Honouring Leadership in Positive Ageing

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.

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, was posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2025 for his services to aged welfare.

Award & Recognition
Prize: $1,500 award sponsored by BallyCara
Presentation: The award will be presented by Marcus Riley, Executive Chairman of BallyCara, as part of the final session of day 1 at the Positive Ageing Summit 2026

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

Applicants will be assessed based on:
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 Close: Thursday, 2 April 2026. Email info@positiveageingsummit.com.au for more information.

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* 1. To get started, please confirm your details below.

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* 2. Organisation / Company Name

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* 3. Job Title

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* 5. Mobile Number

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* 6. Will You Be Attending the 2026 Positive Ageing Summit?

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* 7. Personal Journey: A brief overview of their aged care career and personal commitment to positive ageing (150 words)

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* 8. Program Summary: A detailed description of their initiative, project, or body of work. (500 words)

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* 9. Impact – Measurable outcomes and demonstrated benefits for older Australians. (250 words)

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* 10. Future actions: Plans for sustaining and scaling the initiative or contribution. (150 words)

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* 11. Supporting References – Please upload supporting testimonials or endorsements from colleagues, partners, or those directly impacted. Please combine your supporting information into one document.

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