National Disability Practitioners (NDP) is thrilled to announce the winner of the 2022 Workmate of the Year award, which celebrates the amazing and hard-working people in disability services who deliver outstanding support, are a pleasure to work alongside, go the extra mile and makes workplace better.

We know the great work that is being done every day in the disability sector, whether working with participants, or in a support role, everyone plays a role in creating a great place to work and providing outstanding services to people with disability.

A deserving Winner – Ahmad Alhamid 

We are delighted to announce the winner of the 2022 Workmate of the Year Award is Ahmad Alhamid, Outcomes Lead at Melba Support Services.

Nominated by colleague Janet McLeod, with support of Manager, Sharen Calheiros and fellow colleagues, Marita and Bryden; Ahmad is considered an invaluable member of the Melba Support Services team, whose attitude and actions have created a positive impact on the organisation. 

Ahmad’s contribution to the organisation and wider community is far reaching. Ahmad was instrumental in supporting his colleagues at the Melba Support Services during a particularly challenging period during COVID in 2021. Sharen said of Ahmad, “Ahmad is always looking outside ‘his patch’ to see where he can help – kindness permeates everywhere he goes. Feedback from families is so positive.”

Colleagues Marita and Bryden said of working with Ahmad “[he] has an infectious energy that the people we support really respond to. Ahmad likes to make working on shift fun and is always thinking of different ways to create positive experiences. Even in subtle ways”.

Ahmad is dedicated to looking for ways to bring the community together through events and activities so that everyone can participate and celebrate in style.  From fishing charters, A Day at the Green at Rochford Winery, to special occasions like milestone birthdays and Christmas functions, Ahmad effortlessly organises events (often not asking for additional help from staff), while always ensuring that he promotes the friendships that people supported have established by inviting people supported from other SIL houses to join the fun.  

Marita and Bryden said of these celebrations, “Some evenings Ahmad has brought in disco lights, and we have had a dance evening. He has made a playlist of everyone’s favourite songs, so that everyone has a great time. Whether they get up and dance with staff, rocking away in their wheelchairs to the music or singing along to the songs. A fun light-hearted atmosphere is created.”

“Ahmad enjoys organising outings, barbecues, and parties, He strives to make every event special and give everyone individual highlights of their day or evening, whether it is a special event or just a normal day at Reilly Court. All the activities and special birthdays Ahmad has organised is just one of his strengths. The people we support are always the focus in whatever Ahmad does.”

Ahmad lives and breathes customer-centricity, placing those he supports as the driving focus, “Human rights are at the centre of everything Melba does, and I totally support that. I want the people we support to have every opportunity in life. I am grateful that I have been able to share some new ideas of ways to include them in new activities." Ahmad said.

Hayley Dean, CEO of Melba Support Services, said of Ahmad, “Everyone at Melba is delighted about Ahmad’s well-deserved win. We’ve known about his amazing skills and commitment to support people to live their best lives for some time, and it’s fantastic to see Ahmad recognised at a national level."

A worthy winner of this award, we would like to congratulate Ahmad for his contribution to the workplace and would also like to congratulate all finalists and nominees in this year’s awards. 
 
For requests to interview Ahmad Alhamid or Hayley Dean, please contact Desley Mather at Melba Communications on 0438 004611.

The Workmate of the Year awards is proudly supported by carecareers, National Disability Practitioners (NDP) and HESTA.