The HESTA Excellence Awards honour leading teams and individuals from around Australia working in the Disability, Allied Health, Aged Care, and Community Services sectors.
A record 400 nominations from around the country were submitted, and finalists were chosen for their contribution to the community, exceptional leadership, commitment, and passion to contribute to community health and wellbeing.
We are delighted to share that Prue Walker, a Senior Social Worker at Monash Children’s Hospital has won the Allied Health – Individual Leadership Award!
Prue received her Award at an evening of celebrations held in Melbourne, on 29 August.
Read all about her impactful work below. You can also find out more about the eight 2024 HESTA Award winners here.
Prue Walker – Senior Social Worker, Monash Children’s Hospital
Winner: Individual Leadership, Allied Health Category
Prue Walker, a senior social worker at the Victorian Fetal Alcohol Service (VicFAS) at Monash Children’s Hospital, has significantly impacted the landscape of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Australia.
Through her Churchill Fellowship, she gained insights from international FASD clinics, leading her to advocate for changes in Australia. She supported the establishment of VicFAS, the only statewide FASD assessment service in Victoria, and developed resources for professionals.
Prue has conducted numerous workshops and contributed to key policy developments, including submissions to the Senate Inquiry into FASD.
Her dedication earned her the 2023 Monash Health Excellence in Allied Health Practice award. Prue’s work emphasises collaboration and perseverance, setting a benchmark for FASD awareness and support, and her initiatives have profoundly improved the lives of affected individuals and families.
Congratulations, Prue, and thank you for all you do for Monash Health.
