Sistability Takes Home Two Awards at the 2025 Ballina Business Awards!
We’re still buzzing from Saturday night’s incredible celebration at the 2025 Ballina Business Awards—and we couldn’t be more proud of the recognition Sistability received. On that exciting evening, our small but mighty team was honoured with TWO awards:
🏆 Employer of Choice (under 20 employees)
🏆 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
These awards are more than just trophies on a shelf—they’re a reflection of everything Sistability stands for and everything we’ve worked so hard to achieve since our founding. As a company that was built on heart, hard work, and a deep mission to do things differently, this recognition means the world to us.
A Vision of Heart and Purpose
Sistability was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to support people who are often overlooked, create jobs that matter, and show the world that care work is powerful, skilled, and essential. From the very beginning, we’ve strived to break down the barriers and misconceptions surrounding care work. At Sistability, we know that providing exceptional care is not just about cleaning or support—it’s about showing up for people in their time of need, and building trusted, supportive relationships that make a tangible difference in their lives.
We’re incredibly proud of the positive impact our team has made on the local community, and these awards are a testament to the collective efforts of everyone at Sistability. The Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion award is particularly meaningful, as it recognises our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment. It is not only a win for our company, but also a recognition of the people we employ and the work they do.
Building a Supportive, Inclusive Workplace
At Sistability, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive, inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered. We understand that our team is the heart and soul of everything we do, and we strive to provide an environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and appreciated.
Diversity is one of the core values that drives us, and we actively recruit individuals from all walks of life. Whether it’s a parent returning to work, someone re-entering the workforce after a break, or someone looking for a fulfilling career in care, Sistability is a place where every individual can grow and succeed. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to bring their full selves to work every day.
Answering Your Questions
Sistability’s stand served as a drop‑in advice centre. People stopped by to ask questions like “How do I start the ACAT process?” and “What documents do I need?” Jenn and Nic guided them through each step: gathering medical histories, understanding eligibility criteria and submitting applications. By the end of each conversation, visitors had a clear list of next actions, whether that was booking an assessment or contacting a service provider for a tailored support plan.
Supporting All Employees: Employer of Choice
Winning the Employer of Choice (under 20 employees) award is a recognition of our commitment to being a great place to work. At Sistability, we believe that when our team feels supported, valued, and empowered, they do their best work. This in turn results in better care for our clients and a more positive work environment for everyone.
Our team’s wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do. We offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate the needs of employees—especially those who are mothers or returning to work after a career break. We understand the importance of work-life balance, and we believe that providing flexibility enables our team to succeed both at work and in their personal lives.
We also invest heavily in our team’s professional development, offering regular training and development opportunities to ensure that everyone has the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their role. Whether it’s ongoing care training, or wellbeing workshops, we’re committed to helping our team grow both personally and professionally.
Recognising Nicole McElwee
While we were honoured to win two awards, we also want to take a moment to acknowledge one of the incredible individuals behind our success: Nicole McElwee, our Services Manager, who was a finalist for the Outstanding Employee of the Year award. Nicole has been a driving force at Sistability, and her dedication to both the team and our clients has been extraordinary.
Nicole exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, compassion, and professionalism. She goes above and beyond to support her colleagues and ensure that our clients receive the highest level of care. Her leadership has helped build a positive, collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to do their best work. Nicole’s nomination for Outstanding Employee of the Year is a testament to her hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence, and we’re incredibly proud of her.
Gratitude for Our Team, the Chamber, and the Community
These awards would not have been possible without the dedication of our Sistability team. Every member of our team plays an integral role in our success, and it’s your passion, hard work, and commitment to our values that have made these wins possible. We are so grateful for each and every one of you, and we couldn’t be more proud to work alongside such an incredible group of people.
A big thank you to the Ballina Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a fantastic night at the RSL. The event was filled with excitement, great food, and a sense of camaraderie as we celebrated the best of Ballina’s business community. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and local leaders, and we’re grateful to be part of such a supportive network.
Lastly, we want to thank our community for continuing to believe in what we’re doing. Your ongoing support has been invaluable, and it’s your trust in us that drives us to keep going, to keep growing, and to keep making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
Next Stop: The Northern Rivers Regional Awards
We’re not stopping here! With our wins at the Ballina Business Awards, we’re now headed to the Northern Rivers Regional Awards, where we’ll proudly represent Ballina. We’re excited to showcase the amazing work our team is doing and to continue growing as a company that prioritises diversity, inclusion, and community impact.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Sistability so far—we are beyond grateful. The journey continues, and we’re more motivated than ever to keep striving for excellence and making a real difference in the lives of our clients and team members.
Let’s go, team Sistability!
