TASMANIA

Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards

Check out the 2025 Finalist announcement:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BeFfYtGDi

View each of the 2025 Finalists' profiles below;

Active Tasmania Award
Huon Valley PCYC of Huonville is dedicated to strengthening community wellbeing. Huon Valley PCYC is an entirely self-funded organisation that is providing safe, inclusive and affordable opportunities for physical activity and connection. Their programs respond directly to local needs, engaging over 600 young people and supporting vulnerable community members. Their initiatives include PCYC Power Force, a free mentoring and fitness program; Operation Resilience, which builds teamwork and confidence through obstacle challenges, and they have many partnerships with local sporting clubs and organisations. Their facility upgrades, including new competition basketball hoops and accessible change facilities, remove participation barriers. Huon Valley PCYC grows through partnerships, grants and community backing.

Launceston Triathlon Club of Launceston is promoting multisport and healthy lifestyles across northern Tasmania. Founded in 1987, the Launceston Triathlon Club (LTC) is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation with over 100 members ranging from juniors to super veterans. They run a race calendar that includes the Bridport Triathlon, which attracts competitors statewide and interstate. LTC’s inclusive programs include swim squads, junior development pathways, women’s health sessions, and holistic clinics on nutrition and wellbeing. Their initiatives have achieved remarkable growth, with race entries increasing by 230% in 2024–25 and females now representing over half the membership. Through grants and partnerships LTC is building community connection and resilience.

Reclink Tasmania of New Town delivers lasting impact and stronger, more inclusive communities. Reclink Tasmania is creating opportunities for disadvantaged Tasmanians through free, inclusive sport, arts and recreation programs. They partner with over 90 organisations and deliver over 35 unique activities, ranging from inter-school tournaments and disability-inclusive programs to CALD and Aboriginal initiatives. Their Community Sports Series engages almost 2,000 high school students annually, with scholarships connecting participants to local clubs. Their all-abilities programs offer over 100 inclusive opportunities each year, while partnerships with councils, schools and sporting bodies expand access to swimming, gym, and outdoor activities. Despite limited staff, they continuously build strong partnerships.

Seishin Martial Arts of Hobart is transforming adaptive sport, with its pioneering approach to adaptive judo. Founded in 2020, the club has become Australia’s largest adaptive judo team, welcoming individuals of all abilities. With 75 members—over three-quarters of whom live with disabilities—Seishin fosters a space of inclusion and support. The club is also a leader in women’s participation, establishing Tasmania’s largest female judo team. Seishin’s advocacy has resulted in the creation of the Tasmania Adaptive Judo Team and adaptive competition divisions. Nationally and internationally recognized, Seishin continues to break barriers, living by their motto: "The fighting spirit has no limits."

Blueline Empowerment through Diversity and Inclusion Award
Grace Chia of Claremont is reshaping Tasmania’s music landscape through diversity, empowerment and inclusion. The founder of CHIA Studios, Grace has produced over 30 inclusive events, created safe spaces for women and gender-diverse artists, and mentored emerging talents, migrants and at-risk youth. Her programs at community houses, youth justice centres and the Migrant Resource Centre build confidence, creativity and resilience, while her grassroots events provide platforms for underrepresented voices. Grace is a community activist. Her music, informed by her lived experience as a woman of colour, amplifies social issues and inspires change. She has performed at DARK MOFO, Party in the Paddock and global fundraisers.

