Each year, ACSO, employees are invited to nominate team members for two special recognition awards. These awards acknowledge employees who go above and beyond to demonstrate excellence in relation to ACSO’s values. Winners of each award receive a plaque and funds to support their learning and development, including international study, if applicable.
Each award is presented by ACSO’s CEO at the Annual Town Hall Meeting.
APPLAUSE Leadership Excellence Scholarship
This award recognises any people leader (excluding the Executive team) that display exceptional leadership day in day out, lead their team in line with ACSO’s values, and show commitment to the diversity and inclusion strategy.
APPLAUSE Cappello Values Scholarship
This award recognises any employee who displays and leads the ACSO values day in and day out. It is named after Christine Cappello, one of the founding members of ACSO who retired in November 2018.
APPLAUSE Team Excellence Award
This award recognises a team or program that has demonstrated outstanding collaboration and impact. It recognises groups who consistently go above and beyond, embodying ACSO’s values.
2025 Winners
APPLAUSE Leadership Excellence Scholarship Winner
Donna Morsman – Program Manager, Reconnect
Donna’s nominators described her as an exceptional, values-driven leader whose impact spans across teams, programs, and individuals. Her leadership style is marked by deep commitment to both her team’s performance and individual growth. She is approachable and always available when it matters most. Her passion is infectious, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence.
Highly Commended
Brett Anderson – Acting General Manager, Design and Impact, Strategy Unit
Brett Anderson is widely recognised across ACSO as a pillar of integrity, wisdom, and innovation, whose contributions over many years have shaped the organisation’s culture and service delivery. Brett consistently demonstrates honesty, strong moral principles, and ethical decision-making. He leads by example, setting high standards and holding himself and others accountable.
APPLAUSE Cappello Values Scholarship Winner
Maria Fadljevic – Business Analyst, Data and Technology
Maria is celebrated as a passionate, solution-focused, and inclusive person whose contributions have significantly shaped ACSO’s systems and culture. Marisa’s passion for her work is described as contagious and inspiring. She consistently brings energy, commitment, and a positive attitude to her role, uplifting those around her.
Highly Commended
Pattie Spanidis – Peer Worker, Reconnect
Pattie Spanidis is a standout member of the ReConnect team, known for her unwavering belief in humanity, deep passion, and transformative impact on both participants and colleagues. Pattie treats every participant with dignity, respect, and compassion, reinforcing that their past does not define their future. Pattie’s passion for her work is evident in her energy, empathy, and commitment to supporting others.
APPLAUSE Team Excellence Award
Winner
Family and Carers Support program
The Family & Carers Team is recognised for their exceptional embodiment of ACSO’s core values in their work supporting families impacted by a loved one’s substance use. Each person brings unwavering passion to their role, going above and beyond to empower family members. They approach every client with deep compassion and a steadfast belief in humanity, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Award Alumni
APPLAUSE Leadership Excellence Scholarship
2024
Winner: Cassandra Patterson – Program Manager, CREST
Highly Commended: Stan Pappos – General Manager, Forensic Practice and Residential Services
2023
Winner: Alexia Santos da Costa – General Manager Quality, Risk and Safety
Highly Commended: Dayna Webster –Team Leader Community Support Program (CSP)
Highly Commended: Siraya Norris-Aston – Residential Services Team Leader
2022
Winner: Rochelle Vaughan – Team Leader, COATS Dandenong
Highly Commended: Megan Wilks – Workplace Health and Safety Partner
2021
Winner: Lianne Finch – Team Leader, Clinical Services
Highly Commended: Rochelle Vaughan – Team Leader, COATS Dandenong
2020
Winner: Rob Biviano – Program Manager, COATS Metro
Highly Commended: Donna Morsman – Team Leader, ReStart, Dandenong
2019
Winner: Harry Constantinou – Team Leader, Mental Health Intake
Highly Commended: Bree Champion – CREST Queensland
APPLAUSE Cappello Scholarship
2024
Winner: Daniel Beelitz – Mental Health Intake and Recovery Worker
Highly Commended: Maria Fadljevic – Digital Project Officer and Melbourne Hub Lead
2023
Winner: Jayne Glover – Senior AOD Clinician – Thomas Embling
Highly Commended: Hannah Christie – Acting General Manager People Experience/PX Partner
2022
Winner: Tanu Motuga – Forensic Residential Support Worker
Highly Commended: Rebecca Kennedy – Project Manager ICT
2021
Winner: Tim Stevenson – Learning and Development Lead
Highly Commended: Nargis Dost – Forensic AoD Assessor, RAPIDS
2020
Winner: Tammy Rowe – Payroll Supervisor
Highly Commended: Danielle Stone – Business Process Analyst, CMS
2019
Winner: Channel Wright – Forensic Case Worker, CREST Queensland
Highly Commended: Jamie Riquelme, Mental Health Intake Worker