What’s happening?
Ageing Australia has named the finalists for the 2025 You are ACE! Awards ahead of Aged Care Employee Day on Thursday 7 August. These awards celebrate excellence, innovation and heart in aged care, retirement living and seniors housing. More than 500 nominations were received from across the country, and 52 finalists have been recognised.
Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said, “We’ve had a tremendous number of people nominated this year, which speaks volumes about the dedication across our sector.”
He also said, “During a time of major reform, more people than ever are working incredibly hard to support older Australians, and the You are ACE! Awards are our chance to recognise, celebrate and thank those making a real difference every day.”
Why it matters?
These awards highlight the value of dedicated services and teams that make a difference in how older Australians live. For Townsville, it shows how local organisations are leading change even in remote regions.
Local Impact
Selectability, based in Townsville, has been named a finalist in the Rural and Remote category. The organisation stepped into aged care at a critical time, transforming services in Normanton, Mornington Island and Doomadgee and lifting occupancy rates close to full. On 2 July, Selectability also took over management of Aurukun aged care services, further expanding its reach into remote communities.
Selectability CEO Debra Burden said, “We’re very thrilled to be recognised in the Rural and Remote category. It’s been an exciting two years for us given we weren’t in aged care two years ago, and now to be supporting the First Nations communities in delivering aged care services in Aurukun is a privilege.”
By the numbers
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More than 500 nominations were received nationwide for the 2025 awards.
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52 finalists have been named across 15 individual, team and organisation categories.
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St Vincent’s Care’s Celebrating You project has drawn over 140,000 visits to its campaign website since its launch in 2023.
Zoom In
Selectability’s work in the Gulf region has improved access to aged care where it is needed most. Its leadership from its Townsville head office has supported staff and residents across multiple remote sites. This finalist placing shows that regional providers play a vital role in national reform.
Zoom Out
Across Australia, this year’s finalists include trailblazers, quiet heroes and changemakers in aged care. Townsville’s presence through Selectability highlights how regional hubs contribute to broader innovation and care.
What to look for next?
The winners of the 2025 You are ACE! Awards will be announced on Thursday 7 August as part of Aged Care Employee Day.
View the full list of the 2025 finalists at Ageing Australia’s website and watch Tom Symondson’s video message.
