IEU member Maree McLean wins Worksafe award

Maree McLean (Worksafe)

IEU member Maree McLean has been named joint winner of the 2025 Worksafe Return to Work Achievement Award.

After 35 years at St Mary’s Primary School, Swan Hill, Business Manager Maree sustained a mental injury and was initially unable to get out of bed. With psychological treatment, support from her employer, and her own determination, she returned to full-time work after 12 months.

“There shouldn’t be a stigma attached to these things,” Maree said. “It’s okay that I wasn’t okay.”

St Mary’s Principal Kate Quin credited Maree’s recovery to her positive approach and perseverance.

“Maree followed every piece of advice from health professionals to achieve a sustainable return to work, and she continues to make a remarkable contribution to the school,” Ms Quin said.

The awards recognise workers’ commitment to improving workplace health and safety or their determination to return to work following an injury.

WorkSafe Chief Executive Officer Cathy Henderson praised the finalists for their innovative and proactive approaches.

“It’s inspiring to hear stories of resilience from those who have returned to work after injury and to see the meaningful contribution of those dedicated to protecting the health and safety of their colleagues across Victoria,” she said.

Acknowledging the experiences of those with psychological injuries is essential because work-related mental health conditions—such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder—can be as disabling as physical injuries and may entitle workers to compensation and support.

Under Australian workers’ compensation schemes, including Victorian WorkCover, eligible workers can receive medical treatment payments and income support if work was a significant contributing factor. This ensures access to treatment and financial support during recovery, reducing both personal and economic impacts.

Safe Work Australia notes, “Work-related psychological injuries are a major concern for Australian workplaces. Generally, workers with psychological injuries have more time off work. These injuries can also be more complex than physical injuries because personal circumstances or stressful life events may contribute to the injury.”

Normalising discussions about psychological injuries helps remove stigma, encourages early help-seeking, and supports accurate recognition and reporting of work-related mental health harm.

Maree’s courage and determination demonstrate that recovery and a return to work are possible for workers facing debilitating conditions.