her initiatives have improved family and carer experiences, reduced complaints, and strengthened collaboration across inpatient units.
Excellent Care and Experiences
Geriatrician in the ED Initiative (GEDI) Project, Jonathan Beavers and Katrina Sands
The GEDI project, led by Katrina Sands and Jonathan Beavers, has transformed elderly patient care in Eastern Health’s Emergency Departments through early geriatrician assessment.
The project success in reducing admissions, improving recovery and strengthening collaboration, exemplifies compassionate and effective care.
Learning and Improving Everyday
Microbiology and Molecular Teams
The Microbiology and Molecular teams are recognised for innovation in diagnostics, improving turnaround times and patient care.
The team increase capacity to process thousands of samples while upholding accuracy, collaboration and Eastern Health’s value of Learning and Improving Every Day.
Partnering in Care
Dr Peter Lee, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Dr Peter Lee is recognised for his dedicated service in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
His compassionate, evidence-based care and calm communication have brought trust and comfort during critical moments.
He empowers women while being a pillar of the Women and Children program.
Respect for All
Bessie Wong, Wantirna Health Pharmacy Manager & Senior Palliative Care Pharmacist
Bessie is recognised for her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, kindness, and dignity in every interaction. By fostering a culture of respect, empathy and belonging, she empowers collaboration and ensures everyone feels valued.
Loved and highly respected, Bessie exemplifies fairness and equity in action.
Resource Optimisation
ICT Application, Modern Workplace and Portfolio Team
The ICT Application, Modern Workplace and Portfolio Teams are recognised with the Resource Optimisation Award for delivering sustainable, efficient digital solutions.
By replacing outdated systems with innovative in-house Microsoft Power Apps and upskilling staff, they have ensured long-term sustainability while reducing reliance on third-party vendors.
Rising Leader
Sarah Lindsay-McFadyen, Acting Team Leader, Clinical Nurse Consultants, Supportive and Palliative Care Consultancy Service.
Sarah is recognised for her exceptional leadership, compassion and innovation as Acting Team Leader of the Supportive and Palliative Care Consultancy Team.
She has driven service improvements, enhanced patient care, and fostered a supportive team culture, balancing kindness and dedication with accountability and strategic vision.
Safe Always
Scott Miller, Allied Health Assistant
Scott proactively identifies risks and drives practical safety solutions.
He is a vital bridge between frontline teams and senior management, ensuring worker concerns are embedded into lasting improvements through collaboration, smarter systems, safer practices, and staff empowerment.
Volunteer Award
Jasmine Stander-Neef, Volunteer – Murnong Eastern Health Maroondah
Jasmine’s calm and kind presence enriches Eastern Health, fostering warm connections with families and children while creating a welcoming environment built on compassion and teamwork.
Her readiness to step in wherever needed, reflects exceptional commitment and collaborative spirit.