Queensland's top achievers honoured in the Return to work Awards

On the evening of 26 October, the state's highest performing employers and individuals were recognised at the annual Q-COMP Return to work Awards, a program rewarding acts of excellence, inspirational leadership and humbling personal journeys in the Queensland workers' compensation industry.

The nine winners from across the state were personally congratulated by the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for Industrial Relations during the awards ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Held following the annual Return to work Conference and Expo, the awards showcased outstanding achievements by industry professionals and businesses who have gone above and beyond in helping injured workers return to work.

The inspiring efforts of workers are recognised too, with their stories of bravery, fighting spirit and determination in returning to their jobs after a workplace injury.

The Return to work Awards Finalists' interview videos are now online! View the interviews now.

Elizabeth Woods, Chief Executive Officer for Q-COMP, says the winners across all categories are examples of the outstanding work the awards seek to recognise.

The Return to work Awards put forward the state's best in workplace rehabilitation and return to work practices, giving these deserving individuals and businesses the attention of the industry.

The high standard and number of award nominations received this year demonstrate the committed approach Queensland's employers and individuals take in supporting injured workers' through the workers' compensation process and back to a safe workplace.

The winners, who received up to $2,000 in prize money, were announced at the ceremony on 26 October as a highlight of Safe Work Australia Week (24 - 30 October 2010).

Injured Worker Achievement Award - New career
Winner: Michael Castillo, Mooloolaba

Injured Worker Achievement Award - Return to work
Winner: Michael Labuc, Brisbane

Injured Worker Achievement Award - Serious
Winner: Jamie Sunderland, Brisbane

Case Management Achievement Award
Winner: Stephen Wikman - WorkCover Queensland, Rockhampton

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Small/medium employer
Winner: Golden Cockerel Pty Ltd, Mt Cotton

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Large employer
Winner: Ramsay Health Care, Moffat Beach

Employer Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Return to Work - Self-insured employer
Winner: KMART Australia, Brisbane

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Award - Self-insured employer
Winner: Gianina Saba - Qantas Airways, Brisbane

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Awards - WorkCover Queensland insured employer
Winner: Mark Kilmore - DPSA Holdings Pty Ltd, North Rockhampton