The operator challenging outdated perceptions of residential care
30/04/2026
Scalabrini's aged care community in Bexley, 14km southwest of Sydney, has been named the winner of the Allied Health Division at the prestigious 2026 Partners in Excellence Awards.
The achievement reflects more than two years of dedicated work by Scalabrini building meaningful student pathways into aged care and recognises the exceptional impact of a work placement program that has become a model for the industry.
Since the program's inception, Scalabrini Bexley has hosted more than 200 students, with many returning to complete all four of their work placements.
Students have gained hands-on experience across a broad spectrum of allied health services, including wellbeing programs, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and clinical care, and have had the opportunity to learn directly from registered nurses and care staff, building a grounded understanding of holistic aged care in practice.
Participating schools have included Bethany Catholic College, Engadine High School, St Vincent's Catholic College, Marist Kogarah, Endeavour High School, Southern Cross Catholic School, Our Lady of Fatima School, St Ursula's College, Kingsgrove High School, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Marist Penshurst, and Heathcote High School.
The award recognises both the scale of the program and its transformative impact on students and residents alike.
By challenging outdated perceptions of aged care and fostering genuine intergenerational connections, Scalabrini Bexley's youth partnership initiative has opened young people's eyes to careers in allied health, while building the empathy, confidence, and practical skills they need to thrive in the profession.
Crucially, the benefits flow in both directions: residents have embraced the presence of young learners, forming meaningful connections that have brought joy, companionship, and a renewed sense of community to the home. Many students have maintained these relationships long after completing their placements, returning to visit the residents and staff who made an impression on them.
"This program is about more than education. It is about shaping the future of aged care," said Kerrianne Dempsey, Wellbeing Coordinator at Scalabrini Bexley. "We are proud to be contributing to the next generation of allied health professionals, and to show what aged care can truly be: vibrant, compassionate, and deeply rewarding."
About the Partners in Excellence Awards
Finalists and winners are selected through a rigorous nomination and evaluation process. Student and Vocational Education Training teacher feedback is gathered via surveys, with nominees assessed by the Youth Partnership team alongside representatives from the Department of Education, Sydney Catholic Schools, Australian Independent Schools, and TAFE. Selection is based on a comprehensive set of criteria recognising excellence in supporting vocational education and training work placements.
