2022 State Finalists - Building Communities

Businesses building more positive communities

Get to know the businesses working to make a positive impact on culture and society so people from all walks of life can thrive as part of a supportive community.

Building Communities Finalists by state

Australian Capital Territory

Abilities Unlimited Australia

ACT Finalist

Abilities Unlimited Australia is a not for profit organisation in Canberra that takes an evidence-based, community-driven approach to support additional needs children to confidently engage in sporting and recreational activities.

EMPLOY FOR ABILITY

ACT Winner

Employ for Ability is an innovative social purpose business focused on improving the employment rate of people on the autism spectrum, one placement at a time. By doing so, Employ for Ability seeks to change the conversation from disability to ability.

NatureArt Lab

ACT Finalist

NatureArt Lab is a natural science art and illustration organisation. It promotes greater community engagement in the natural world via nature-art immersion tours, environmental advocacy and citizen science.

PROXIMITY

ACT Finalist

Proximity brings together consulting, legal and commercial to work in collaboration with clients. A multidisciplinary approach takes clients further and enables the delivery of extraordinary and impactful solutions.

 

New South Wales

10x10 Philanthropy

NSW Finalist

10x10 Philanthropy is a global movement of passionate volunteers who raise funds, awareness and support for social purpose organisations. It runs events around the world to help those organisations network and gain funding.

Enunciate Speech & OT Services

NSW Finalist

Enunciate Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy is a practice with a special touch. Using personalised therapy approaches in a range of speech areas, the practice offers a supportive environment for clients and families.

LIFESTYLE TRADIE GROUP

NSW Finalist

Established in 2009 by Andy and Angela Smith, Lifestyle Tradies is an organisation committed to educating and supporting tradies in realising their dreams of successful business ownership.

MyMuse

NSW Finalist

MyMuse is changing the way businesses respond to cancer by providing holistic and co-designed programs to improve individual wellbeing and return to work rates during the cancer journey. It was founded by Nikki Shah, who lost her partner to cancer

RENEW IT PTY LTD

NSW Winner

Renew IT helps businesses achieve their carbon zero goals, by buying back redundant IT hardware. The hardware either finds a new home or is broken down responsibly, giving companies a return on IT without compromising data.

Vegepod

NSW Finalist

Vegepod gives everyone the chance to grow their own food at home. Using its raised garden bed kit, gardeners can control growth and quality in a self-watering environment that is protected from pests.

 

Northern Territory

AUSSIE POTZ

NT Finalist

Established by Deidre Edward, Aussie Potz focuses on teaching the ceramics craft and promoting the therapeutic benefits of working with clay to enhance personal wellbeing.

Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation

NT Winner

Established in 1992, Ikuntji Artists was the first art centre established by women in the Western Desert Art Movement. Today Ikuntji Artists are represented in galleries and institutions in Australia and around the world.

North East Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation

NT Finalist

North East Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation strives to advance the condition and welfare of Indigenous people. Focused on developing a local indigenous workforce, the 26 Traditional Owner Clan Groups from North East Arnhem Land are members.

SUPPORTING MOO

NT Finalist

Supporting Moo is an NDIS provider based in Darwin providing support coordination and direct supports to children and young people founded by Territorian Jodi Brown.

 

Queensland

Ability Enterprises

QLD Finalist

Ability Enterprises is a not-for-profit social enterprise that provides meaningful employment opportunities to disabled and other marginalised individuals living in regional Queensland.

GO2 HEALTH

QLD Winner

Go2 Health is a multi-modality clinic making good health accessible for everyone – especially Veterans. It runs Go2 Veterans, a program for ex-military wellness, ensuring they are noticed and acknowledged for their service.

The Trustee for McCartney Family Funerals Trust

QLD Finalist

McCartney Family Funerals is in the business of caring. Established in 2018, the team takes a family-first, community-led approach to crafting considered services for grieving loved ones.

YOU CHOOSE - YOUTH ROAD SAFETY LTD

QLD Finalist

You Choose Youth Road Safety has one clear purpose: change Australia’s driving culture. After losing their son in a road crash, Founders Melissa and Peter McGuiness engage young people to take more accountability on the road.

South Australia

Advance Behavioural Training

SA Finalist

Advance Behavioural Training is a dog owner’s best friend. From structured behavioural training to socialisation therapy, grooming services and a Doggy Day Care centre, it makes dog training a walk in the park.

Alchemy Light Studio

SA Finalist

Alchemy Light Studio offers Lighting Design and Consultancy Services for the Architectural and Design market who want to achieve functional, beautiful and quality design solutions sustainably and efficiently.

Australian Native Food Co.

