13 Nov, 2025
Last week we gathered at our Fresh Hope Communities Awards in downtown Sydney, celebrating the incredible individuals and teams that make us who we are.
Momentum had already been building towards the day with a series of ‘Pre-Award Parties’ rolled out across all our locations in the lead up to the ceremony.
From Albury to Coffs Harbour, Nowra to East Maitland and across Sydney, teams gathered to pause and reflect on the year that’s been, and to celebrate individual and team achievements, including milestone years of service and announce finalists in this year’s Awards categories.
Each year, the Awards gives staff the opportunity to nominate their peers across a range of categories including Living Our Values, Wellbeing Advocate of the Year, Hospitality Hero, Team Player, Emerging Leader, Exceptional Customer Service team, Resident’s Champion and more. This year there were a record number of 580 nominees!
The Ceremony brought together representatives from across all Fresh Hope Communities services and locations as well as the finalists in the Award categories.
In her address, Board Chair Raewyn Williams shared, “It’s not lost on me that we have gone through a period of challenge and change and in some ways, it has tested us all. But I am incredibly heartened by what I have witnessed in this room today and what I have observed over the course of this year; the courage, compassion, determination and fortitude of our staff at every location and in every team, to continue serving and delivering high quality care and generous hospitality to every individual in your care.”
Scott Griffiths who fulfilled the role of Acting CEO this year, thanked all the staff saying, “To every team member—whether you’re in residential care, retirement living, affordable housing, outdoor experiences or support services at Rhodes—thank you. You are the reason Fresh Hope Communities continues to be a place where people find belonging and home.”
This event could not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Icon Project Management, James Agency, Virtu, Gow Gates, Optimum Allied Health, Emarald Care, Pearman, Meyer Food and Co, EWH, Marchese Partners, Advance Nursing, Health Generation, True Blue Christeyns, Alpha Lifecare, BUNZL, Moroc Fresh, IP Glass, Uniformity, ACETEK, Diadem, Guardian and Programmed Property Service.
Tara Lamond from Pearman reflected, “It was great to meet some of the location managers and staff and learn more about Fresh Hope. I could feel the warmth, connection, and kindness across the organisation. The awards are such a great way of recognising the staff.”
We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of our Events team, Elena Shumkova, Jennifer Petralia and Jodie Bolstad and the People & Culture team and thank them, not just for hosting this wonderful event, but also all the work that went into our Pre-Awards Parties as well.
Congratulations to all our Award nominees, finalists and winners. Your dedication and outstanding contributions inspire us all.