The Programmed Difference Awards recognise our people who embrace and actively live our values, going above and beyond to make a difference for our people, customers and community.
Today, we're taking a moment to look back on our worthy winners for January 2026!
Our latest Programmed Difference Award Winners
Shaun Williamson
Plumber
Nominated by Troy Jacobs, Service Delivery Manager
"While attending Brighton golf course Shaun observed an elderly gentleman riding his pushbike down Dendy Street. The gentleman looked to be struggling and had dismounted his bike. Shaun approached the man to make sure he was okay and learned that the man had a medical aid implanted in his chest to help with his heart rhythm and it had just shocked him (defibrillator).
Shaun spoke to the man and figured out that he would not be able to continue on his bike and required medical assistance could possibly be required. Shaun spoke to the man’s wife and figured out the man was okay. Shan then offered to drive him home. Shaun loaded up the man’s bike into the van he put the man into the cabin and drove him home where his wife was waiting. They contacted his surgeon as to the next steps they were required to take. Once again Shaun has cemented his nice status. Good job mate."
Effie Spiropoulos
FM Hub Manager
Nominated by Dallas Kelly, Contract Manager
I am pleased to recognise and nominate Effie Spiropoulos for her outstanding contribution and commitment to excellence as the acting FM Hub Manager. Her dedication, professionalism, and positive attitude make her a standout nominee for the Programmed Difference Award.
Over the past 12 months, Effie has consistently gone above and beyond in her role as the FM Hub Manager at Sydney Airport, demonstrating exceptional skills and qualities in leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and a customer focus. Her efforts have directly contributed to improved outcomes in client satisfaction, team morale within the FM Hub and the NSC.
Some highlights of Effie's achievements include:
Successfully led the FM Hub team in a complex phone system transition from Ice to Genesys through to completion
Successfully, with the assistance of Parul (National Operations Centre Manager), brought the FM Hub & the NSC teams closer together.
Beyond her technical skills, what truly sets Effie apart is her positive impact on people. She embodies our values of Personal Safety Leadership, Care and Empathy, Customer Service and Diversity, Inclusion and Equality by fostering collaboration and inspiring those around her to do their best.
Sam Mallios
Work Force Programs Human Resources
Nominated by Karen Stuart, Contract Executive
"Sam has worked with me over the past 2 Engagement Survey processes and has been outstanding in her assistance to help guide and drive engagement improvements for all my teams. Sam worked with me at a moment's notice and provided me with tools that I needed to workshop with my teams' better ways of improving engagements.
Nothing has been a problem and Sam has always gone above and beyond to assist me and my teams in my/our endeavors to drive positive engagement of staff across ACT / NSW.
Sam is very passionate about her role and is consistently professional and helpful.
Sam typifies someone who lives the Programmed values and someone who is valued!"
Primesh Jassa
Asset Manager
Nominated by Karen Stuart, Contract Executive
"Primesh recently undertook Higher Duties as the Acting Contract Manager for Emergency Services ACT reporting into me. The client was extremely happy with the work that Primesh provided whilst in the role and sent the following email :-
I would like to pass on my appreciation for Primesh whilst he acted in the Contract manager role.
I found that Primesh was very diligent and kept open dialogue with the ESA team during his tenure in the role. Having open two way communication is always beneficial in the facilities space.
I would also like to add that I found his management of the Calwell ACTAS cleaning and remediation project was excellent. I received timely and concise updates in relation to the project and there were no delays etc with the delivery and or completion of the project.
I think that Primesh is a asset to the Programmed team and I would like to wish him all the best in his future career progression with Programmed
Kendall Lewer | Assistant Director Facilities | ACT Emergency Services Agency"
Mark McDermott
Facility Management Storeman - Eastern Treatment Plant
Nominated by Conrad Tulloch, Operational Process Safety Lead - Eastern Treatment Plant
Note from Conrad is as follows:
"Dear Mark,
I wanted to take a moment to recognize and congratulate you on the outstanding improvements you’ve made to chemical management within the maintenance area. Your efforts have delivered real benefits, including:
Removing chemicals that were no longer in use, reducing unnecessary risk and improving storage areas.
