Sarah Cope's legacy is the Caring for Older People Excellence (COPE) Award
Dr Sarah Cope was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Canberra for just over two years before her life was tragically cut short by cancer.
A vibrant woman, admired by those around her, she was a champion for the vulnerable with a particular passion for improving ageing and dementia care.
A callistemon tree planted in October 2019 stands as a living reminder of her bright spirit, passion and boundless energy.
Sarah was immensely proud to be a member of the UC nursing team, she taught in the area of mental health and her research specialised in caring for older people. Sarah dedicated her career in nursing to enhancing the care of older people in our society, notably through her work as Dementia Practice Lead at Uniting.
During her short time at UC, Sarah made an enormous impact on staff and students, not only within the nursing but across the wider team. Her passion for teaching touched the hearts and minds of students and this continues to inspire nursing students.
Sarah will long be remembered for her whirlwind energy, sense of humour and infectious laugh. She was a lover of hot rod cars, horse riding, vintage fashion, Doc Marten boots, tattoos, family, and her husband, Ian. Her signature colour was bright red and her colleagues often wear red in her remembrance.
In legacy to Sarah, the Caring for Older People Excellence (COPE) Award was created and is presented every year during the Annual COPE Memorial Lecture. The award recognises an undergraduate nursing student who demonstrates enthusiasm for providing evidence-informed individualised care with older people.
The fund will also support the Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNC's) program to support early-career nurses developing a career working with older people. The GNC's are a shared program with the University of Wollongong and are supported by the ACT Chief Nurse.
Improving care for older people is a challenge not solved overnight, and it is a quest that has been ongoing for a while. It is going to take many minds, hearts and an incredible amount of persistence, but that challenge is exactly what makes the work and journey so meaningful.”
Becky Pillidge | 2025 COPE Award recipient
I find working with older people incredibly rewarding for two reasons – I love how the clinical aspect is really challenging and really complex, as the people you're caring for often have multiple chronic health conditions. I also think this area of nursing is fun, as you get to know people who have lived incredible lives and you can learn so much from their wisdom and life experience.
Elliot Downes | 2024 COPE Award recipient
Right now, working with older people in a home care setting – to support them and their loved ones – is deeply rewarding, and I enjoy knowing that I can help support them to remain in the home environment longer with the friends, family and support networks they depend on to feel at home and safe.
Mary-Kate Adhikari | 2023 COPE Award recipient
I was over the moon to be recognised by my peers and teachers and to be acknowledged for the work that I've been trying to do towards aged care. We need to ensure care is person-centred — valuing the person for who they are and respecting their goals and wishes.
Nerissa Askelin | 2022 COPE Award recipient
I'm very proud to have this connection with Sarah, even though I wasn’t fortunate enough to work with her. If I can come anywhere close to being the nurse she was, I would be very, very happy.
Lachlan Stewart | 2021 COPE Award recipient
It is such an honour to win the COPE award for 2020. I feel so proud to share in Dr Sarah Cope's enthusiasm, passion and excellence in caring for older people.
Jana Pavlich | 2020 COPE Award recipient
Resources
- Sarah's thesis
- Sarah presenting on the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
- Sarah's lecture on dementia and dementia care
- Australian Journal of Dementia Care article: The power of collective action
- Story about the first ever COPE Award recipient – the amazing Jess Turner
- Canberra Times article: Sarah's fierce legacy lives on
- UnCover article: Tribute to a Life Driven By Love
- Channel 9 News Canberra coverage
- Win News Canberra coverage
- UC News article: Nursing student Lachlan Stewart wins UC's 2021 Caring for Older People Excellence award
- UC News article: 2022 Sarah Cope Award and lecture: UC student transforming care of the elderly
UC acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.