VICTORIA

Community Achievement Awards for Victoria

2026 Finalists

Awards Australia Foundation Health and Wellbeing Award

Dementia Alliance is a volunteer-led charity created from lived experience and a belief that dementia should not mean losing connection, purpose or community. More than 9,000 volunteer hours over two years have helped create Reflections at Eppalock, a 20-acre nature-based community space supporting the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and their carers. Through respite, social connection, therapeutic gardens, walking, fishing and creative programs, the Alliance helps reduce isolation and strengthen wellbeing. It also develops practical handbooks, tools and resources that help carers, organisations and communities create more inclusive, supportive environments for people affected by dementia.

Hello Sunday Morning helps people change their relationship with alcohol. Its free, anonymous Daybreak program provides accessible, evidence based early intervention, combining clinically informed tools, peer support and pathways to further care. More than 178,000 people have joined Daybreak since 2016 including 28,506 in Victoria. Within three months, members on average reduce their drinking risk by 86.2% and their psychological distress by 77.5%. Providing 24/7 online support across Victoria, Hello Sunday Morning helps people make meaningful changes earlier, improving health and wellbeing while reducing pressure on frontline health services.

PAEDS Education, based in Greendale, delivers paediatric first aid and complex-care education to families, schools, early-learning services and healthcare professionals. Founded by critical care paediatric nurse Sarah Duncanson, its six-person team of practising paediatric clinicians has trained 2,000 people through nationally recognised courses and 1,000 in complex care, earning a 9.8/10 participant rating. Its digital and hands-on programs make specialist knowledge practical and accessible, particularly for regional communities. PAEDS also created What Little Heroes Do, a gentle, evidence-based children’s book and learning program that builds first aid confidence. Partnerships with various charities and organisations help keep training affordable and accessible.

Shannon Drake is a Wamba Wamba and Jaara woman improving access to culturally safe health care across the Goulburn Valley. Drawing on 25 years in Aboriginal health, she supports coordinated hepatitis C screening, follow-up and treatment through the Rumbalara Liver Health partnership. Her cancer care work includes helping develop resources with Community to improve understanding of clinical trials. During COVID-19 and other emergencies, she helped Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative provide trusted, culturally relevant health information and support. By connecting services and respecting cultural and family needs, Shannon helps people navigate care and participate in decisions about their health.

Zoe Chung, from the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, founded Medical Mums Australia in 2025, inspired by her experience raising a child with complex medical needs. What began as a small online community has grown to 1,400 Australian mothers navigating disability, rare disease and intensive caring responsibilities. Zoe has expanded this support through Medical Mums Club events and Medical Mum Companions, connecting parent-carers in person and fostering meaningful relationships. Personally funding and running the initiative, Zoe also advocates for greater accessibility and inclusion in the community, and regularly fundraises for causes such as Very Special Kids and Monash Health.

Beyond Bank Community Group Award

Altona All Abilities Basketball Inclusion Program provides free weekly basketball sessions during school terms for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. For three years, the program has created an inclusive sporting community, with 20 participants in each of its two groups. Four teenage coaches provide instruction and mentoring, helping participants develop confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging. Funded through grants, sponsorships and donations, sessions remove financial barriers for families. The program also connects parents and carers, reducing isolation and building supportive networks around children who have struggled to find suitable sporting opportunities.

AusWISE Inc supports international students through welfare assistance, peer mentoring, health guidance and opportunities for community participation. Formerly VicWISE, the organisation has grown from 15 volunteers in 2019 to more than 165, supported by a network of 200 partner organisations. During the pandemic, it assisted over 5,000 students with essentials including food, emergency housing and financial support. Its Life Skills Program reached more than 500 students from 35 countries, while SafeDownUnder helps students navigate healthcare. Led by students, AusWISE builds practical skills, professional connections and a sense of belonging for young people living far from established support networks.

