HESTA has today launched a new Awards program to celebrate health and community services professionals working to protect the future of our society, economy and planet.
Nominations are being sought for the inaugural HESTA Impact Awards, which will recognise individuals, teams and organisations who are having a positive impact on the world by driving improved outcomes across areas such as equality, sustainability, health, diversity and inclusion.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said these professionals deserve to be recognised for their commitment to creating a better future.
“Building a better world doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the small but unrelenting steps taken by many dedicated individuals over time that will help close the gap on inequality, fight climate change and improve diversity and inclusion,” Ms Blakey said.
“Developing more sustainable business practices, taking steps to reduce inequality and disadvantage in our communities, and improving health outcomes for more Australians – these are just a few of the ways we know people are working together to protect the future of our society, our economy and our planet.
“We know health and community professionals care deeply about making the world a better place and it’s important we recognise and reward the life-changing work they are doing on behalf of us all.”
The $30,000 prize money will be split equally between the winners of the three categories – Team Innovation, Outstanding Organisation and Individual Distinction – and will be used to assist the winners to continue their work to create a better and more sustainable future.
Ms Blakey said the Awards criteria is modelled on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – adopted by more than 150 countries, including Australia – which tie together the Fund’s advocacy, responsible investment and thoughtful stewardship of its members’ savings to help create a more sustainable world.
“HESTA is committed to making the world a better place for our members to live, work and retire into,” Ms Blakey said.
“For example, HESTA was the first major Australian superannuation fund to commit to reducing the absolute carbon emissions across its entire investment portfolio by 33% by 2030, and to be ‘net zero’ by 2050, as part of our Climate Change Transition Plan.
“We are honoured to be able to help recognise those working in health and community services and celebrate their achievements, great and small, through the HESTA Impact Awards.”
Winners will be announced at the Awards dinner in Sydney on Wednesday 24 February 2021, subject to COVID-19 safety restrictions.
