Awards celebrate community impact in the Sunshine State

More than 300 people from across the community services sector attended the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) Community Impact Awards in Brisbane.

QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh said the event was dedicated to celebrating the individuals and organisations who support Queenslanders doing it tough every day.

“The community services sector is the strong backbone and the beating heart of both Queensland’s economy and our social fabric,” said McVeigh.

“Our services turn up and change lives every day.

“Through our awards we turn our attention to exceptional people and organisations who are not often recognised. These are Queenslanders who are deeply committed to a vision of equality, opportunity and wellbeing for all Queenslanders.’’

They include the winner of the Human Rights Award, Youth Empowered Towards Independence (YETI).

The organisation was recognised for leading the way in identifying injustices and flaws in Queensland’s youth justice practices, and for its role in improving the lives of young, vulnerable Queenslanders and keeping them out of adult police watchhouses.

The award judges said YETI had had a profound and immediate impact in making the rights of young people aged eight to 25 more visible and protected.

This included leading a legal action that prompted the Queensland Supreme Court to order the transfer of unlawfully detained children – mostly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children – from adult watch houses to youth detention centres.

QCOSS said the victory exposed the illegal nature of detaining young people in these facilities, brought significant public attention to the issue, and ensured ongoing scrutiny of the practice.

“All children in Queensland need champions, and YETI is committed to ensuring children get this support regardless of their background or circumstances,” said McVeigh.

“The Human Rights Award recognises exceptional contributions in advancing a human-rights-respecting culture in Queensland. YETI has consistently stepped up to ensure the rights of children in Queensland are not ignored.”

Other award winners included:

Frontline Hero: Candice Hughes

A proud Kamilaroi woman, Candice has spent 10 years advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system.

Social Impact Leader: Luke Terry, founder and CEO of White Box Enterprises

Over the past five years, Luke has collaborated with philanthropists, investors, and government to transform social enterprises, creating inclusive employment opportunities for refugees, individuals with disabilities, those facing homelessness, and young First Nations people.

Prevention Excellence Award: Centacare

The Post Release Services team at Centacare was recognised for its support of Southeast Queensland’s most marginalised individuals in their transition from prison to community life.

Women's Equality Award: Ending Violence Against Women Queensland (EVAWQ) management committee

A volunteer group providing a united voice for women’s health, refuges, and legal services, EVAWQ used independent research to uncover the inequity in access to support for women and children before advocating for increased funding and improved services for women, children and men affected by violence.

Community Impact Award: Traction

Over the past nine years, Traction has offered a culturally safe and inclusive environment and a range of hands-on programs designed to help young people aged between 12 and 15 struggling with mainstream schooling. More than 79% of participants report better relationships with teachers, and 84% feel more confident seeking help.