Paul Johnson positive ageing award

The Paul Johnson Positive Ageing Award celebrates outstanding individuals in the aged care sector who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in promoting positive ageing for older Australians.

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.

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 2025.

Eligibility & Criteria

This award is open to individuals within the aged care sector who have demonstrated:

  • Exceptional leadership in driving initiatives that support positive ageing.
  • Meaningful impact in enhancing the wellbeing of older Australians.
  • Innovation in reablement, health, wellness, or aged care practices.
  • A vision for the future, with plans to expand or sustain their contributions.
Applicants will be assessed based on:

  • Program Summary – A clear description of their initiative or work.
  • Impact – Measurable outcomes and real-world benefits for older Australians.
  • Future Actions – Their commitment to sustaining and growing their impact.
  • Supporting References – Testimonials or endorsements from colleagues, partners, or those directly affected by their work.

 

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.

 

Award Presentation

The Paul Johnson Positive Ageing Award will be presented during the final session of the Positive Ageing Summit 2025. The award will be delivered by Marcus Riley, Executive Chairman of BallyCara. 

Nominations Closed Friday 2nd May
Email  info@positiveageingsummit.com.au for more information.