Samantha Sayers of New Norfolk is driven by her belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, included, and valued. Samantha is the founder and President of It’s Our Community – Pantry Inc., a grassroots organisation providing food relief, connection, and opportunity to hundreds of people each week. Determined to create more than a pantry, Samantha built a welcoming, stigma-free space where dignity and inclusion are central. She also launched the Mobile Pantry, delivering vital support to residents who are isolated or transport-disadvantaged. Under her leadership, volunteers from diverse backgrounds have regained confidence, skills, and purpose. Samantha has turned a small local initiative into a trusted community lifeline

Santosh Adhikari of Riverside is strengthening diversity, leadership, and social cohesion across Tasmania. As founding President of the Nepali Society of Northern Tasmania (NSNT), he helped establish its CBD office and secure over $75,000 in grants for programs in cultural preservation, research, and community awareness. His initiatives include Bhashalaya, a language and cultural school engaging 300+ students across three generations, and community consultation research projects influencing state and federal policy. Santosh has also fostered sporting clubs and different migrant stakeholders, building trust and promoting strength of diversity. During his tenure, NSNT received the MCOT’s 2020 Society Award (North) and is a national award semi-finalist.

Second Echo Ensemble of Hobart is a nationally recognised contemporary arts organisation. For twenty years, SEE has created bold, diverse performances and programs that champion radical equity and challenge perceptions of ability. With a team of over 30 artists and staff, SEE develops original works across dance, theatre, music, film, and visual art exhibitions and installations. Central to SEE’s impact is the innovative Pathways to Work program, pioneering sustainable professional employment for artists and support workers. Collaborating locally, nationally, and internationally, SEE ensures Tasmanian voices are represented on global stages. Every story counts - SEE transforms communities through creativity, diversity, and connection.

CareSuper Caring for the Community Award
Kingborough Community Missions of Blackmans Bay is ensuring dignity and support for people in need. Peter and Patricia Harvey have led Kingborough Community Missions for nearly nine years, providing vital food aid to families and individuals across Southern Tasmania. Partnering with neighbourhood houses, food relief organisations, and shelters, the initiative distributes around 14,000 nutritious meals and 350 hampers each year through 17 outlets, reaching communities from Kingborough to the Tasman Peninsula. They often personally deliver meals to those too anxious or ashamed to ask for help. In 2024, they were named Kingborough Community Group of the Year in recognition of their outstanding contribution to community wellbeing.

Lions Club of King Island embodies service and care. In response to the worst drought in living memory, the King Island Lions Club launched a comprehensive Drought Relief Project in 2024. Their efforts included distributing fodder, molasses, and care packages, hosting social events, providing suicide prevention training, and ensuring local businesses were assisted. More than 1,500 islanders were engaged through initiatives such as “Hay Day” and “Coffee Connections”. This helped feed livestock and families and reduced social isolation, improved mental health, and strengthened community resilience. They were recognised with the 2024 Lions Kindness Matters Service Award and 2025 King Island Community Group of the Year.

Punjabi Society Tasmania is fostering pride, cultural connection, and cross-cultural understanding. Established in 2024, the Punjabi Society Tasmania provides a secular, inclusive platform that celebrates Punjabi culture while addressing the challenges faced by migrants and international students. Their events include Vaisakhi and Punjabi Sports Day, weekly folk dance classes, and participation in the Hobart Christmas Pageant. They have led compassionate responses during crises, including the Howrah house fire and the tragic loss of a young community member. They advocate for community wellbeing, from tackling racial discrimination to promoting employment pathways, youth development, and mental health. They’ve been recognized with the Lord Mayor Award.

Tassie Mums is committed to creating a healthier, stronger, and more connected Tasmanian community. Now in its 10th year, Tassie Mums provides essential assistance to vulnerable and at-risk Tasmanian children from birth to 16 years. Partnering with more than 100 organisations and 451 caseworkers, their small team of staff and 84 volunteers has assisted over 10,000 children with clothing, cots, car seats, toiletries, prams, and toys. In 2024/25 alone, they supported 2,785 children and diverted over 160,000 items of clothing from landfill. Their Coats for Kids campaign has supplied over 2,000 warm coats in two years.