Ganbina, established in Shepparton in 1997, supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people aged 5–25 through education, training and employment pathways. Its Jobs4U2 program combines mentoring, leadership development, life skills and career planning, supporting participants from childhood into adulthood. More than 2,100 young people have benefited, with participants achieving an average Year 12 completion rate of 88.7%. An independent evaluation identified $43.4 million in social and economic value generated between 2016 and 2019. Working with families, schools and employers, Ganbina strengthens cultural pride, self-determination and opportunities for future community leaders.

Hello Zindagi Inc is a Melbourne-based multicultural, intercultural and cross-cultural initiative bringing people and communities together through Humanity, Happiness and Hope (HuHaHo). What began as a bilingual Hindi-English radio program on Radio Eastern 98.1FM in 2024 evolved into a not-for-profit organisation in 2025. Through radio, storytelling, arts, cultural exchange and community engagement, Hello Zindagi creates spaces where cultures meet, stories are shared and people feel connected. With more than 70 guests and diverse community initiatives, it provides a platform for smaller communities, emerging talent and volunteers. Hello Zindagi celebrates diversity, encourages mutual understanding and builds bridges of friendship, participation, belonging and hope.

Project 365 is a volunteer-run Wangaratta organisation promoting mental health awareness, education and community connection. Founded by Peter Rourke in 2021, it has contributed approximately $160,000 to mental health initiatives through fundraising events and community support. Its funding has enabled Mental Health First Aid training for 27 teachers, more than 400 students and at least 50 community members, at no cost to participants. It also supports peer support programs delivered through Gateway Health and Headspace. By bringing people together and strengthening access to practical support, Project 365 helps communities recognise mental health challenges and respond with confidence.

Konica Minolta Business for Good Award

Ansvar Insurance, based in Southbank, protects care, community, education, faith and not-for-profit organisations while directing business success towards charitable support. Since 1994, its Community Education Programme has provided more than $15 million to over 300 organisations, supporting educational and outreach opportunities for more than 10,000 disadvantaged young Australians. Employees help select grant recipients, receive paid volunteering leave and can access matched donations of up to $5,000 annually. As part of the Benefact Group, which donates all available profits to good causes, Ansvar combines specialist risk expertise with sustained investment in safer, stronger communities.

HiveKeepers, based in South Melbourne, develops beekeeping equipment that supports bee welfare and more sustainable honey production. Its patented handheld Micro Honey Harvester enables honey collection directly from individual frames without removing them from the hive, reducing disturbance to colonies. The business designs products for longevity and repairability and has offset 483.7 tonnes of carbon emissions through its partnership with Trace. Working with beekeeping clubs, educators and regional producers, HiveKeepers shares knowledge and develops practical tools that make beekeeping more accessible, support local food systems and improve traceability from hive to consumer.

Love It Landscaping, Design & Maintenance of Sunbury uses its landscaping expertise to support families facing hardship and strengthen its local community. The business has contributed more than $500,000 in donated landscaping works, including two major backyard transformations delivered free to Victorian families facing hardship, as well as garden transformations at Ronald McDonald House at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Employees contribute during paid work hours, with Love It donating labour, equipment and resources. The business also leads Sunbury’s annual Out of the Shadows Walk for Lifeline and supports Miracle Babies fundraising, helping create practical change, connection and community support.

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale directs at least 25% of profits into rebuilding threatened Australian wildlife populations. Established in 2001, it participates in national recovery programs for four threatened species and holds the national Species Coordinator role for the Orange-bellied Parrot. In 2025–26, it bred 40 Orange-bellied Parrots and contributed $122,300 to community and conservation causes. Its programs include breeding endangered Pookila, a new Aquatic Conservation Facility supporting Eastern Dwarf Galaxias, and the Koala Corridor Project restoring habitat through large-scale tree planting. Moonlit connects tourism with meaningful conservation, education, volunteering and community benefits.

