Allianz and Gallagher were among the winners at the Care and Service Excellence (CASE) Awards held by NSW state insurer icare to celebrate positive contributions in workers’ compensation.

The Allianz Northern Regional Workers Compensation Claims Team won the outstanding team award, while the insurer’s Alexandra Galassi, a senior injury management specialist for psychological claims, was named Young Professional of the Year.

Gallagher Workplace Risk took the honours for excellence in improving employer performance for the second year running, working with client partner True Alliance.

“The icare recognition is the only true award in our space that recognises the impact a consulting broker can have when working in partnership with their clients,” Gallagher National Head of Workplace Risk Vivienne Toll said.

Return-to-work services specialist Beneco won the Customer Excellence award, and also the CASE Award, decided by popular vote on the night.

The excellence in social impact category went to Associate Professor Samuel Harvey and the Black Dog Institute’s workplace mental health research program.

WorkFocus Australia rehabilitation consultant Ellen Watson was presented with the outstanding individual award, Sargood on Collaroy triumphed in specialist care services and JB Hi-Fi was recognised for excellence in injury prevention.

Pinnacle Rehab’s Health at Home program for injured workers discharged from psychiatric care won for excellence and innovation in injury management.

EML Claims Optimisation Specialist Michele Cesci received the lifetime achievement award after more than 25 years in the workers’ compensation sector in Australia and New Zealand.

The annual awards are an opportunity to share successes and shape positive change in an industry that is complex and evolving, icare CEO John Nagle says.

“To meet the changing expectations and needs of our customers, we must continuously improve, innovate and enhance our service offerings,” he said.

“We have also heard very clearly from our customers that they want more transparency and consistent delivery from all sectors involved in our industry.”

The presentation night was held at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.