Paul Johnson Positive Ageing Award returns in 2026

Presented by

The Paul Johnson Award presented by BallyCara returns to celebrate outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in promoting positive ageing for older Australians.

Stay tuned for more information on when nominations open.

Eldercare's Bernard Morrison is 2025's Paul Johnson Award Winner

Bernard Morrison, an occupational therapist and general manager wellbeing and allied programs, is the winner of the Paul Johnson Positive Ageing Award for his integrated wellbeing strategy implemented across Eldercare’s 13 aged care homes in South Australia. Mr Morrison told the audience that the award was an opportunity for him to reflect on his achievements and the impact his wellbeing strategy has had on people.

“We’re all here for a common purpose and I really genuinely hope that this is the first of many Positive Ageing Summits. But most of all I offer my heartfelt thanks to Eldercare who I think boldly chose to pursue a wellbeing strategy over seven years ago and my extraordinary team of subject matter experts who every day so passionately ask ‘how can we create the conditions where older people in residential care can thrive?’ And then working together, putting in place those innovative strategies and services that enable that change to take place,” Mr Morrison told the summit.

Paul Johnson Award Finalists

Honouring Leadership in Positive Ageing

Named in memory of Paul Johnson OAM, a visionary leader whose dedication to reablement, health, and wellness transformed aged care, this award recognises those who, like Paul, are committed to ensuring that age is never a barrier to living well. Paul, who passionately pursued healthy active ageing at not-for-profit aged care provider BallyCara in the decade he spent with the group, was posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2025 for his services to aged welfare.

Award & Recognition

Prize: $1,500 cash prize sponsored by BallyCara

Presentation: The award will be presented by Marcus Riley, Executive Chairman of BallyCara, as part of the final session at the Positive Ageing Summit 2026.

Eligibility & Criteria

The Paul Johnson Positive Ageing Award is open to individuals working within the aged care sector, specifically those employed by an aged care provider or aged care provider service. Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Exceptional leadership in driving initiatives that champion positive ageing.
  • Tangible impact in enhancing the wellbeing, independence, and dignity of older Australians.
  • Innovation in reablement, health, wellness, or aged care practices.
  • Vision for the future, with clear strategies to expand or sustain their contributions.

Applicants are required to submit a structured application that includes:

  1. Personal journey (150 words) – A brief overview of their aged care career and personal commitment to positive ageing.
  2. Program summary (500 words) – A detailed description of their initiative, project, or body of work.
  3. Impact (250 words) – Measurable outcomes and demonstrated benefits for older Australians.
  4. Future actions (150 words) – Plans for sustaining and scaling the initiative or contribution.
  5. Supporting references (100 words) – Testimonials or endorsements from colleagues, partners, or those directly impacted.

Assessment & Selection

All applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry leaders, ensuring a rigorous and fair process:

  • Process – Each panellist independently reviews and scores applications (1-5 per criteria + overall score). The panel then convenes to select finalists and the award recipient.
  • Integrity – Panel members will only assess applications where no conflict of interest exists.

Nominations

Nominations for the Paul Johnson Positive Ageing Award 2026 will officially open in March 2026.

Award Presentation

The Paul Johnson Positive Ageing Award will be presented during the final session of the Positive Ageing Summit 2026. The award will be delivered by Marcus Riley, Executive Chairman of BallyCara. 

In addition, the award winner will be featured in the following year’s program, ensuring their experience and insights continue to guide and inspire sector-wide progress.

Email info@positiveageingsummit.com.au for more information.