Community Sector

The HESTA Community Sector Awards recognise outstanding service provision, advocacy and leadership in improving the lives of people who rely on access to the services of this sector.

See the winners

A story worth celebrating...

The winners have been announced for the 2017 HESTA Community Sector Awards.

Be inspired by their stories

Awards Dinner

Winners were announced at the Sofitel Melbourne on Tuesday, 24 October.

See the winners

Prizes

Winners will share a $30,000 prize pool, courtesy of proud Awards sponsor ME- the bank for you.

Terms and conditions

Nominations closed

The HESTA Community Sector Awards will return in 2018.

Award categories

Unsung Hero

An individual working within the community sector who has made an exceptional contribution to social justice in Australia by enhancing the wellbeing of individuals or communities experiencing disadvantage.

Eligibility criteria

Outstanding Organisation

An organisation which has made an outstanding contribution to social justice in Australia through the development or provision of a high quality and innovative program, project or specific service.

Eligibility criteria

Social Impact

An individual, organisation or network that has made an outstanding contribution to social justice in Australia through policy development, advocacy, leadership or representation.

Eligibility criteria

Who can enter?

Australia’s community sector contributors are at the forefront of caring for and providing support to members of the community who experience disadvantage, discrimination, exclusion and hardship.

Colleagues, community sector professionals, volunteers and community sector contributors can nominate a special individual or team who has made a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged Australians. Everyone involved in the delivery of community services can nominate, or be nominated in accordance with the terms and conditions.

Recognition

Every person or organisation nominated will receive a certificate in recognition of their contributions.

Terms and conditions

Acknowledgment

Finalists receive two tickets to attend the Awards dinner.

Terms and conditions

Reward

Overall winners share in a $30,000 prize pool, courtesy of proud Awards sponsor ME- the bank for you.

Terms and conditions

2017

This year's finalists and winners epitomise excellence and the highest levels of commitment to the community sector.

2017 winners

Outstanding Organisation

WEstjustice was recognised for establishing the 'Employment Law Project' which helps migrants and refugees living in the western suburbs of Melbourne overcome barriers in employment.

Read their story

Social Impact

Community Legal Centres Queensland was recognised for campaigning for increased Government funding for their services, which provide support and advocacy to 33 independent, community-led legal centres.

Read their story

Unsung Hero

Jenny Glare was recognised for her work helping Australians raised in orphanages and children's homes access historical records from their time spent in child institutions across Victoria.

Read her story