TASMANIA
Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards
2023 Tasmanian Community Achievement Award Winners
Active Tasmania Award
Pickleball Tasmania has achieved remarkable success, introducing the sport to over 2000 participants monthly across Tasmania. Their inclusive approach transcends age and ability, fostering a fun and social environment. By forming the Pickleball Association of Tasmania and aligning with national bodies, they've facilitated state-wide growth, with over 400 members now actively engaged. Pickleball Tasmania's strategic planning involves the community, ensuring a clear vision and mission. Research reveals the sport's positive impacts on mental, social, and physical well-being. Overcoming resource and startup cost barriers, they've made pickleball accessible and increased facility usage, enhancing community health and vitality..
APM Sustainable Disability Employment Award
Cafe Next Door of Kings Meadows is a heartfelt family-run establishment that has been a beacon of hope for individuals with additional needs. Accredited by NDIA, their Transition to Work program has empowered participants to gain skills for independence and job readiness. Founded on the belief in a "Fair Go" for everyone, Cafe Next Door has not only provided hands-on training in their café but also collaborated with training agencies, offering certificates for an even playing field in job applications. Breaking down community barriers, they've fostered inclusivity, transformed participants' confidence and self-esteem, and opened doors to paid employment, leaving an indelible impact on their community.
Awards Australia Community Group Award
Far South Pride of Geeveston (FSP) is a transformative force in the Huon Valley initiated by Kati Bruton in 2021. It serves as a vibrant hub for the LGBTIQA+ community and its allies, fostering connections, providing vital support, and amplifying positive visibility. FSP's extensive calendar of events, from Tas Pride Parades to Rainbow Quizzes, has made a profound impact, offering a safe space for all. Beyond events, FSP collaborates with organisations, schools, and individuals, championing acceptance and inclusivity. Kati's dedication as a role model has inspired authenticity and resilience, making the Huon Valley a more welcoming place for everyone.
Blueline Laundry Empowerment through Diversity and Inclusion Award
Hamlet Inc. of Hobart stands as a beacon of empowerment for underrepresented individuals in the workforce, focusing on those with disabilities. This registered charity operates social enterprises, including a café, catering, and condiments business, offering targeted training and work readiness skills. Over their 7-year journey, Hamlet has delivered an impressive 38,762 training hours to 723 participants, helping them secure open employment in the Tourism and Hospitality sector. Their innovative approach questions prevailing structures that hinder workforce participation, creating inclusive workplaces and lasting change. Through Hamlet, Tasmania's Tourism and Hospitality industry has the chance to embrace inclusive hiring and work practices, diversifying its talent pool and fostering a more inclusive society.
EPA Sustainability Award (Community)
Led by Milca Perez, Dover & Far South Recycling Unit of Dover has made a significant impact in rural Tasmania by diverting 223 kilos of small waste from landfills. Established in June 2022, it addressed critical challenges, including a lack of recycling options, awareness, and local government involvement. Through workshops, market stalls, and local engagement, it fostered recycling awareness, responsible consumption, and affordable, sustainable living. While it doesn’t aim for economic gains, it indirectly benefits the community by drawing visitors and earning points for local charities. By reducing landfill waste and promoting environmental sustainability, it exemplifies the potential of grassroots efforts.
EPA Sustainability Award (Industry)
The Udder Way of Kings Meadows is at the forefront of dairy sustainability with their groundbreaking 18-litre LDPE kegs and cutting-edge dispensing systems. These eco-conscious solutions have eliminated up to 7,000 single-use plastic bottles per keg, resulting in a remarkable reduction of 302.4 kilograms of plastic waste over each keg's eight to ten-year lifespan. Certified by HACCP International for food safety, these kegs conserve resources, enhance storage efficiency, and elevate user convenience. The Udder Way's innovative smartphone app further empowers stakeholders and consumers to trace product origins and validate their commitment to a plastic-free dairy industry, driving impactful change on multiple fronts.
