Omeo District Health’s commitment to helping people remain independent and connected in their own homes has received national recognition, with Home Based Services Manager Leanne McKenzie named Australia’s Most Outstanding Regional Provider
of Home-Based Care for 2026.
Leanne received the honour at the Enablement Awards in Melbourne, which recognise excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement across the disability care sector in Australasia.
The award is significant recognition not only for Leanne, but for the ODH Home-Based Services team and the important role they play in supporting people across Omeo, Swifts Creek, Ensay and surrounds.
Omeo District Health Chief Executive Officer Dan Cziperle said strong local services are vital for High Country residents.
“For our community, access to good care close to home makes an enormous difference. It can mean less travel, greater independence and the ability for people to continue living in the community they know and love,” Mr Cziperle said.
“Leanne and her team exemplify what local rural healthcare is about, which is knowing our community, finding solutions and doing everything we can do to support people to live well and stay connected.”
Providing home-based care in a rural and remote community comes with unique challenges, including distance, travel and access to services. Local services help people remain in their own homes and communities for longer, while staying connected to family, friends and the places that are important to them.
ODH provides Home-Based Services through a range of programs, including the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Home and Community Care Program for Younger People and Support at Home.
Services can include personal care, respite, transport, shopping assistance, Meals on Wheels and meal preparation, home maintenance and modifications, home-based nursing and allied health support.
ODH’s Home-Based Services team currently supports approximately 130 clients across Omeo, Swifts Creek, Ensay, Benambra and surrounds.
“Providing care across a large rural area requires commitment, flexibility and a genuine understanding of the people and communities we serve. Having that work recognised nationally is something our whole organisation can be incredibly proud of,” Mr Cziperle said.
Leanne joined the ODH team in March 2020 after relocating from Kilmore to Omeo. Bringing a strong background in hospitality and customer service, Leanne has developed valuable connections within the local community since moving to the area and starting a family here. Her role with ODH has enabled her to further strengthen these relationships through Home Based Services, supporting clients and families within their own community.
During her time with ODH, Leanne has overseen the introduction of ODH as a Home Care Package provider in 2021, growing both the service’s client base and its workforce. She regularly delivers community information sessions to raise awareness of aged-care supports and available services.
Through her work with clients and families, Leanne helps people access the support they need to remain safely and independently at home for as long as possible.
For Leanne, the award is also recognition of the team around her and the relationships they have built with the people they support.
“It is a real honour to receive this award, but home-based care is very much a team effort,” Leanne said.
“We know how important it is for people in our community to be able to stay in their own homes, maintain their independence and remain connected to the people and community around them. Our team works incredibly hard to make that possible, often across considerable distances, and I’m very proud of what we achieve together.”
The Enablement Awards recognise organisations and individuals demonstrating excellence and leadership across areas including home care, community care, independent living, disability services, respite care, rehabilitation and supported living.
Award recipients are assessed on factors including performance, innovation, leadership and the experience provided to the people they support.
For ODH, the award demonstrates that high-quality and innovative care is being delivered not only in major metropolitan centres, but in small regional communities such as Omeo.
The 2026 Enablement Awards were presented at a ceremony in Melbourne.
