2020 and 2021 Health and Safety Rep of the Year and Hannah Sellers Job Rep of the Year winners.
Seven outstanding ANMF members joined the ranks of previous award-winning Job Reps and Health and Safety Reps at the 2021 Annual Delegates Conference on Friday 25 June.
The Health and Safety Rep of the Year and Hannah Sellers Job Rep of the Year awards are awarded to Job Reps and HSRs who go above and beyond in advocating for rights at work or making workplaces safer. Members are nominated by their peers.
Three of the winners were nominated in 2020, however due to the cancellation of the 2020 conference, their awards were postponed.
2020 awards
Health and Safety Rep of the Year
Yvonne Austin from Northern Health was awarded for her tenacity and advocacy after her employer upgraded the emergency department trolleys without consultation. These new trolleys were unable to be adjusted to a safe working level, which resulted in some of her colleagues experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Eventually WorkSafe determined that the trolleys were a risk, and issued an improvement notice, requiring the struts to be replaced that raise and lower the trolley, costing close to $80K.
Hannah Sellers Job Rep of the Year
Two outstanding Job Reps were joint winners for 2020.
Long-time Job Rep Mary Natoli from cohealth was recognised for her advocacy and dedication to the Branch throughout her 30+ year career. Passionate about social justice issues, Mary has moved many resolutions on mental health, refugees, and climate action at the Delegates Conference.
Naomi Takita from the Medically Supervised Injecting Room was recognised for her commitment to the safety and wellbeing of staff and clients – who are some of the most vulnerable with complex-needs – in one of the most scrutinised health services in the state. Under her guidance, staff have been able to overcome significant challenges as a diverse team in a service that is the first of its kind in Victoria.
2021 awards
Health and Safety Rep of the Year
Michelle Wagner from Cranbourne Integrated Care, Monash Health was awarded for tireless advocacy on behalf of her colleagues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when her employer, without consultation, scheduled the opening of a COVID-19 screening clinic with one day’s notice. The proposed clinic’s location was in the middle of the building where those with COVID-like symptoms were sharing the space with other patients and staff. She also ensured her employer provided staff with fit testing as part of its Respiratory Protection Program obligations.
Hannah Sellers Job Rep of the Year
Three outstanding Job Reps were joint winners for 2021.
Ann-Marie Thompson from Mercy Hospital for Women was awarded ensuring the voices of midwives and nurses are heard. Thanks to her leadership, she inspired and organised her midwifery colleagues, resulting in more than 50 reps.
Caroline Kennedy was awarded for her unwavering commitment as ANMF Job Rep at University Hospital Bellarine Centre. During a complicated dispute at her workplace regarding rostering, Caroline went above and beyond to represent the interests of members during the several months it took to resolve.
Kellie Carracher from St John of God Geelong was acknowledged for going above and beyond in her duties to advocate on behalf of her colleagues. Since the pandemic began, she’s ensured her ward had access to PPE and always ensured her colleagues were reading the ANMF newsflashes she placed on the ward.