Fonterra Australia Agriculture Award
Sprout Tasmania is the cornerstone of small-scale farming in Tasmania. By nurturing a community of like-minded individuals, Sprout empowers farmers with support, knowledge and connections. Their advocacy efforts amplify the voices of small-scale farmers, addressing the challenges they face. Sprout's Sprout Producer Program and the Cross Pollinate conference foster growth in the local food system, increasing the availability of fresh, seasonal, and nutritious produce for Tasmanians. Their online education Hub breaks down knowledge barriers, benefitting 120+ members. Sprout's resilience and success are evident in their fundraising achievements and the relationships and collaborations they have fostered in and outside of agriculture.
Healthy Tasmania Health and Wellbeing Award
Bicycle Network of Hobart is a member-driven not-for-profit, has been instrumental in enhancing cycling culture in Tasmania. Their Ride2School and Back on your Bike programs have empowered individuals of all ages, instilling confidence in cycling. Volunteer-led social rides have cultivated a thriving cycling community, showcasing Tasmania's picturesque routes. Bicycle Network's advocacy has yielded tangible results, including safer cycling paths on the Tasman Bridge and the introduction of separated cycleways. They've also secured government support for programs benefitting hundreds of children and adults. By teaching, inspiring, and advocating, Bicycle Network has successfully transformed the landscape of cycling in Tasmania, promoting better health, well-being, and environmental sustainability.
Heather & Christopher Chong Outstanding Achiever Award
Myles Moore is an accredited exercise physiologist, researcher, and educator. With a Masters and PhD in exercise physiology and a portfolio of scientific publications, Myles has impacted the clinical practice of exercise physiologists worldwide. He excels as a tutor to help shape future healthcare professionals through teaching and fostering evidence-based practices. Myles also actively engages in several committees to advocate for the role of exercise physiologists in the Tasmanian public health system. Overall, Myles’ combined clinical and research expertise in exercise physiology solidifies him as a leader in the field and a passionate advocate for healthier communities.
Konica Minolta Customer Service Award
Scorpion Pest Management of Glenorchy has established itself as a trailblazer in Tasmania's pest control industry. Lead by their Director, Jason Eyles, their unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability is exemplified through the "Keen to Get Green" campaign, reducing their carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendly practices. With a growing team and expanded service portfolio, Scorpion has achieved remarkable client retention, consistently high demand, and a waiting list for their services. Their dedication to exceptional customer service, active community engagement, and eco-friendly practices has not only made a significant impact on the business but also earned them glowing testimonials and a well-deserved reputation as industry leaders.
MAIB Community Safety Award
Rotary Youth Driver Awareness makes a substantial impact on road safety in Tasmania. Since 2006, this program has been a cornerstone of Grade 10 education, with 5,000+ students across 60 schools attending annually. Run by Rotary assisted by government funding, RYDA offers a one-day road safety program addressing attitude, awareness, and responsible driving behaviours. RYDA's dedicated facilitators, including professionals and volunteers, provide students with practical knowledge that extends beyond the program. By instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness, RYDA plays a vital role in reducing crashes and deaths among young drivers, ultimately contributing to safer roads and communities
MAIB Disability Achievement Award
David Wood of Acton Park figured in a football accident at the age of 18 that left him quadriplegic. Undaunted, he embarked on a remarkable journey of triumph over adversity. Beyond holding down a full-time job and starting his own sport clothing business, David is a motivational speaker, coach of Tasmania's first wheelchair rugby team, devoted father of two, husband, and a true role model. His infectious attitude and love for life inspire all who cross his path. David's contributions as a community advocate have touched countless lives, proving that determination knows no bounds. He's a testament to human resilience, and an inspiration to everyone.
People's Choice Award
Just Cats Tasmania of Launceston is rewriting the narrative of feline welfare. This dedicated charity, comprising ten staff members, a board of professionals, and numerous volunteers, has rehomed 10,000 cats and kittens. Their Last Litters Program, fuelled by local council grants and community support, alleviates financial burden on cat owners by covering desexing, microchipping, and vaccination costs. By halting the cycle of unwanted litters, they've positively impacted cat population control and compliance with the Cat Management Act. Spearheaded by visionary founder Rachel Beech in 2012, Just Cats is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and proactive community initiatives.