Enhancing housekeeping standards, creating a safer and more organized work environment.
Updating ChemAlert records, ensuring accurate information and compliance with our chemical management requirements.
These actions demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance. Thank you for your proactive approach and for setting a strong example for chemical handling and management.
Keep up the great work!
Best regards,
Conrad Tulloch
Operational Process Safety Lead”
Originally Conrad wanted to award Mark for his outstanding work via a Melbourne Water accolade, however this cannot be awarded to a PFM employee under their Melbourne Water system.
As this is a valuable recognition coming direct from the client, I have offered to submit on Conrad's behalf.
I would also like to add the following:
Mark is an outstanding member of the PFM family. He is unwavering in his commitment to his role and the teams from both PFM and Melbourne Water.
Mark consistently demonstrates Personal Safety Leadership in every action he takes, whether it be to help comply with Melbourne Water's Major Hazard Facility requirements or just ensuring that everyone from technicians to subcontractors and vendors also comply with regulations and site requirements. He reports hazards promptly and acts on rectification and mitigation immediately - every job every time.
Mark is highly devoted and has recently been voted in by PFM peers as a HSR representing a very busy and very large store at the Eastern Treatment Plan, with genuine care for mental and physical health at every corner.
For the client of the biggest and most complex site on the Melbourne Water contract to highlight his achievements and ongoing customer care and detailed attention to safety and compliance, I cannot imagine a more eligible candidate for this much deserved award.
This site could not operate safely or smoothly without his professional input and outstanding efforts.
It is very much deserved and a great demonstration of uplifting culture between PFM and our clients."
Ricky Flynn
Operations Supervisor - Warrnambool
Nominated by Robert La Torre, Contract Executive - Housing
"I would like to nominate Ricky Flynn for the Difference Award in recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to our customer – Homes Victoria in Warrnambool. Ricky is an expert in his field and often works with limited back-up yet consistently delivers exceptional results.
While on maternity leave, Ricky received a 2am weekend call about an emergency at a home for disadvantaged children that had been vandalized and damaged. The damage was so severe that the children had to be relocated, and the police attended the site. Despite being on leave, Ricky immediately went to the property, coordinated our trades, and organised an urgent clean-up and restoration plan.
Thanks to his leadership and quick action, the home was made safe and ready for the children to return just in time, particularly important given that temporary accommodation was only available for a short period. The client expressed deep appreciation for Ricky’s responsiveness, professionalism and care.
At a time when we are going through a tender process, Ricky’s actions demonstrated the high standard of service and reliability that define our organisation.
His dedication truly made a difference when it mattered most."
Emma Burns
Team Leader
Nominated by Dylan McKie, Contract Manager
"I would like to nominate Emma for a Difference Award in recognition of her outstanding and selfless efforts in bringing Christmas cheer to the office. Through her initiative and exceptional organisation, Emma has created a warm, inclusive, and festive environment that has greatly lifted team morale.
Her efforts go well beyond her role, and without her dedication the office would have lacked the true spirit of Christmas. Emma’s contribution has a meaningful positive impact on workplace culture and is a clear example of making a genuine difference."
Another big shoutout to our runners-up
Congratulations also to our runner-up nominees:
About the Programmed Difference Awards
The Awards support the values that unite us and provide a set of common guiding principles that help instill a sense of pride throughout our business, including Personal Safety Leadership, Care & Empathy, Customer Service, and Diversity, Inclusion & Equality.
Nominations are judged quarterly by the Head of HR & Corporate Services and Heads of Divisions, with selected nominees receiving a $200 gift card.
If you know a team member who has gone above and beyond in demonstrating our Programmed values, you can nominate them for a Programmed Difference Award by clicking below.