EPA Sustainability Award (Community)
Devonport Repair Café of East Devonport connects people, builds resilience, and champions Tasmania’s circular economy. Devonport Repair Café is a volunteer-driven initiative that’s transforming waste reduction into a community movement. Since 2022, it has repaired over 800 household items, preventing three tonnes of material entering landfill, saving locals an estimated $32,000, and avoiding around seven tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Operating fortnightly at the Farmers Market, the café restores electronics, tools, bikes, appliances, and clothing while fostering intergenerational skill-sharing and peer-to-peer training. With an 80% repair success rate, it offers practical, low-cost alternatives to replacement and diverts hazardous e-waste. They are aided by donations and council micro-grants.

George Town Neighbourhood House Inc celebrates generosity and connection. They lead The Great Giveaway, a monthly initiative that redistributes thousands of donated goods like clothing, toys, household items, and more free of charge to the community. The project significantly contributes to environmental sustainability while also easing financial stress for families and individuals. It fosters dignity, inclusivity, and connection by allowing participants to take what they need without judgement, while inspiring creativity and upcycling. Supported by volunteers and community partnerships, the program strengthens local resilience, builds pride, and promotes environmental awareness. The simple, sustainable mode has become a well-loved event that reduces waste and supports households.

Nipaluna Nursery of New Town is committed to restoring Tasmania’s biodiversity and building climate resilience. Established in 2021, Nipaluna Nursery is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organisation that has propagated and distributed over 50,000 native plants. Its work enhances soil stability, water retention, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. The Nursery also creates social impact through an inclusive community of 100+ members, hands-on education programs with schools, and cultural collaborations with Aboriginal leaders. Its international reach includes supporting the Cook Islands with planting resources and grant sponsorship. Through workshops, partnerships, and innovation, Nipaluna Nursery demonstrates how grassroots action can heal landscapes, strengthen communities, and reconnect people with Country.

OzHarvest Tasmania of Launceston is building an inclusive and food-secure future. Launched in 2024, OzHarvest addresses food insecurity and food waste by rescuing quality surplus food from businesses and redistributing it to charities, schools, and community organisations. In its first ten months, the team rescued over 180,000 kilograms of food, while preventing 247,000 kilograms of emissions from landfill. With a proven $12.27 social return on every $1 invested, the initiative delivers measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits. OzHarvest also empowers long-term change through programs like NEST, FEAST (already in 90 schools), and the upcoming Nourish hospitality training for young people facing barriers.

EPA Sustainability Award (Industry)
Ashgrove Cheese of Elizabeth Town advocates for sustainable dairy production. This family-owned Tasmanian dairy manufacturer is pioneering climate-smart farming with its world-first Eco Milk initiative. In partnership with agri-tech innovator Sea Forest, Ashgrove Farms introduced a native seaweed feed that reduces methane emissions from cows by around 25%, verified without compromising animal welfare or milk quality. Branded as Eco Milk and recognised nationally and internationally, the product brings climate action directly to consumers, offering a practical way to reduce environmental impact through everyday choices. The initiative strengthens Tasmania’s clean-tech economy, supports local jobs, and shows family businesses can drive innovation.

Leap Farm of Copping promotes regenerative agriculture. Founded in 2012 by Kate and Iain Field, Leap Farm has transformed 108 hectares of marginal land into a thriving goat dairy and cattle enterprise. They produce Tongola cheeses and grass-fed beef while achieving climate-positive status and sequestering over 600 tonnes of carbon and offsetting emissions equivalent to 60 households annually. Their practices include rotational grazing, 100% year-round pasture cover, tree planting, renewable energy use, and protecting native biodiversity, which has seen the return of platypus, quolls, and echidnas. They also reduce waste through a skincare line from whey and actively share knowledge via podcasts, workshops, and field days.

Mornington Park Development Pty Ltd of Mornington is a model for sustainable waste management. MPD has the vision of sustainable futures through resource recovery and is advancing this through its Hydrowater and Soil Treatment Facilities. These purpose-built systems transform complex waste streams, including hydrovac slurry and acid sulphate soils, into safe, reusable products, significantly reducing landfill reliance. In 2023 alone, MPD treated and diverted over 13,500 tonnes of waste, while maintaining full compliance with environmental standards and zero breach history. Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, the company combines rigorous testing, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative processes such as lime neutralisation, bioremediation, and plasterboard reuse. MPD delivers economic savings while building community confidence.

