Testimonials

For over 20 years, we have worked with clinicians to improve their skills in managing compensable patients and improving return to work outcomes. Central to the development of our training has been an understanding of the scientific literature. Venerina Johnston is a leading researcher and project manager in this field. We have regularly attended conferences where she been either a keynote speaker or an organiser. She has led major preventative programs in the work environment to minimise injury and improve well-being. Her published articles have been incorporated into our thinking and we have often consulted her for advice.

Venerina is a solid, systematic researcher. She has years of experience and a profound depth of knowledge and in this area. She is a good listener and takes time to fully comprehend the questions she is asked. She is a good collaborator, able to communicate with both academic and non-academic individuals to solve problems for patients, clinicians and employers. I have no hesitation in recommending Venerina as a thought leader in the field of compensation and return to work.

Donna and her team have been an integral component of our risk reduction, pre-employment, injury management, rehabilitation and return to work and risk management activities for over 4 years. During this time we enjoyed a collaborative working relationship with her and her team which has dramatically decreased our injury rates and increased our return to work time by:  1. Risk Reduction Programs; 2. Enhanced focus on job demands during the hiring phase;  3. Monitoring safety compliance by ensuring a risk management approach for all roles; 4. Proactively managing return to work programs.

Donna and her team do more than just work with us …. They have become a part of the way we do business. They consistently provide the right advice, even when we don’t realise we need it.

Teys Australia has been in the Australian Meat Industry since 1946. We made a strong commitment of further reducing workplace injuries by almost half over the next 3 years, (15% reduction each year). As part of our strategy we engaged Donna Valiant and her as a local and national consultant with the primary focus on injury prevention strategies. All while working closely with our national and site based Teys personnel Donna’s knowledge and experience, has made the experience of consulting with them a truly pleasant and informative journey. With their assistance we have surpassed our targets and managed to reduce our injuries by 70%.

I was incredibly fortunate to have Donna Valiant as my mentor and manager when changing my career focus to occupational health and injury prevention.  Donna is empathetic and passionate and is curious in her approach to her work which is both engaging and inspiring.  I admire her ability to be brave, determined, and unflappable in difficult situations to stay on task and produce evidence-based recommendations for all parties to consider. I am grateful for how Donna was able to draw upon my personal strengths, provide the networks and learning environments to advance my career that was both professional and supportive.