Clare Calo doesn’t see herself as extraordinary - but her patients and colleagues would beg to differ. The Queanbeyan-based physiotherapist was named the recipient of this year’s Care and Kindness Award at Southern's 2025 Excellence Awards, recognising her compassionate and person-centred approach to care.
“I don’t think I do anything particularly exceptional,” Clare says. “I just go out of my way to look out for people’s best interests and really advocate on their behalf. It’s about finding out what they need, what they want me to do for them, and making sure they feel safe and well protected in our health service.”
Clare’s kindness was brought into focus through a heartfelt message from a patient - a mother navigating her baby’s first year. The message read:
“Thank you for the amazing support you were throughout her first year, for both her and myself. You were such a reliable person in a pretty wild time for me, and it was so valuable to know you were just an email away… I’ll be forever grateful.”
It was this feedback that inspired Hilary Keighly, Head of Department for Physiotherapy – Inland South, to nominate Clare for the award.
“Clare has received many compliments from her patients regarding her care and kindness,” Hilary said.
“She is very considerate of her team and is kind and compassionate towards staff and clients alike.
“She is the ideal person to assist paediatrics and women having difficulty. She has a sensitive and gentle personality.”
Clare graduated from the Bachelor of Physiotherapy program at Charles Sturt University in 2020, and has completed additional training in Paediatrics and Women’s Health to help her in her role at the Queanbeyan Physiotherapy department, which supports a busy maternity unit and a growing population. She’s also preparing to assist with the Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI) clinic at Queanbeyan Hospital.
“In allied health, and especially physio, we’re in a really privileged position where we can help people make meaningful changes in a short time,” Clare says. “I love that it’s so client-focused. I get to spend time with people, talk to them, and really help them work towards their goals.”
While delivering clinical outcomes is key, Clare believes the real foundation of care lies in communication.
“If you can’t talk to people, you can’t work in health,” she says. “It’s how people trust you, how they engage with their own care. It’s everything.”
Congratulations to Clare - our 2025 Care and Kindness Award winner - whose warmth and quiet leadership are making a lasting difference for families.