Scorpion Pest Management of Glenorchy demonstrates that pest control can be both effective and environmentally responsible. Scorpion Pest Management is a local business known for its Keen to Get Green initiative. By prioritising eco-friendly methods such as Integrated Pest Management, water-based products, and non-anticoagulant baits, the company has cut chemical use by 87.5%, protecting wildlife and biodiversity. Its sustainability measures include solar power, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, and digital reporting, reducing emissions by five tonnes annually and saving an estimated 70 trees in five years. Scorpion supports community wellbeing through education programs, DIY kits, and sponsorships. They’ve been recognised with the AEPMA Sustainability Award.

Fonterra Agriculture Award
Arbre Forest Industries Training and Careers Hub of Invermay is addressing Tasmania’s forestry skills shortage by preparing the next generation of workers. Arbre is a not-for-profit initiative established in 2016. It delivers hands-on programs including school forestry experiences, cadetships, pre-employment training, and simulator-based learning. To date, it has partnered with 22 schools, 30 employers and over 160 school visits, engaging more than 120 students in work experience, supporting 30 cadets, and delivering 23 pre-employment programs. Its initiatives provide clear career pathways for school leavers, career changers, and upskilling workers, while strengthening regional employment and industry sustainability. Recognised as a trusted, forward-looking partner, Arbre continues to connect education and industry.

Ardent Seeds of Oaks is mentoring the next generation and strengthening agriculture for the future. Ardent Seeds is a family-owned, vertically integrated Tasmanian seed business with more than 30 years of experience. Led by fifth-generation farmer Rob and Jane, the business is renowned for its innovation, integrity, and leadership in regenerative agriculture. They provide customised seed solutions to farmers, advancing soil health, productivity, and sustainability. Ardent Seeds has played a pivotal role in developing seed storage, drying, and processing capacity, establishing the Tasmanian Seed Industry Group, and securing water access through the Whitemore Irrigation Scheme. Rob also chairs the 2025 International Herbage Seed Group Conference.

Belle Binder of Devonport is transforming the way farms find and retain workers. Belle founded Left Field and built a values-driven model that reduces turnover, lifts standards, and brings dignity to both farmers and workers. Her initiatives, including the Farm Work Loop and Calm Your Farm, have supported hundreds of growers and workers, boosting productivity while creating long-term, sustainable workforce solutions. Recognised nationally, Belle is the 2024 Tasmanian Winner and National Finalist of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, a Telstra Best of Business Award winner, and an RDA Strategic Thinking Award recipient. With her vision, Belle is shaping a more resilient, human-centred future for farming.

Pasture.io of Flowerdale is strengthening agriculture through farmer-led technology and innovation. Created by Tasmanian farmer Ollie Roberts, Pasture.io has transformed a simple farm spreadsheet into a world-leading satellite-based pasture management platform. Now used in 13 countries, it combines AI, machine learning and satellite imagery to deliver near-daily, real-time insights that help farmers make smarter, evidence-based grazing decisions. By increasing efficiency, reducing guesswork, and supporting sustainable land use, Pasture.io enables both small family farms and large operations to improve productivity and profitability. Recognised with multiple Tasmanian Export Awards for Advanced Technologies, the platform is also part of Fonterra New Zealand’s On-Farm Solutions program.

Healthy Tasmania Health and Wellbeing Award
BighART of Wynyard is transforming youth mental health support across regional Tasmania. BighART’s Skate of Mind program combines skateboarding, art, and community connection to create safe spaces where young people feel included, heard, and empowered. Over the past year, the program has delivered 28 workshops and 11 community events, engaging more than 850 young people and 500 community members. A unique mobile skate ramp toured the North and North-West, including Wynyard, Ulverstone, Sheffield, Launceston and Ashley’s Detention Centre, gifting over 300 skateboards to encourage participation and resilience. Regular sessions in Wynyard continue to strengthen peer-to-peer support, helping young Tasmanians build confidence and brighter futures.

