2024 State Finalists - Building Communities

Carbiz Accident Replacement Vehicles is an all-in-one accident management service providing customer support throughout all stages of being in a motor vehicle accident. 

Its mission is to get customers back on the road conveniently and safely with trusted repairer partners and providing like-for-like replacement vehicles.

Founded in 1981, Random Harvest has developed an extensive range of quality gourmet products, beautifully packaged and affordably priced. 

It boasts a diverse range of individual sweet and savoury artisanal products, along with gift packs, gift hampers and corporate hampers.

Led by Co-Directors Carla Rogers and Aunty Munya Andrews, Evolve Communities is a trusted provider of cultural awareness training and allyship accreditation. 

Whether in person or online, Evolve Communities core programs are facilitated by an Indigenous and non-Indigenous team, modelling allyship.

Run by Pamela and Christopher Dixon, DRV4LYF Driving School has been operating successfully for more than 17 years, giving people the confidence to drive safely.

DRV4LYF believes that road safety is everyone's responsibility, underpinning the culture of the business. The team teaches not just the skills of driving a car, but the inherent dangers that people face on the roads every day.

Established in 2022, Aboriginal Sea Company gives Indigenous people and Traditional Owners an opportunity to grow First Nations-controlled marine and seafood industry related businesses. 

The Aboriginal Sea Company makes investments in the seafood and maritime industries to create social outcomes for Aboriginal people, including training, employment and small-scale enterprise development.

Stymie is a child protection tool allowing students in schools and community groups to anonymously report harm to them or someone else.

It works by sending encrypted, anonymous notifications to authorised recipients who can respond accordingly, encouraging kids to speak up and helping to cultivate a safe environment for everyone.

Accessible Homes Australia (AHA) is an NDIS-registered Specialist Disability Accommodation provider with a mission to create high quality, accessible homes. 

Founded by Perry Cross AM, a ventilated quadriplegic who intimately understands the significance of accessible housing, AHA brings together a wealth of experience and commitment to delivering exceptional housing.

Tennis Direct is a wholesaler and retailer across a variety of sporting equipment, specialising in tennis. 

The business employs and trains local staff who custom string all tennis racquets onsite prior to shipping, allowing players to shop tailor-made products at a competitive price.

Heartfelt Support is a disability support service committed to helping clients meet their NDIS goals. 

The company offers a broad range of services tailored to the needs of each client including mentoring and support, recovery coaching, art and music therapy, equine therapy, employment services and more.

Chat Well Allied Health is a paediatric allied health clinic dedicated to providing high-quality services that empower children and their families. 

The warm and welcoming team embodies a neurodiversity-affirming approach within their practice to support children with a range of diagnoses including autism, intellectual disability, developmental delay and more.

Say Hooray provides an array of allied health services including autism and ADHD assessments, speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, music therapy, and more. 

Say Hooray creates a positive workspace and fosters an environment where clients are acknowledged and celebrated for their true selves.

Communication eXtra is a registered NDIS provider dedicated to providing unwavering support to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. 

The team is committed to recognising everyone’s unique challenges and strengths, aiming to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where participants are heard, valued, and supported.

Transmutation is a craft sized recycling and manufacturing business that makes and sells circular economy products, proving to its customers that waste can be great. 

The business sells everything from bags, belts, clothing and jewellery, homewares, and more.

Founded by David Kewley, DK Accounting and Advisory is a dynamic accounting firm founded on the concept of building a strong local community through the empowerment of entrepreneurial enterprises. 

The team prides itself on providing tailored accounting, tax, and business advice to suit all client needs.

Tasman Pest Management is a pest management business that provides residential and commercial clients with the latest products and techniques to safely control common pest issues. 

Established in 2012, Felicity Ryan Ballet is a non-competitive, all-inclusive, ballet studio that offers a comprehensive range of classes for both children and adults. 

The team at Felicity Ryan Ballet provides excellent technical training while maintaining a positive and nurturing environment for all students, encouraging self-discipline, kindness, self-awareness, and confidence.

Adoreu baby is a retail store in the heart of Launceston offering products to support customers' growing family needs. 

From pregnancy and post-partum support, breast feeding care, and baby essentials, including nursery furniture, prams and car seats, the team is devoted to supporting families and the community.

Allison Davies, Music and The Brain educates parents, carers, teachers and service providers to use therapeutic, music-based strategies as tools for felt safety in themselves and their children, with a particular focus on neurodivergence and neuro affirming practice. 

Second Chance Animal Rescue is a community-based charity run by vet professionals, animal-loving volunteers, and foster carers. Its team rescues and rehabilitates dogs and cats due to be euthanised at pounds and shelters across Victoria, to help offer them a second chance at finding their forever homes.

She's on the Money was born from founder Victoria Devine’s dream to make finance accessible and engaging for individuals from all walks of life. 

She's on the Money helps empower financial wellness across podcasts, resources, books, columns, and events.

The Conversation is a global knowledge project, driven by a powerful combination of technology, academic expertise, and journalistic know-how. 

Through a network of newsrooms across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and beyond, its on a mission to bring together universities and journalists to produce and disseminate free, independent, and fact-based journalism. 

Real Schools provides primary and secondary schools with innovative and transformative mentoring and coaching programs to help educators transform school cultures, with a mission to improve the lives of teachers, students, and parents.

Founded by disability psychologist Sarah Yates in 2018, Our Ruby Girl is a cafe that champions inclusivity and empowerment by maintaining a 50% staff ratio of individuals with disabilities. 

Its mission is to provide unique and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities relating to employment, events, and practical life experiences.

Pachamama is a dynamic early education and childcare provider that endeavours to reignite the joy of traditional outdoor play with friends in natural surroundings. 

It aims to reconnect children with the beauty of nature, providing soul-nourishing experiences and fostering positive interpersonal interactions.