Award Categories
There are nine Community Services Excellence Awards. Seven Award categories recognising organisations and two award categories recognising individuals for their exceptional work in the community services sector.
Category 1:
Trailblazing Small Organisation: Catalysts of Community Innovation.
This Award honours those organisations that are driving positive change through inventive, collaborative, and imaginative programs or services. Nominate a medium organisation that’s making a significant difference in the lives of people in the community.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The organisation demonstrates a commitment to innovation, creativity or collaboration across any aspect of its operations—whether through program design, service delivery, community engagement, resource use, or problem-solving strategies.
- The organisation provides clear, measurable outcomes from their programs, services or projects that show positive changes in the lives of individuals, families, or communities.
- The organisation has creatively developed and implemented solutions to meet specific community needs, showcasing innovative approaches.
- The organisation proactively identifies and responds to new or evolving needs within the community, demonstrating adaptability and a forward-thinking approach.
- The organisation can demonstrate a dedication to best practice and continuous improvement to better meet community needs through effective processes and procedures.
Category 2:
Standout Medium Organisation: Engines of Progress and Creativity
This Award honours those organisations that are driving positive change through inventive, collaborative, and imaginative programs or services. Nominate a medium organisation that’s making a significant difference in the lives of people in the community.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The organisation demonstrates a commitment to creativity across its activities, using imaginative, resourceful, and unique approaches to make a positive impact in the community.
- The organisation provides clear, measurable outcomes from their programs, services or projects that show positive changes in the lives of individuals, families, or communities.
- The organisation has creatively developed and implemented solutions to meet specific community needs, showcasing innovative approaches.
- The organisation proactively identifies and responds to new or evolving needs within the community, demonstrating adaptability and a forward-thinking approach.
- The organisation can demonstrate a dedication to best practice and continuous improvement to better meet community needs through effective processes and procedures.
Category 3:
Impactful Large Organisation: Powerhouses of Positive Change
This Award category acknowledges a large organisation that stands out for its exceptional contributions through innovative, collaborative, and creative programs or services. Nominate an organisation that is making a meaningful difference to individuals, families, or communities.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The organisation demonstrates a commitment to positive change in the community through innovation, creativity or collaboration across any aspect of its operations—whether through program design, service delivery, community engagement, resource use, or problem-solving strategies.
- The organisation provides clear, measurable outcomes from their programs, services or projects that show positive changes in the lives of individuals, families, or communities.
- The organisation has creatively developed and implemented solutions to meet specific community needs, showcasing innovative approaches.
- The organisation proactively identifies and responds to new or evolving needs within the community, demonstrating adaptability and a forward-thinking approach.
- The organisation can demonstrate a dedication to best practice and continuous improvement to better meet community needs through effective processes and procedures.
Category 4:
Remarkable Regional Organisation: Champions of Rural and Remote Innovation
This Award category recognises regional, rural, and remote community service organisations as the backbone of vibrant, diverse regions who face unique challenges. This Award honours organisations that excel in delivering creative, collaborative, and innovative programs or services in these tough environments. Nominate an organisation that is a star in their regional community.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The organisation significantly contributes to the overall well-being of individuals and families in the regional, rural or remote communities through programs, services or projects.
- The organisation provides clear, measurable outcomes from their programs, services or projects that show positive changes in the lives of individuals, families, or communities.
- The organisation has creatively developed and implemented solutions to meet specific community needs, showcasing innovative approaches.
- The organisation proactively identifies and responds to new or evolving needs within the community, demonstrating adaptability and a forward-thinking approach.
- The organisation can demonstrate a dedication to best practice and continuous improvement to better meet community needs through effective processes and procedures.
Category 5:
Visionary Community-Led Collaboration: Crafting Better Futures Together
This Award category recognises the power of community-driven solutions and collaborations that rise from our collective strengths. This category recognises outstanding strategies that emerge from genuine, community-led design, leading to culturally sensitive, place-based, and sustainable outcomes. Nominate collaboration that exemplifies how community insights and experiences can forge impactful, lasting change.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The collaboration fosters innovative approaches and solutions that arise from the collective knowledge, creativity, and experience of its participants.
- The collaborative efforts lead to significant positive outcomes for the community, enhancing social, economic, or environmental well-being
- The organisation provides clear, measurable outcomes from their programs, services or projects that show positive changes in the lives of individuals, families, or communities.
- The organisation has creatively developed and implemented solutions to meet specific community needs, showcasing innovative approaches.
- The organisation proactively identifies and responds to new or evolving needs within the community, demonstrating adaptability and a forward-thinking approach.
- The organisation can demonstrate a dedication to best practice and continuous improvement to better meet community needs through effective processes and procedures.