Kingborough Council connects community wellbeing with the natural environment. The Council introduced the Dose of Nature program, which provides free weekly guided walks in local reserves. Designed in collaboration with health professionals, nature therapists and community members, the program promotes mental health, gentle exercise, and social connection while reducing loneliness and supporting preventative health. For over two and a half years, it has recorded more than 900 attendances, with participants reporting improved wellbeing, increased time spent outdoors, and stronger connections with community. Rotating through 20 reserves, the program builds appreciation for Kingborough’s unique natural areas, encouraging residents to return with family and friends.

Palliative Care Tasmania is the state’s peak body for palliative and end-of-life care. Learning Through Loss is a nationally recognised grief literacy program developed by Palliative Care Tasmania that was shaped by the lived experience of young Tasmanians. Since 2022, the program has trained more than 1,170 educators, youth workers, health and community professionals across 174 schools and 162 organisations, including those in rural and remote communities. To date, over 11,000 grief resources, including the children’s book ‘What Is Grief?’, have been distributed to schools, hospitals, and community organisations, helping normalise conversations about grief and strengthen local support networks. Over 90% of participants said they were highly likely to implement at least one of the key learnings, and 99.8% said they would recommend the training to their colleagues.

Tasmanian University Student Association of Sandy Bay is reducing hunger and strengthening student communities. TUSA is transforming student wellbeing through its Food Security Program, created in response to alarming levels of food insecurity, now affecting more than half of UTAS students. Since 2023, over 10,800 students have accessed TUSA’s Food Hubs, receiving fresh produce, pantry staples, bread and meals, while more than 12,000 kilograms of food have been redistributed through the Food Hubs. TUSA delivers workshops, community dinners, and cooking programs that build food literacy, resilience, and social connection. Partnering with Foodbank, Loaves and Fishes, OzHarvest, and Eat Well Tasmania, the program is preparing to launch a Social Supermarket in 2026..

Heather & Christopher Chong Outstanding Achiever Award
Alyssia Kennedy of Heybridge is helping build communities where young people can thrive. Alyssia founded Upturned to empower young people with the skills and confidence needed for adulthood. Through her Life After School program, she has reached thousands of Tasmanian students with practical workshops covering financial literacy, employment preparation, and essential life skills. Alyssia also drives initiatives such as Unity in Community and employment programs that promote inclusion, connection, and opportunity for regional communities. Her leadership is hands-on and collaborative, bringing together schools, service providers, and local organisations to create lasting impact. She has invested more than 500 hours, many of which are voluntary.

Daniel Edwards of Burnie is building a community-driven future for STEM in Tasmania. Daniel is the founding CEO of GreenSTEM Education, a charity and national partner for the Greenpower program. A recipient of the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching, Daniel has pioneered inclusive, high-impact programs that bring STEM to life for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds. His initiatives include STEM Unlimited, a free weekly after-school program; Tasmania’s largest science and engineering fair for students; and Australia’s first Greenpower electric vehicle racing teams. He has established resource loan systems, partnerships, and scalable models that ensure equity of access.

Lyndon O'Neil of Ulverstone is dedicated to strengthening Country, community, and culture. Lyndon is a proud trawlwoolway and Pairabeene man, a respected cultural leader, mentor, and land custodian. As a member of the Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation, early Coordinator of the Tebrakunna Rangers, and member of the statutory Aboriginal Heritage Council, he ensures Aboriginal voices guide cultural heritage protection, environmental stewardship, and community decision-making. Lyndon is also a committed youth mentor, supporting identity, healing, and empowerment for at-risk young people, recognised with the Tasmanian Community Safety and Crime Prevention Award. Trained in Healthy Country Planning, he blends cultural knowledge with modern tools.

