The winners of the Southern Stars Awards 2025 announced

The winners of the 2025 Southern Stars Awards were announced at the annual Awards ceremony on 13 November.

The Awards recognise our staff and volunteers who go above and beyond to be the difference in the lives of members of our community, including many Length of Service award recipients and Southern Stars Awards winners across eight categories.

The 2025 Southern Stars Awards winners are:

• Service Star: Alan Hardy, Wellness & Lifestyle Assistant, Onkaparinga Lodge Residential Care and Isabel Lyon, Resident Liaison and Administration Coordinator, The Mornington Retirement Living

• Courage Star: Yanet Assefa, Personal Carer, John Paul II Village Residential Care

• Compassion Star: Christine Crispin, Enrolled Nurse, McCracken Views Residential Care

• Leadership Star: Julie Anderson, Residential Services Manager, Bucklands Residential Care

• Brendan Bowler Cup: Pearl Supported Care

• Healthy Ageing Star: Abbey Jones, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Pines Health & Fitness Centre

• Carol Day Award (for volunteers): Barbara Pedruco, Bellevue Court Residential Care

• Rising Star: Carol Mosman, Fundraising Coordinator, Peter Taylor House

Southern Cross Care CEO David Moran thanked all our staff and volunteers for being the difference in the lives of our residents and clients, especially throughout the changes of the current aged care reforms.

“This year we have had a big focus on preparing for the sector-wide aged care reforms by investing in our people, our processes and our systems," David said.

"Our achievements over the past year are a tribute to you, our staff and volunteers. Your daily demonstration of our Better for life vision and our SCC values of Service, Courage, and Compassion is the true engine of our organisation."

The Awards night was made even more special by guests Lauren Fotoulis - daughter of Carol Day - and Sue Bowler - wife of Brendan Bowler AM - presenting the awards named in honour of their late family members who made such great contributions to Southern Cross Care.

For a full list of this year's finalists, click here.