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PhD candidate and lecturer Stephan Lund from The University of Western Australia has won two awards at the annual state-wide WA Social Worker of the Year Awards.

He was recognised as the winner of the ‘Leading the Way’ category before being announced as the overall winner of the 2016 WA Social Worker of the Year at an event held at UWA on Monday 31 May.

Stephan was acknowledged alongside 14 other finalists across five categories. He previously completed two Bachelor degrees at UWA, and is currently undertaking a PhD in Social Work and Social Policy.

Recognised for his enthusiasm, passion for social work and commitment to furthering the profession through education, Stephan, who works as the Executive Manager at foster care organisation Wanslea Family Services, was described as “an empowering manger with a charismatic approach and positive outlook” by his nominator and referees.

“Stephan is an innovative social worker and manager – always thinking creatively about solutions to problems and new ways of working and being open to hearing ideas from the team,” team member and nominator Charlotte Cain said.

Patron of the Awards, qualified social worker and acting Chief Executive Officer at West Australian Ballet Jan Stewart said she was grateful for being a part of the event that acknowledges the extraordinary achievements of social workers in so many facets of the community.

“This year, as always, the stories of the work of our finalists are inspirational,” Ms Stewart said.

“The WA Social Worker of the Year Awards allows us to honour our heroes and the valuable contribution they continue to make not only in direct service to their clients but also in their work places and in their community.”

The ceremony was attended by a diverse mix of industry professionals, government officials, award partners and sponsors.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

2016 WA Social Worker of the Year – Stephan Lund, Executive Manager, Wanslea

Leading the Way Award
Sponsor: Richmond Wellbeing
Finalists: Melissa Edwards, Stephan Lund, Wendy Butler
WINNER - Stephan Lund, Wanslea

Agent of Change Award
Sponsor: Wanslea
Finalists: Emma Weaver, Gail Green, Dr. Michael Wright
WINNER - Emma Weaver, Department for Child Protection and Family Support

Head, Heart & Hands Award
Sponsor: Department for Child Protection and Family Support
Finalists: Lisa Wittwer, Shirley Witko, Sue Galbraith
WINNER - Sue Galbraith, Department for Child Protection and Family Support

Rising Star Award Sponsor: Communicare
Finalists: Julie Verley, Kate Hannahgan, Stan Chirenda
WINNER - Julie Verley, Angelhands

Rural & Remote Practitioner Award
Sponsor: Edith Cowan University
Finalists: Natasha Bargeus, Marina Andrade, Quentin Richards
WINNER - Marina Andrade, Kalgoorlie Hospital

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media and Public Relations Adviser)                                           (+61 8) 6488 6876
Fiona Maley (School of Population and Health)                                                   (+61 8) 6488 1299