Naomi Walsh of Launceston is respected for her equity-driven leadership. Naomi is a strategic and compassionate leader whose impact spans education, governance, mental health, and community service. As Vice President of Chartered Accountants ANZ, she shapes national conversations on ethical leadership, diversity, and the future of accounting. Through her work at the University of Tasmania, she has embedded employability skills into degrees, guiding hundreds of students—particularly women and international students—into meaningful careers. As Rotary Club of Central Launceston President, Naomi led major fundraising events, raising over $36,000 for literacy, mental health, and global causes. She also serves on multiple boards, including TasNetworks and TasTAFE.

Kieser Hobart Intergenerational Community Award
John Quinn of Trevallyn is bridging generations and fostering community pride. John is an 85-year-old man who is helping secure the future of the 146-year-old West Tamar Municipal Band through his dedicated mentorship of young musicians. Volunteering weekly, John provides one-on-one cornet tuition to 11-year-old Oliver Buckland and supports the band’s junior program, which currently engages 14 school-aged children. Drawing on his lifelong musical experience since 1955, John offers free tuition and patient guidance that builds skills, confidence, and enthusiasm in his students. His teaching has already enabled Oliver to join senior band performances, inspiring his peers and energising rehearsals with new talent.

Lindsay Fenner of George Town is a passionate advocate for sustainable fishing and marine conservation. Now in his 80s, Lindsay is Fishcare Tasmania’s longest-serving volunteer. Since joining the inaugural intake in 1998, Lindsay has devoted 27 years to teaching thousands of Tasmanians through free fishing clinics, school workshops, and public events. With patience and enthusiasm, he passes on skills from baiting a hook to releasing a catch responsibly, always linking lessons to the importance of conservation and respect for the environment. His hands-on, inclusive approach brings together grandparents, parents, and children, creating meaningful intergenerational learning. Lindsay’s efforts have inspired future leaders in fishing and environmental care.

Mary Parsell of Beaconsfield is building meaningful intergenerational connections, confidence, and joy through music. As president of the West Tamar Municipal Band, Mary has been instrumental in revitalising the 146-year-old community ensemble by bridging generations through music. Seeing the need to involve younger players, she spearheaded a program that recruited 14 students from Exeter Primary School, pairing each with senior band mentors. With loaned instruments, free tuition, and welcoming weekly rehearsals, she has created an inclusive environment where both children and older musicians thrive. Already, several students have progressed to performing with the senior band, energising rehearsals and securing the band’s long-term future.

Mavis Sayer of Montrose is celebrated for fostering belonging. Mavis is a devoted volunteer in her 70s who has made a lasting impact through her work with the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania. As part of the Humanitarian Settlement Program, she assists refugee families with everyday challenges—from navigating medical appointments and completing forms to adjusting to local customs. Previously involved with the English Conversational Club, Mavis helped newcomers gain confidence in their language skills while sharing wisdom and encouragement. She provides a trusted presence, offering warmth, patience, and friendship to those adjusting to life in Tasmania. In 2023, she was recognised with a Tasmanian Volunteer Award.

Michelle Williamson of Wynyard created a welcoming space where all ages come together to grow, share, and thrive. Michelle founded Farm It Forward Tasmania in 2021. Her initiative delivers more than 60 free or low-cost workshops each month, covering gardening, cooking, sewing, woodworking, basket weaving, and more. At the heart of the program is a 5-acre community garden, where produce is grown and donated to local food hubs, while also serving as a teaching space where seniors pass on skills to younger generations. Volunteers from teens to people in their 80s participate, fostering inclusion, resilience, and connection. Michelle’s leadership has supported vulnerable families with fresh produce.

Konica Minolta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Community Achievement Award
Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation of Smithton champions resilience, cultural pride, and self-determination. Established in 1994, CHAC has grown from a grassroots after-school initiative into a leading Aboriginal organisation delivering more than 20 programs across health, education, family support, and cultural preservation. Guided by the stories and traditions of the 12 tribes of Tasmania’s North West, CHAC provides culturally safe services that promote community wellbeing across the life journey, from early childhood to aged care. Their initiatives include allied health clinics, youth leadership, prisoner rehabilitation, language revitalisation, and cultural events that strengthen identity and connection. Through enterprises such as tarkiner, CHAC also creates employment and fosters economic independence.

