Whiddon Celebrates National Recognition at the Future of Ageing Awards
Whiddon received a Research Award for their TOP UP Study.
27 November 2025
[Sydney, NSW] 28th November 2025 — Whiddon is proud to celebrate national recognition at the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards, announced on Thursday evening at the industry’s premier celebration of innovation and excellence in aged care.
Whiddon was nominated across three categories, reflecting the organisation’s sector-leading commitment to research, wellbeing, reablement and nurturing emerging leaders. Whiddon’s nominations across two categories included:
- Research: The TOP UP Study (StrengthUp) — a groundbreaking telehealth physiotherapy program delivered in partnership with the University of Sydney.
- Emerging Leader: Aaron Young, Sydney and Central West Area Head Chef.
- Emerging Leader: Kelly Bruce, Area Wellbeing, Lifestyle and RBC Manager (Narrabri).
The nominations acknowledge the outstanding work being done by Whiddon team members across regional and rural NSW to improve the lives of older Australians.
Whiddon’s leadership and innovation were formally recognised with the organisation securing wins in the following categories:
- Whiddon was awarded a Research Award for Whiddon’s TOP UP Study.
Whiddon CEO, Chris Mamarelis, said the recognition reflects the organisation’s deep investment in reimagining aged care in regional Australia.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement. These nominations — and now tonight’s wins — reflect Whiddon’s belief that innovation and compassion can transform ageing. Whether through cutting-edge research like our StrengthUp program or the dedication of emerging leaders like Kelly and Aaron, this work is changing lives every day.”
Whiddon’s TOP UP Study, now rebranded as StrengthUp, demonstrated a 40 per cent reduction in falls, significant mobility gains and improved confidence for older people across Whiddon’s residential and home care services. The program is now being embedded across Whiddon’s broader reablement and wellbeing model, offering a scalable, evidence-based approach to improving health outcomes for seniors in regional areas.
Emerging leaders Kelly Bruce and Aaron Young were also nominated for their outstanding leadership, creativity and community impact. Their work ranges from transforming dining experiences and building capability across catering teams, to leading wellbeing programs that strengthen community connection, intergenerational engagement and resident joy.
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About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider that aims to inspire every day in its 23 RAC homes, dedicated community care and NDIS support across NSW & Southeast QLD. Its purpose is to enrich people’s lives and make a real difference.
Whiddon has been providing exceptional care to older Australians and people with disabilities across regional, rural, and remote NSW and QLD for more than 75 years.
Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities to remain at the forefront of innovation as it leads the latest thinking, programs, and training around quality of life and ageing.
About the Future of Ageing Awards
Established in 2019, the Future of Ageing Awards recognise leadership, innovation and excellence within the aged care industry across Australia and New Zealand. The awards are delivered in partnership with Inside Ageing and judged by a panel of experts across the sector.
