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Senior Social Worker Fran McGrath has been awarded the title of 2015 WA Social Worker of the Year at the sixth annual statewide awards, recognising social workers from across Western Australia.
Held on Monday night at The University of Western Australia, Ms. McGrath accepted the accolade to a room of heartfelt applause from peers, colleagues, family, friends and distinguished guests.

Ms. McGrath was named the overall winner for the evening, after earlier winning the ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ Award, sponsored by Department for Child Protection and Family Support recognising her lifetime achievements as an outstanding social worker.

Fran said she felt humbled and honoured to be recognised by her peer group, and that she has ‘never tired of social work’.

“I am still learning new things with each client I come across, even after 40 years in the health industry,” says Fran. “The work I do is really about connecting with people, so for me accepting this Award is recognition of the connections I have made with my clients, honouring the roles they have played in my own life, as I in theirs.”

For over 23 years, Ms. McGrath has worked as a Senior Social Worker at the Neurosciences Unit in the Health Department of WA, with strong expertise working with patients with Huntington’s Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

A colleague, Professor Peter Panegyres, coordinated Ms. McGrath’s nomination praising her capacity to handle a complex caseload at statewide level and still remain focused on her patients

“Fran has a comprehensive knowledge of each individual, their families and what is important to them first and foremost,” said Prof. Panegyres.

Included within the nomination was a number of quotes from peers and clients of Ms. McGrath.

“There is no cure for Huntington’s Disease… the complex genetic nature has required Fran to work with my family members, including two daughters who are now symptomatic, who have been at various stages of dealing with the disease,” said a client.
“The value of Fran’s professional guidance to my family over two decades has been outstanding.”

Attended by a diverse mix of industry professionals, government officials, Award partners, sponsors, family and friends the Awards acknowledged 13 outstanding finalists in five categories and the dedication of the social work industry to making a real difference to the lives of Western Australians.

Patron of the Awards, qualified social worker and former Lotterywest CEO Jan Stewart says she is grateful to be a part of the event that celebrates the tireless efforts of Western Australians in the social work profession.

“It gives me a huge sense of pride in our industry,“ she said. “This event values the depth and breadth of the contribution social workers make not only in direct service to their clients, but also in their workplaces and in the community.”

More winners at the prestigious awards include:

• Pip White won the Richmond Wellbeing 'Leading the Way' category, which recognises excellence and innovation by a social worker in a leadership or management position. Pip is a UWA MSW and PhD in SW graduate who has dedicated her professional life to increasing the visibility of people who have experienced considerable violence and abuse of trust during childhood. In her role as founding director of Tuart Place, Pip has been described as ‘walking beside’ her clients, focusing on the lived experience where clients are empowered and encouraged to build a space of healing.  Finalists for this category were also Leanne Strommen (Centrecare) and Amanda Allen (Joondalup Health Campus).

• Leanne Mirabella won the Wanslea 'Agent of Change' award, which recognises the outstanding contribution by a social worker through organisational or systems change. Leanne is a peer-work champion tirelessly supporting the implementation of peer support services across the Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health sectors. Finalists were Debbie Henderson (Family Inclusion Network of WA) and Simone Hosgood (RUAH).

• Kristen Orazi won the Edith Cowan University 'Rural and Remote Practitioner' award, which recognises the outstanding performance of a social worker who works in a rural or remote community in WA. Kristen is currently a Senior Practice Development Officer for the West Kimberley District of the Department for Child Protection and Family Support.
  Finalists were Debbie Easther (WA Country Health Service, South West) and Nicky Latham (Department of Human Services, Centrelink).

• Kat Broad won the GESB 'Rising Star' award, recognising the oustanding performance of a recently graduated social worker. Kat graduated with a BSW from UWA in 2011. As a social worker at Princess Margaret Hospital, Kat provides on-going support to the hospital, patients and community. Kat’s nominator described her to be an “empowering woman” who ensures people make the “smart choices” for themselves during trauma.
  She consistently demonstrates maturity beyond her years, developing and maintaining the trust of her clients even when delivering difficult news or in conflictual situations.
  Finalists were Jill Thompson (South Coastal Women’s Health Services) and Sonya Crane (Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Services (GRAMS))

• Fran McGrath won the Department for Child Protection and Family Support ‘Head, Heart & Hands’ Award, which recognises the outstanding career of a social worker. Finalists for this award were Leanne Strommen (Centrecare) and Pip White (Tuart Place).

From the five categories, one overall winner was chosen and named the 2015 WA Social Worker of the Year: Congratulations to Fran McGrath, and to all the winners, finalists and nominees for outstanding work.

The Award ceremony has been held annually since 2009 by partners Curtin University, The University of Western Australia and the Australian Association of Social Workers.Thanks go to the Category Sponsors: Richmond Wellbeing, GESB, Wanslea, Edith Cowan University and Department for Child Protection and Family Support, and to the general sponsors: Society of Professional Social Workers (SPSW), UWA Social Work Alumni, Centrecare, RUAH Community Services, UnitingCare West, Anglicare, Sentio Recruit and Watershed Wines.

Media references

Tess Maisey E: [email protected] M: 0401 470 797

Fiona Maley E: [email protected] Ph: 086488 1299