Nita Education of Garden Island Creek is fostering greater understanding, respect, and reconciliation. Palawa founders Trish and Craig established Nita Education in 2017 to preserve and share Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and history with all. Through cultural awareness training, school visits, and bush tucker experiences, they connect students, communities, and visitors with the rich traditions of the Palawa people. Their programs, aligned with the Australian Curriculum, provide engaging, respectful, and meaningful opportunities to learn about Aboriginal heritage, land, and practices. They challenge misconceptions, strengthen community connections, and ensure cultural integrity is upheld. They also empower Aboriginal people, especially youth, to stay connected to their culture and land.

Pakana Services of Mornington promotes economic independence, cultural respect, and intergenerational opportunity. Founded in 2012, Pakana Services is a not-for-profit Aboriginal social enterprise dedicated to creating employment and training opportunities for Indigenous Tasmanians in land and natural resource management. Operating statewide, they blend traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices, delivering projects such as environmental restoration, bush regeneration, cultural heritage protection, and sustainable land care. Pakana Services equips workers with nationally recognised certificates, including Chemcert, Traffic Management, and First Aid, while providing meaningful, hands-on experience. Reinvesting all profits into supporting Aboriginal employment, Pakana Services has helped long-term unemployed people transition into full-time work across Tasmania.

Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation of Devonport is dedicated to cultural education, and community empowerment. Their Tiagarra Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers welcomes and guided educational tours, events, and cultural programs that inform understanding of Aboriginal history and strengthen cultural identity. These initiatives support engagement, cultural tourism, and heritage management, ensuring future generations remain connected to country, culture, and community. Despite numerous challenges including the COVID-19 shutdowns, SRAC’s resilience and volunteer dedication kept the organisation alive until funding allowed it to re-activate in 2022. Today, SRAC continues to be a vital hub for Aboriginal culture, education, and advocacy across the “six rivers” region.

MAIB Community Safety Award
Drug Education Network is empowering Tasmanians to make informed choices. For over 38 years, DEN has been dedicated to reducing alcohol, tobacco, and drug-related harm. With a grassroots ethos, DEN partners with schools, workplaces, and communities to deliver education, training, and practical resources. Its school programs equip students, parents, and teachers with knowledge and resilience, while workplace training improves health and safety outcomes. DEN’s community campaigns, such as Aware is Halfway There, raise awareness in accessible, stigma-free ways, and its innovative CODE portal provides reliable online information when it’s most needed. They have had over 400 hours of education and training delivered in 2023–24 alone.

Kentish Regional Clinic of Sheffield is helping prevent tragedy and promote mental wellbeing. In 2003, KRC created the innovative CORES (Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide) program to address high suicide rates in rural Tasmania. This grassroots initiative trains community members, including teachers, farmers, parents, and young people, to recognise warning signs, intervene, and connect individuals with support services. CORES is community-owned, with local volunteer facilitators co-facilitating training tailored to their region’s cultural context. Documented cases show lives saved, stigma reduced, and stronger local networks built to support those at risk. Expanding into multiple regions, CORES continues to empower communities, foster resilience, and provide practical tools.

Kidsafe Tasmania of Collinsvale is steadfast on reducing childhood injuries. Kidsafe Tasmania is a not-for-profit that saves young lives through education, training, and community partnerships. Kidsafe provides vital services such as car restraint fitting and education, home and burns safety awareness, playground inspections, and water safety programs. Their work reaches vulnerable families across the state, including those in rural and remote areas where services are limited. By delivering practical, accessible, and culturally sensitive resources, Kidsafe empowers parents, carers, and communities to keep children safe. With committed staff and volunteers, they continue to reduce trauma, build capacity, and create safer environments for Tasmania’s youngest citizens.

