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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 celebrate our worthy winners in October 2026!
Our latest Programmed Difference Award winners
Trevor Woff
Maintenance Level 2, Property Services
Nominated by Troy Murray, Project Manager
"Trevor went above and beyond by delivering a homemade meal and activity packs to his coworker, Tom Miller, while Tom was away caring for his partner and their two young children. His partner had been involved in a serious accident that required surgery, making it an incredibly difficult time for the family. Trevor's thoughtful gesture provided practical support and showed genuine care and compassion when it was needed most."
Sam Pohiva
Regional Manager, Facility Management
Nominated by Lesley Gerrard, Contract Manager
"On his way to a Chorus site, Sam Pohiva noticed a young child, approximately two years old, standing alone on the road sweeping it. Sam safely pulled over, activated his hazard lights, and quickly moved the child to safety before locating the nearby property and reuniting him with his relieved mother.
What makes this story even more remarkable is that Sam had just completed a U-turn after parking his vehicle for a call on his car phone. As a matter of personal safety, Sam chooses to park so he can drives forward. Had he reversed from his original parking position, there is a real possibility he may not have seen the child who had wandered onto the road behind the car.
Demonstrating the same care and community spirit, Sam is returning this evening to fix the families fence from which the child escaped to help prevent a similar situation occurring again.
Our Chorus client has commented "it’s certainly a great example of ‘doing what’s right’ but most importantly for being a great person. You should definitely be proud of the way Sam represented himself and Programmed."
Jean Pierre Naggiar
Handyperson, Facility Management
Nominated by Sharron Bright, Contract Manager
"Jean Pierre (JP) one of the General Technician specialists working on the Melbourne Airport Contract recently demonstrated exceptional commitment to customer service when responding to a work order involving a lost toy.
JP was advised that a Dino plush comforter had reportedly been thrown onto the top of the Terminal 4 glass doors. An EWP was arranged to thoroughly check the glass doors and surrounding area; however, despite an extensive search, the plush toy could not be found.
Rather than admit defeat, JP took the initiative to contact Lost & Found, where he discovered the comforter had already been handed in. After obtaining the passenger's details and confirming the items information he proceeded to the Terminal 2 Information desk to collect it on the passenger's behalf.
Upon arrival, JP encountered several challengers. He was repeatedly asked to verify the toy's description, provide passenger details and confirm his authority to collect the item. As the passenger's departure time drew closer, JP contacted the Integrated Operations Centre for further assistance. Following multiple discussions between IOC, the information Desk and management teams, approval was eventually granted for the comforter to be released.
By this stage, the passenger's flight had already boarded and was only minutes from departure. JP immediately contacted the passenger, confirmed their flight details, and advised that he would personally deliver the comforter to the aircraft.
With the support of IOC and Virgin Australis staff, arrangements were made to hold the aircraft while JP ran from the information desk in terminal 2 to the departure gate. He reached the aircraft before departure and successfully reunited the passenger with the toy.
The passenger was extremely grateful, explaining that the comforter belonged to his son and had been his constant companion since birth. Returning it to him meant a great deal to the family.
JP's outstanding initiative, determination, customer focus and collaboration with multiple airport stakeholders resulted in an exceptional customer outcome. His commitment to finding a solution, combined with his genuine care and empathy exemplifies Programmed's Values of Customer Service, and Care and Empathy, and demonstrates what it truly means to go above and beyond for our customers."
Joel Bistricki and Ambrose Bebbington
Plumber and Apprentice Plumber, Facility Management
Nominated by Sharron Bright, Contract Manager
"We were advised by our client at APAM of the following compliment. Both workers have been nominated by the client for their "stepping forward program" due to their response and actions.
Tonight, on 20 August, Joel Bisticki and Ambrose Bebbington observed an altercation between a male and female and immediately intervened to ensure the female's safety.
Demonstrating excellent situational awareness, they remained with the female, followed the couple, and promptly contacted the IOC to request security assistance.
Joel and Ambrose stayed on scene until security officers arrived, to ensure their wasn't any other altercation between the couple.
Their vigilance, quick thinking, and decisive actions contributed to a positive outcome. With the assistance of the AFP, the female was safely escorted through the airport and assisted onto her flight, providing reassurance during a distressing situation. Their proactive response helped ensure the passenger felt safe, supported, and cared for when she needed it most."
Stewart Fraser
Maintenance Supervisor, Facility Management
Nominated by Lincoln Kurucz, Manager, Property Operation
"Stewart deserves recognition for his exceptional response to the recent fire event in Karratha - the incident occurred on a weekend after 10:00 pm and resulted in the entire house being destroyed.
In a small regional community like Karratha, word travels quickly. Stewart became aware of the incident before formal notification had been received from the National Service Centre and immediately attended the property rather than waiting for the formal notification process.
Stewart’s first priority was the safety and wellbeing of the affected family. He efficiently arranged temporary accommodation, ensuring the residents had somewhere safe to stay that night during an incredibly distressing and uncertain situation. His willingness to step up late at night, outside working hours, demonstrated genuine compassion, initiative and commitment to the local community.
His calm and caring response made a meaningful difference to the family when they had just lost their home. Thankyou Stew!"
Another big shoutout to our runners-up
Congratulations also to our runner-up nominees:
- Terie Thompson - Trainer Assessor
- Nat Parrish - Plumber
- Courtney Pearce - Training & Compliance Specialist
- Abdul Obaid - Nat Manager, Project Delivery
- Michelle Joseph - Administration & Claims Officer
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.
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