The Bridge Inc’s Inclusive Employment Australia Team supports people with disability and others facing employment barriers across Melbourne’s south-east. Through personalised guidance, employer partnerships and ongoing support after placement, the team helps participants build skills, confidence and financial independence. Staff contribute more than 500 paid hours annually to community engagement, including career expos, school transition programs and employment awareness events. Partnerships with schools, community organisations and allied health providers strengthen access to coordinated support. The Bridge received the 2026 City of Casey Equity and Inclusion Award, recognising its commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening community participation.

Real Flame Local Legend Award

Ahmed Abumeis of Wollert creates opportunities for young people through inclusive sport, education and community advocacy. A City of Whittlesea Youth Councillor and Unity Libyan Youth Association youth leader, he volunteers as a soccer coach for more than 40 young people, including refugees and children with disability. He also tutors and mentors approximately 20 children through the association’s Homework Club, providing individual support where needed. Recognised with the 2026 City of Whittlesea Access & Inclusion Citizen of the Year Award, Ahmed helps young people overcome barriers, build confidence and participate in community life.

Chris Christofi, founder and CEO of Melbourne business Reventon, combines fundraising with practical support for people experiencing homelessness. Since 2018, he has raised approximately $1.395 million through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. His Brick by Brick initiative brought property and construction businesses together to create a charity home that sold for $840,000. Chris and Reventon have also contributed over $1 million to Australian snooker, supporting junior development and community participation. Through soup van volunteering, Christmas outreach with his daughters and weekly church service, Chris turns professional networks and personal commitment into lasting community support.

Chris Henderson of Torquay founded Freedom Sports Foundation to make adaptive sport more accessible and challenge perceptions of disability. Drawing on his lived experience, he has helped more than 11,000 students experience activities including wheelchair AFL, wheelchair basketball and boccia through the foundation’s school programs. He also creates community sporting pathways, coaches Essendon’s wheelchair AFL team and contributes to the City of Greater Geelong Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Named the Volunteering Award recipient at the 2025 Geelong Awards for People with Disability, Chris helps people of all abilities develop confidence, find opportunities and belong.

Maddie Francis of Macleod founded NICU Cheer after her son was born 10 weeks prematurely, transforming her family’s experience into support for others. For almost a decade, she has coordinated volunteers, sourced donations and organised hospital deliveries, with gift bags reaching more than 1,260 families annually. Her network of over 750 volunteers creates handmade items and helps families facing neonatal intensive care feel less alone. Alongside full-time work and caring responsibilities, Maddie contributes to health advisory groups and helped develop Australia’s first national developmental follow-up guidelines for babies born very preterm, extending her impact from practical kindness to advocacy.

Murray Wilson has served Rowville and surrounding communities for over 30 years through Rotary, education, sport and voluntary justice roles. A founding member and twice President of the Rotary Club of Rowville Lysterfield, Murray has guided fundraising, disaster relief and youth activities, and will become District Governor in 2027. For over two decades he has volunteered as a Bail Justice and Justice of the Peace, and for approximately 25 years as a football trainer and mentor. As School Council President, Murray oversaw the development of Rowville Secondary College’s pool, Arts Centre and Basketball Stadium, enriching opportunities for the wider community.

Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award

Dovida Geelong provides home and community care across Greater Geelong and surrounding regions. Established by Giovanni and Giselle Siano in 2018 with four caregivers, the business now employs more than 400 people and generates approximately $20 million in annual revenue. It has supported more than 1,000 people and achieved its goal of delivering one million hours of care by the end of 2025. Its TrackVantage platform contributed to an approximately 20% productivity improvement, while expansion into gardening and allied health services creates further regional employment and helps people remain independent and connected within their communities.

East Coast Boats builds custom fibreglass boats in Bairnsdale for recreational and commercial customers across Australia. Established in 2019, the family business has built more than 40 vessels and employs five people. Trading income grew almost 75% in 2025–26, exceeding $1 million, while investment in new designs has expanded its manufacturing capabilities. All three workshop team members began their apprenticeships with East Coast Boats & qualified members have continued their careers with the business. Through Australian supplier partnerships, local training and support for fishing events, East Coast Boats strengthens regional manufacturing and creates skilled career opportunities close to home.

