On Friday evening, Cara rewarded its top-performing staff in a different kind of event, after postponing twice due to the everchanging COVID-19 landscape in 2020.
With approximately 80 guests in attendance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre including finalists, Cara executives, Cara’s Board of Directors and valued sponsors, the remaining 1000+ staff body were invited to watch from home by tuning into a livestream.
Hosted by the radiant Andrea Nicolas from the Seven Network, the room was dotted with giant Cara-coloured helium balloons, while an intricate balloon arch provided a backdrop for photos.
Across eight categories, each finalist was nominated by their peers for outstanding service to Cara and Cara’s customers in their respective category.
Each award winner received a cash prize, funding toward further training or team building, a certificate and a beautifully unique glass trophy, produced by the Jam Factory, featuring silver leaf to acknowledge Cara’s 25th anniversary in 2020.
The winner of the Nicole Senter Scholarship was also announced on the night, with Systems Transformation Lead, Aimee Cousins taking home the prize.
Named in honour of the late Nicole Senter, the scholarship honours Nicole’s determination, grit and love of learning. The scholarship is designed to give one outstanding Cara employee biennially the opportunity to pursue further study to the value of $5000.
“Cara Celebrates is always a fabulous event and despite the challenges of the pandemic, this year was no exception,” Cara Chief Executive Liz Cohen said.
“Using modern technology, we were lucky to be able to invite all Cara staff to watch the awards night virtually, after our previous event plans were forced to be cancelled.
“Staff recognition is very important to us at Cara. Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists for helping Cara and Cara’s customers find possible.”
At the end of the night, Liz Cohen and President of the Board Phil Dorman cut a purple and blue cake speckled with silver leaf to celebrate Cara’s 25th birthday.
Cara Recognition of Excellence Award winners
Nicole Senter Scholarship – Aimee Cousins
Safety Award – Getaways Team, Adelaide metro
Quality Award – Lesley Cutts
Corporate Services Award – Emma Walker
Innovation Award – Milad Rezvanizaniani
Outstanding Team Award – Port Lincoln Day Options
Edna Redman Service Excellence Award – Nigel Camac
Leadership Award – Emily Zangari
Team Leader Award – Emma Hansen