SA Winner

The Australian Native Food Co. knows the value of Australia’s local food and is bursting to share it. It offers a wide range of pantry staples, aroma and body products, celebrating in the unique spirit of native ingredients.

Foil Me

SA Finalist

Founded in 2014 by spouses Iliano and Emily Ciardiello, Foil Me is an Adelaide based company creating innovative tools for hair professionals to ensure a more enjoyable experience for both colourist and client.

Game Lobby Pty Ltd

SA Finalist

Game Lobby is Adelaide Hills' home of entertainment, bringing Laser Tag, Virtual Reality, arcade games, great food, and more to the community in an inclusive and comfortable environment people of any age can enjoy.

over the edge sports melrose

SA Finalist

Over the Edge is a mountain bike shop, cafe and store focused on promoting the region and cycling tourism by ensuring customers always have the right bike and know the right trails for their ability.

Tasmania

Bridgewater Police and Community Youth Club

TAS Finalist

Bridgewater Police and Community Youth Club is passionate about empowering its diverse community. Its dedicated support programs are shaped to meet the most pressing local needs, build resilience and enhance opportunities.

Martin's Eyecare

TAS Finalist

Martin’s Eyecare sees optometry differently. Since 2009, it has provided bespoke eyecare services to the Glenorchy community and values classic eyewear that isn’t about a brand name, rather a true representation of wearer.

New Chapter Support Pty. Ltd

TAS Winner

New Chapter is driven to redefine disability support delivery. A registered NDIS provider, its team challenge old solutions and champion new ideas, in turn empowering people with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.

Optimum Standard

TAS Finalist

Optimum Standard flourishes in the in-between, tracking the messy process from idea to competitive edge. Its roots in agribusiness, the team strives to build better futures for Tasmanian businesses in every sector.

 

Victoria

#GoKindly

VIC Finalist

#GoKindly is a bed and bath brand with a social conscience that's passionate about creating a kinder world for women. It produces hotel quality bedding, with the proceeds being used to support women experiencing homelessness.

Accessible Accommodation

VIC Finalist

Accessible Accommodation aims to make accessible travel the norm, not the exception, by connecting travellers with disabilities to accommodation that is truly accessible, enabling them to explore Australia and beyond, with confidence and peace of mind.

Commonfolk Coffee Company

VIC Finalist

Commonfolk roasts the good stuff. This coffee roaster and café creates spaces for the community to eat, drink, caffeinate and be merry, with coffee fairly sourced from its long-term partnerships around the globe.

Cyber Safety Project

VIC Finalist

The Cyber Safety Project empowers young Australians to manage their cyber safety and digital wellbeing. The project equips teachers with the tools to educate students on online safety, while also engaging the community.

Guidestar

VIC Winner

Guidestar works with individuals to realise potential and attain optimal wellbeing. It provides tailored support for people and organisations within the disability, mental health, community services and corporate sectors.

Jaramer Pty Ltd

VIC Finalist

Jaramer Legal is a national, majority-Indigenous-owned law firm offering a suite of commercial and legal services. It prides itself on delivering client-tailored legal services through a unique, culturally sensitive lens.

Little Dreamers

VIC Finalist

Little Dreamers cares for Australia's young carers. Its team of dedicated staff and volunteers help improve the quality of life for young people who provide unpaid care to family members dealing with disability, illness or addiction.

Western Australia

Armed For Life

WA Finalist

Armed For Life is a social enterprise helping children, teenagers and adults develop resilience and improve their mental health and wellbeing. The organisation runs workshops and programs to educate and build vital skills.

Building Friendships

WA Finalist

Building Friendships is a unique social and community program giving people living with disabilities the opportunity to socialise with groups of peers, in a safe inclusive environment.

Footprint Cleaning

WA Finalist

Footprint Cleaning is a commercial cleaning service supporting Aboriginal job seekers, including those with disabilities. The business has had a positive impact on self-esteem, education, independence and physical wellbeing.

Reach Us Pilbara Inc.

WA Finalist

Reach Us Pilbara provides ancillary support services to Pilbara residents undergoing treatment for cancer. Patients throughout the region receive practical assistance and advocacy during this difficult time.

The Pivot Institute

WA Finalist

The Pivot Institute is a registered training organisation delivering a range of professional development qualifications and programs across the country, offering a full suite of learning and development services.

West Australian Shalom Group Inc

National Winner

The West Australian Shalom Group runs Shalom House, a residential rehabilitation centre. The program focuses on restoration and reintegration and everyone leaves 100 percent debt free, with a current drivers’ licence, a car and full-time work.

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Contact us

Speak with our Awards Team and call 1800 AWARDS Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (AEDT).