JL King & Co is a family-owned food manufacturer and distributor in East Bendigo, established in 1913. Employing approximately 147 people, it produces more than two million meals weekly for customers across Australia. Its new facility, opened in 2024, more than tripled production capacity and incorporates solar power, heat recovery and wastewater systems to improve sustainability. Recognised as Metcash’s 2026 Delicatessen Supplier of the Year, the business also supports local schools through Fresh Fruit Friday and introduces students to manufacturing careers through Passion to Pathways, connecting national growth with investment in Bendigo’s future workforce.

Porter Avenue Pies & Cakes is a Highton bakery established by the Howard family in 2022. Growing from four to 38 employees, it recorded more than 120,000 customer transactions in the year to May 2026 and opened a purpose-designed retail bakery in April 2025. Three former apprentices have progressed into leadership roles and now mentor two current pastry cook apprentices. The business contributed more than $10,000 through community donations, fundraising and sponsorship over the past year. By investing in trade skills, financial literacy and local employment, it is building lasting opportunities for Greater Geelong’s workforce and community.

Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award

Allan Turner of Kialla is co-founder and managing director of Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation, promoting organ and tissue donation in memory of his daughter. Over 20 years, Allan has engaged national sporting codes, elite athletes and grassroots clubs in campaigns that have reached more than 15 million people. Zaidee's Rainbow Shoelaces initiative has sold more than two million pairs, turning a visible sporting accessory into a conversation starter about donation. Through persistent advocacy and creative partnerships, Allan has taken a regional family’s story to national audiences, encouraging families to discuss organ and tissue donation and consider the difference it can make at the end of life as Zaidee did aged 7 years and 22 days.

Daisy Ye is co-founder and President of the Warrnambool Multicultural Association, creating opportunities for cultural participation, leadership and connection across South West Victoria. Since 2022, the association has delivered more than 65 intercultural programs, events and partnerships. Its award-winning multicultural festival brings together over 4,000 people and showcases more than 45 cultures annually. Daisy also initiated the inaugural Belonging South West Multicultural Forum, supported Council's sister-city relationships with China and Japan, and led regional delivery of Deakin CREATE’s Career Clinic, connecting skilled migrant and refugee professionals with mentors and employment pathways. By sharing resources, building partnerships, and supporting emerging community leaders, she is strengthening regional inclusion, participation and opportunity.

Georgina Dymock of Sugarloaf Creek founded The Bush Bus in 2019, a free mobile nature-play program that brings families with young children together in their own communities, providing opportunities to build friendships and support networks. The Bush Bus has operated across 18 communities in Victoria and regional New South Wales, welcoming 100,000 participants. In 2026, The Bush Bus was named in We Make Change’s global Change 100.

Jayden Sheridan founded Gnarly Neighbours in Seymour, transforming free skateboarding lessons into a youth organisation and social enterprise. Drawing on his experience of disadvantage, he developed The Neighbourhood, a community hub combining mentoring, creative activities, education and employment pathways. In the past year, the organisation recorded more than 44,000 program participations and approximately 9,000 engagements with young people. Its café, retail operations and print studio provide practical workplace experience while helping sustain accessible youth programs. Jayden’s approach builds trusted relationships through young people’s interests, creating opportunities to develop confidence, take responsibility and become mentors for the next generation.

Shannon Drake of Mooroopna is a Wamba Wamba and Jaara woman whose 25 years in Aboriginal health span nursing, public health and research leadership. At Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative, she helped lead culturally grounded responses to COVID-19, floods and other health risks. She has strengthened access to cancer research and care, supported coordinated hepatitis C screening and treatment, and advocated for Aboriginal governance of research. By bringing Community members, Elders, clinicians and researchers together, Shannon helps cultural knowledge and Community priorities shape health initiatives, building stronger foundations for Aboriginal self-determination and culturally safe care across the Goulburn Valley.