Each year, we celebrate the independent support workers who go above and beyond with our Support Worker Awards.
These awards recognise the exceptional dedication of independent support workers on Mable; ones who’ve been recognised for their care and commitment, and for making a meaningful impact on their client’s life.
Celebrating outstanding dedication and care
To find our winners, we ask our community of clients to nominate their independent support worker.
To enter, clients needed to submit a photo of themselves with their independent support worker and tell us why they deserve to win.
The winners in each state* receive a:
- $1,000 Prezzee voucher to a leading outlet of their choice
- Personalised trophy and exclusive Mable merch
- Shout-out on social media to recognise their dedication
- Feature in our monthly newsletter.
The client who nominated them also wins a $500 Prezzee voucher to a leading outlet of their choice.
Let's meet the winners
We are always in awe of the number of responses, and it’s a tough job selecting the winners. We love reading every entry and the heartfelt reasons behind the nominations.
Without any further ado, here are the winners of our 2026 Support Worker Awards!
Thank you for making such an incredible impact on your client’s lives.
NSW and ACT: Martin Wall nominated by Skye Summers
“Marty brings genuine care, enthusiasm, and professionalism to his role as a support worker. I am 82 and live with arthritis, bursitis, sciatica, and emphysema, which is why Marty encourages me to go on walks wherever I feel like going, whether along the beach or through the forest. He does this with real enthusiasm, making these outings enjoyable, safe and meaningful.
When we go out, Marty also films where we go, which gives me something I truly love – I spend the evening happily editing the videos and posting them on YouTube. Together, we have created over 100 videos of our forest and beach walks, which has given me purpose, enjoyment and creative engagement.
Marty always brightens my day and leaves me with a smile on my face. He treats me like a friend – with kindness, patience and respect. He listens when I talk and makes me feel valued and supported. He truly deserves recognition for the positive difference he makes in my life.”
VIC: Tania Joiner nominated by Emma Macey
“No amount of words can describe the level of joy, support and friendship Tania offers my mum on a weekly basis. Tania has transformed Mum’s life from one of isolation to daily joy.
Despite the challenges of Mum being blind and living with dementia, Tania makes every session meaningful. She is incredibly calm, observant and detailed in her care approach. She handles the toughest parts of care – continence and showering – with such natural humour and kindness. What could be awkward becomes moments of dignity and laughter instead.
The last thing Mum asks at night is ‘Will Tania come tomorrow?’, which says it all. It truly makes our day seeing Mum reach for Tania’s hand while they watch movies or listen to music together, having a giggle and chatting away, but also that Mum can confide in Tania about her most personal worries.
Tania doesn’t just care for Mum – she supports our whole family, extends her hours without hesitation, providing emotional support and invaluable guidance as we navigate difficult moments.
We honestly cannot imagine doing this without her. We would love Tania to be recognised for the skilled carer she is.”
QLD: Briony McConnell nominated by Toni Careless
“Briony has an amazing, bubbly personality and always arrives with a big smile and endless energy. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her.
From house cleaning and ironing, to playing cards and board games, to meal preparation, social outings, shopping assistance and even fishing, she does it all with enthusiasm and gives 100%. Her eye for detail takes her cleaning to the next level.
No matter the task, Briony jumps in happily and gets it done. Her energy and infectious laugh instantly lift everyone’s spirits and brighten the whole day.
Briony is not only attentive to physical needs, she regularly checks in on Ian’s mental health as well as mine as his carer. With her nursing background, she is highly in tune with Ian’s medical requirements and recognises things that someone without medical training may not.
When I am away, Briony provides extra support, giving me complete peace of mind knowing Ian is fully cared for and all his needs are being met. The days she comes are the highlight of Ian’s day. She truly is one of a kind and absolutely amazing.”
SA and NT: Pauline Facciol nominated by Joy McEvoy
“Pauline is the best carer our son with severe disability has ever had. She has not only changed Chris’s life for the better, but ours as well. She has taken the stress off our shoulders.
Pauline has so much compassion and kindness, and looks after Chris as if he were her own son. Chris loves her and looks forward to seeing her when she comes to look after him. She truly is a beautiful person.”
TAS: Chez Cotter nominated by Corinna Cotter
“Chez is a blessing. I have a rare autoimmune condition, so every day is different. It can change in an instant due to an appointment change, emergency or bad night’s sleep.
Chez is considerate and can sense how I feel and what I need. Having her on my care team gives me my dignity. When I am at my lowest or weakest – emotionally or physically – she just gets it. Whether it’s helping me undress, get into bed, shower, wash my hair or simply making me a cup of tea, her empathy, awareness and assistance takes away my feeling of helplessness for a while.
I am always a glass half-full person and so is Chris, which is very important. But I have hurdles to jump. It’s not just about support, Chris encourages me to get out, interact with others and puts the enjoyment and purpose back in my life.
Chez is extremely professional when she is supporting me. I am her only focus – she’s not distracted by devices, personal issues or life outside. I would be lost without her.”
WA: Nicola Gordon nominated by Olga Akron
“My support worker, Nicola, is exceptional. Her impact goes far beyond simply showing up; she strengthens our entire family. In particular, the way she supports my husband, who lives with dementia, is deeply meaningful. She brings a sense of calm, structure and reassurance into our home and her presence consistently makes life feel more manageable for all of us.
Nicola is endlessly patient and has a remarkable ability to engage with my husband in a way that makes him feel valued and respected. She truly listens to him, remembers the small details of what he shares and responds in ways that help him feel understood, rather than overlooked. Even on difficult days, she knows how to connect with him and gently support his dignity and confidence.
What truly sets Nicola apart is how proactive and intuitive she is. She doesn’t wait to be told what’s needed – she anticipates it, adjusting her support as our circumstances change. She provides steady encouragement, helps maintain routine and motivation, and supports me as a carer with equal care and understanding.
She is always reliable, on time and brings positive, grounding energy into our home. Above all, she is trustworthy and genuine.”
