Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) occupational therapist, Jess Moller, has won the Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health Award at the Victorian Rural Health Awards.
Selected from a competitive field of 18 nominees, Jess’s achievement highlights her positive impact on client care and community health initiatives.
Since joining GLCH in 2020, Jess has spearheaded improvements in client assessment and has supported the integration of essential assistive products into clients’ homes, including remote areas from Dargo to Gelantipy to Mallacoota.
Her proactive approach to working with other health services and My Aged Care has enhanced support for clients. At the same time, her mentorship of occupational therapy students and cadets has nurtured future leaders in the field.
Reflecting on the award win, Jess expressed gratitude for the recognition of her decade-long commitment to the rural health community.
“This award is a humbling acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team and is only possible with the support from our executive manager, Ainsleigh Whelan, who encourages us to innovate,” Jess said.
“I am privileged to contribute to delivering vital assistive technology and home modification supports that help people to live well at home in their communities.”
The Victorian Rural Health Awards, hosted by the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV), celebrate exemplary contributions from healthcare professionals across rural Victoria.
“It is staff like Jess who really embody the spirit of community health,” GLCH’s chief executive, Anne-Maree Kaser, said after the win was announced.
“Our staff bring so much passion and expertise to improving rural health and these awards are a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge their dedication.”
Dr Patrick Kinsella, a long-standing figure at GLCH’s Lakes Entrance clinic, was also recognised as a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP category. Dr Kinsella’s remarkable career spans four decades, marked by his unwavering dedication to comprehensive general practice and medical education.
Additionally, GLCH’s Susan Scarr was commended as a finalist for the Outstanding Mentor or Supervisor Award.
Susan’s leadership in social marketing and community-driven health projects, including the Connect Well East Gippsland + Wellington mental health support campaign in the wake of the Black Summer bushfires, highlights her positive and impactful role in the organisation.
The awards ceremony, held last Thursday, showcased the vital contributions of individuals like Jess, Dr Kinsella and Susan in enhancing rural healthcare delivery and community wellbeing.
IMAGE: Award winning Gippsland Lakes Complete Health occupational therapist, Jess Moller (back, right), with community OT team members Kelsey and Amy with (from front left) Mandy, Sarah, Rheece and Stacey during a recent Dargo Bush Nursing Centre visit. (PS)