Category 6 and 7 Presented in Partnership with:
Category 6:
Exceptional Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation: Champions of Cultural Empowerment
Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are essential providers of trusted, place-based, community-led, and culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal communities. This Award celebrates an ACCO that embodies and promotes Aboriginal communities’ right to self-determination, and achieves outstanding outcomes for Aboriginal people and families in collaboration with their communities through a holistic and culturally grounded approach.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The organisation actively supports Aboriginal self-determination, empowering communities to lead and make decisions regarding their own services and well-being.
- The organisation provides clear, measurable outcomes from its programs, services or projects that show positive changes in the lives of individuals, families, or communities.
- The organisation has creatively developed and implemented solutions to meet specific community needs, showcasing innovative approaches.
- The organisation proactively identifies and responds to new or evolving needs within the community, demonstrating adaptability and a forward-thinking approach.
- The organisation can demonstrate a dedication to best practice, evaluation and continuous improvement.
Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation or ACCO means an organisation that is an “Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisation” within the meaning of clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, being an organisation that delivers services, including land and resource management, that builds the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people and is:
- incorporated under relevant legislation and not-for-profit;
- controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people;
- connected to the community, or communities, in which they deliver the services; and
- governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body.
Category 7:
Inspiring Partnership between an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation and a Community Services Organisation
Introducing a new exciting Award, presented for the first time at Community Services Excellence Awards in 2025
Genuine and equal partnerships between Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Community Service Organisations (CSO) enhance culturally sensitive service delivery, build capacity, foster trust, and prioritise self-determination for Aboriginal communities.
This category recognises exceptional relationships between ACCOs and CSOs, grounded in trust and genuine partnership, which lead to culturally appropriate service delivery and improved outcomes for Aboriginal people and their communities. Nominations should highlight initiatives that are based on mutual respect, shared decision making, and impactful outcomes, showcasing how the partnership effectively addresses community needs while empowering Aboriginal voices and self-determination. Successful nominees will exemplify commitment to cultural safety and innovative practices that foster community resilience and inclusivity.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The partnership actively promotes self-determination, empowering Aboriginal communities, through their ACCOs, to lead and make decisions regarding their own services and well-being.
- The partnership is committed to culturally secure service delivery, whereby the knowledge and expertise of the ACCO is respected and prioritised.
- The partnership demonstrates shared decision-making between the ACCO and CSO on service design, delivery and evaluation, and is responsive to ongoing or evolving community needs.
- The collaboration fosters innovative approaches and solutions that lead to significant positive outcomes for the community, enhancing social, economic, or environmental well-being.
- The partnership can demonstrate a dedication to best practice, evaluation and continuous improvement.
Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation or ACCO means an organisation that is an “Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisation” within the meaning of clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, being an organisation that delivers services, including land and resource management, that builds the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people and is:
- incorporated under relevant legislation and not-for-profit;
- controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people;
- connected to the community, or communities, in which they deliver the services; and
- governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body.
Individual Categories
Category 8:
Outstanding Contribution: Going Above and Beyond
This Award category celebrates outstanding staff members who have exceeded expectations through their extraordinary involvement in community projects or in their significant impact to the sector. In the community services sector, some individuals truly stand out by going that extra mile. Nominate an outstanding contributor who has gone above and beyond within the sector. Nominees for this Award will automatically be considered for the 2025 Western Australian of the Year Award.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The individual demonstrates unwavering dedication to their role and the community, consistently going beyond their job requirements to support individuals and projects.
- The individual has made a measurable and positive impact on the lives of individuals or the broader community through their actions and initiatives.
- The nominee should exemplify personal dedication and resilience in overcoming challenges within their role.
- The individual demonstrates a commitment to innovation, creativity or collaboration.
Category 9:
Leadership Excellence: Inspiring Change and Innovation
This category honours a standout leader who has brought exceptional innovation and guidance to their organisation and community. Nominate an excellent leader who has made a substantial difference in improving the lives of individuals and communities. Finalists in this category will also be nominated for the 2025 Western Australian of the Year Award.
Award Criteria
Nominations will be assessed regarding how effectively:
- The individual demonstrates leadership qualities by inspiring and guiding others within the organisation or the community.
- The nominee exemplifies personal dedication and resilience in overcoming challenges within their role.
- The individual demonstrates a commitment to innovation, creativity or collaboration.
- The nominee demonstrates a track record of implementing innovative practices or programs that address community needs.
- The nominee demonstrates a substantial and positive impact on the lives of individuals and the community as a whole. This includes addressing social issues, enhancing quality of life, and contributing to community resilience and wellbeing.
Award Prize Money
The award winner from each category will receive a cheque for $1000.
The Excellence in Leadership award winner can nominate their $1000 to a charity of their choice.
Key Dates
Community Services Excellence Awards
Monday 12 May 2025
Wacoss Conference
12 - 14 May 2025
Nominations close
28 January 2025