The Salvation Army Street Teams Tasmania of Hobart is creating safer nightlife environments through care, compassion, and early intervention. Street Teams is a volunteer-driven, late-night safety initiative introduced by The Salvation Army. Every weekend, trained volunteers patrol nightlife precincts, offering first aid, de-escalation, and practical support such as water, hot drinks, and safe transport. Since launching in 2015, the program has dramatically improved public safety, including a recorded 53% reduction in assaults in Hobart’s Salamanca district. In 2023–24 alone, the Street Teams engaged over 13,000 patrons, intervened in nearly 250 serious intoxication cases, defused 48 fights, supported 18 people in mental health crises, and prevented dozens of ambulance call-outs.

Women's Legal Service Tasmania is a statewide organisation dedicated to improving the safety, rights, and wellbeing of women experiencing family and domestic violence. Offering free legal advice, advocacy, and safety planning, integrated with social work and financial counselling services, WLST supports women through critical legal and social processes and systems. WLST leads the landmark Small Steps | Safe Workplaces Sexual Harassment Conference and collaborates with numerous other organisations to deliver preventative community education and legal outreach across the State. The Just Healthy Families health justice partnership – the first of its kind in Tasmania - won the inaugural national ANZ-PBA partnering Award in 2024.

MAIB Disability Achievement Award
Ana Pike of Hobart is focused on advancing disability and LGBTIQ rights. For over six years, Ana has led grassroots and statewide initiatives, from co-founding Disability Pride lutruwita/Tasmania to helping organise Tasmania’s first Disability Day of Mourning memorial. She has campaigned successfully against restrictive NDIS independent assessments, spoken at major rallies for accessibility, and ensured disabled voices were represented at the Tas Pride March. Ana’s advocacy is influencing systemic change, with politicians and organisations now seeking her advice on making more inclusive spaces. Despite living with multiple disabilities, Ana continues to champion equality with resilience and determination. In 2021, she won the Tasmania Disability Festival Award.

Hannah Reeve of Burnie is a passionate AuDHD community leader. Hannah co-founded the Regional Autistic Engagement Network (RAEN), an Autistic-led organisation. When Autism Tasmania closed, Hannah stepped in to ensure vital supports continued, volunteering countless hours to expand RAEN statewide into Tasmania’s Autism/ADHD peak body. She facilitates peer groups, delivers neurodiversity training and manages communication and advocacy efforts. Despite operating without funding or staff, Hannah’s determination has built a powerful grassroots network with national impact, driven by lived experience and mutual care. Her work challenges stigma, improves inclusion, and is grounded in celebrating neurodivergent culture. Hannah notes she is an individual in a team who built RAEN together.

Jane Wardlaw of Launceston is a disability advocate, researcher, and consultant. Living with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, she founded the Tasmania Disability Lobby in 2010, driving early advocacy for the NDIS and later co-founding a support coordination service. Jane’s roles include being part of the Premier’s Disability Advisory Council, the Minister’s Disability Consultative Group, and her 2025 appointment to the NDIS Independent Advisory Council. She has shaped landmark reforms, including Tasmania’s Disability Inclusion and Safeguarding Bill 2024, establishing a Disability Commissioner. Through her PhD research, teaching, consulting, and #OurSayMatters campaign, she continues to advance disability rights, embed lived experience in policy, and mentor emerging leaders.

Kate Ross of Launceston social worker Kate, for over 32 years, has passionately advocated for disability inclusion, with a particular interest in invisible and psychosocial disabilities. Her work has spanned from client support to advising government on the Ministers Disability Advisory Committee and shaping programs for Inclusive Sports Tasmania. As a person with her own lived experience of an invisible disability—being single-sided deaf and having a stutter—Kate uses her personal journey to inspire genuine listening and connection. Her message is profound: "Open minds engage and enable!" Her unique play on the word IN(cl)USion reminds us that the responsibility for building an inclusive community is With Us and Within all of us.