QUEENSLAND

Queensland Community Achievement Awards

2024 Winners

All Winners on stage

 

Awards Australia Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Award

Cycling Without Age Gold Coast of Paradise Point is helping combat loneliness and social isolation. Cycling Without Age is an initiative providing free rides to over 700 seniors and people with disabilities each month, using adaptive trishaws. This all-volunteer organisation fosters connections between generations—from 14-year-old pilots to centenarians. With 11 trishaws, they’re the largest chapter in Australia, celebrating diversity and community engagement. Volunteers experience profound joy and fulfillment. The initiative has significantly improved the well-being of participants, enhancing mood and social interaction. By breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion, they have become a beloved source of community pride and resilience, showing that everyone deserves the freedom to connect.

Winner Cycling Without Age Gold Coast and Prince Lo Winner Diversity and Inclusion 2024 Young Achievers Awards (second from the right)

 

Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award

Rally For A Cause Ltd of Torquay is committed to providing much-needed vital support. Rally For A Cause is a community-driven charity that provides support to families and individuals on the Fraser and Sunshine Coasts affected by serious medical conditions or unexpected tragedies. Since 2015, the charity has raised over $3.5 million, benefiting more than 300 recipients with financial aid and practical assistance. Their flagship fundraiser, the annual Dunga Derby, brings together 400 participants for a four-day rally adventure, with all proceeds staying in the local communities. Rally For A Cause also leads Angel Families, a support group for those grieving the loss of a child under 21.

Winner Rally For A Cause Ltd and Kate Wakeling, CEO & Executive Director, Community Bank Logan & Helensvale (third from the left)

 

Konica Minolta Customer Service Award

City Farm Nursery of Windsor is promoting sustainability through organic and permaculture practices. Since 1994, City Farm has provided Brisbane residents with eco-friendly gardening solutions, including unique seedlings, plants, and sustainable products. The team offers personalised expert advice, helping customers create thriving home gardens. City Farm Nursery is actively involved in Brisbane City Council's Free Native Plant Program, distributing thousands of plants each year. They also foster community engagement by offering volunteer opportunities, workshops, and collaboration with First Nations people to integrate cultural knowledge. They provide ongoing support to customers, environmental education, and partnerships that strengthen local sustainability efforts, benefiting both individuals and the wider community.

Winner City Farm Nursery (center & right) and Brian Wood, General Manager Indirect, Konica Minolta (left)

 

QLD Family and Child Commission Dedicated to Supporting Young Queenslanders Award

Formally Ever After - Tammy Robinson of Beenleigh is ensuring no student misses out on their milestone events like Year 12 formals. Formally Ever After has transformed the lives of over 6,000 young Queenslanders by providing donated formal wear and ticket support. The program operates across Logan, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and remote areas, empowering students from disadvantaged backgrounds to feel confident, proud, and included. Tammy’s work extends to Indigenous communities, where she’s helped launch formal programs, and she partners with various organisations to support youth with disabilities, court attire, and graduation wear. Through their efforts, Tammy and her team have created a lasting impact, offering hope, inclusion, and kindness.

Winner Formally Ever After - Tammy Robinson (left) and Luke Twyford, Chief Executive & Principal Commissioner, Queensland Family & Child Commission (right)

 

Quota Beenleigh Leadership Award

Mark Forbes of Montville has dedicated the past eight years to reshaping the treatment of eating disorders. Frustrated by inadequate options, Mark established Wandi Nerida, the country’s first residential facility, and the endED House of Hope for day programs, employing lived experience recovery coaches to support clients. Mark also created the Nurture Festival to promote youth mental health. He is currently developing a Tiny Home Village to offer temporary housing for individuals escaping domestic violence or seeking eating disorder support. His inclusive leadership style emphasises community connection and compassion, inspiring others to advocate for change. Mark's achievements provide critical resources for families navigating these challenges.

Winner Mark Forbes (left) and Margaret George – Assistant Eisteddfod Co-ordinator, Treasurer – Quota Beenleigh (right)

 

Royal on the Park Local Legend Award

Jessica Stone of Wavell Heights is a passionate advocate for youth and First Nations rights in Brisbane. At just 18, Jess is Youth Member for Nudgee in Queensland Youth Parliament. She’s drafting a vital Bill aimed at the repatriation of First Nations ancestral remains, fostering reconciliation and cultural respect. Beyond parliamentary work, Jess volunteers at the Cystic Fibrosis Bookshop and the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre, where she engages families in environmental conservation. Jess also serves on the Bravehearts Youth Advisory Council to improve child protection policies. Jess’s dedication to her community, her leadership roles, and her journey reflect resilience and a commitment to making a difference.

Winner Jessica Stone (left) and Jan Schutt, General Manager, Royal on The Park (right)

 

Special Event Presentations Sports in the Community Award

Ipswich Force Basketball Club of Booval is dedicated to inclusivity and growth. For over 60 years, Ipswich Basketball Association (IBA) has been emphasising inclusivity and resilience through basketball in the Ipswich community. With more than 2,700 active members, IBA fosters a family-oriented environment where everyone feels valued. Their programs cater to all, including youth initiatives and support for individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone can participate in sports. IBA hosts charity events, school competitions, and community engagement activities, reinforcing their commitment to local causes. The association is actively working on a multi-purpose indoor sports facility which will enhance opportunities for athletes and the broader community.

Winner Ipswich Force Basketball Club (center & right) and Paul Hopwood, Managing Director, Special Event Presentations (left)

 

Synaco by Synergie Safety Award

Civic Assist of Kearneys Spring is committed to safety and support. Civic Assist is a charity focused on empowering the community through initiatives like the Youth Street Crew and Safe Night Precinct. For over 17 years, they’ve supported young people aged 12-24, helping them navigate stress and anxiety, while also offering practical assistance to families facing challenges such as homelessness and domestic violence. In FY2024, Civic Assist’s achievements include 20,240 bottles of water distributed, over 5,500 meaningful interactions, and 735 interventions during late-night operations. They foster a positive environment in the Toowoomba community, demonstrating that everyone can play a role in creating a better tomorrow.

Winner Civic Assist and Rino Caprioli, National Safety Manager, Synaco Global (second from the right)

 

The Career College Small Business Award

Trusted Aged Care Services of Burleigh Town is committed providing tailored financial advice for families. Amanda Cassar, the driving force behind Trusted Aged Care Services, has dedicated her career to empowering families navigating Australia’s complex aged care system. With a strong background in financial services, Amanda rebranded her practice and launched this subsidiary in 2016. Her innovative strategies include comprehensive consultations, digital solutions, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about financial abuse. Through her podcast and speaking engagements, she advocates for ethical standards while enhancing financial literacy. Her efforts have transformed lives, ensuring elderly clients receive compassionate, informed guidance during challenging times, all while fostering a positive reputation.

Winner Trusted Aged Care Services (left & right) and Annette Hurley, Managing Director, The Career College (center)

 

People's Choice Award

Formally Ever After - Tammy Robinson of Beenleigh is ensuring no student misses out on their milestone events like Year 12 formals. Formally Ever After has transformed the lives of over 6,000 young Queenslanders by providing donated formal wear and ticket support. The program operates across Logan, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and remote areas, empowering students from disadvantaged backgrounds to feel confident, proud, and included. Tammy’s work extends to Indigenous communities, where she’s helped launch formal programs, and she partners with various organisations to support youth with disabilities, court attire, and graduation wear. Through their efforts, Tammy and her team have created a lasting impact, offering hope, inclusion, and kindness.

Winner Formally Ever After - Tammy Robinson (right)and Jan Schutt, General Manager, Royal on The Park (left)