From a volunteer gardener helping residents create something beautiful in rural Western Australia, to a case manager helping vulnerable people feel safe again, to employees supporting older people to remain independent at home, this year's BaptistCare Excellence Award recipients remind us that changing lives often starts with a single act of compassion.
On Monday 17 August, BaptistCare recognised 29 exceptional employees and volunteers, along with one outstanding team, at the second BaptistCare Excellence Awards celebration dinner in Sydney.
The awards honour people who bring our I ACT values of Inclusion, Accountability, Compassion and Teamwork to life through their actions every day.
Award recipients from across Australia were joined by Board Directors and more than 70 national leaders to celebrate the people whose dedication, kindness and service make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The people behind the care
This year's recipients represented the breadth of BaptistCare's national community, spanning residential aged care, home care, retirement living, community services, disability services, housing, chaplaincy and corporate support functions.
Their roles are diverse, but their nominations shared a common thread. They saw a need, knew they could help and chose to act.
Whether supporting customers through difficult times, strengthening communities, improving services or helping colleagues succeed, each recipient made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Compassion that moves people to action
Addressing recipients, Chief Executive Officer Charles Moore reflected on the story of the Good Samaritan and the power of compassion to move people beyond good intentions.
"You see a person who's experiencing challenges. You know you can help. So you do. You step up. You step in."
Charles thanked recipients for the difference they make each day, helping people live with safety, purpose and dignity.
"The Board, the National Leadership Group and I cannot thank you enough for all you do."
The stories we'll remember
Among the stories shared on the night were reflections from employees whose work often happens behind the scenes, but whose impact reaches across the organisation.
Tara Robinson, who celebrates five years with BaptistCare this week, spoke about the pride she feels in the People & Culture team she has built and their commitment to keeping customers at the centre of every decision.
"One of the things we regularly stop and ask ourselves is: how will this impact our customers? We want to make sure the way we support our people ultimately helps us provide the best possible experience for the people we serve."
Michelle Duncan, who joined BaptistCare through the Keyton retirement villages acquisition in WA, reflected on the opportunities that come from listening to residents and responding to what matters most to them.
"One of the things I love most is finding different and interesting ways to celebrate our residents. We've introduced new milestone birthday medallions and improved them based on resident feedback. Seeing how much those moments mean to people is incredibly rewarding."
She also reflected on her experience joining BaptistCare.
"I didn't know what working for a not-for-profit would be like, and it’s been refreshingly nice. It's not always easy, but there has been amazing support from the project team, and I'm excited about what's ahead."
One of the most powerful aspects of the evening was the reminder that extraordinary care often happens in ordinary moments, through people choosing to notice, listen, support and act.
Congratulations to our 2026 Excellence Award recipients
As recipients gathered together at the close of the evening, the message was clear: whether supporting a resident, client, tenant, volunteer, family member or colleague, every act of compassion has the power to change a life.
And across BaptistCare, there are remarkable people doing exactly that every day.
