Award Category Finalists
Congratulations to all outstanding CSEA finalists!
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.
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
- Dress for Success
- Healing Smiles
- Phoenix Support and Advocacy Services
- Short, Back and Sidewalks
Category 2:
Standout Medium Organisation: Engines of Progress and Creativity
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
- Orana House
- Reconciliation WA – Respect Rising Great Southern
- Valued Lives Foundation – Leap Project
- Youth Involvement Council
Category 3:
Impactful Large Organisation: Powerhouses of Positive Change
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
- Anglicare WA
- Crosslinks – Fast tracking a skilled workforce
- Ruah Community Services
- Zonta House
Category 4:
Remarkable Regional Organisation: Champions of Rural and Remote Innovation
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
- Great Southern Community Legal Services
-
Hedland Well Women’s Centre –
Telehealth GP Service -
Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation –
Youth Connection Night Space - Pilbara Community Services Ltd - Reintegration Service
Category 5:
Visionary Community-Led Collaboration: Crafting Better Futures Together
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
-
Parenting Connection WA -
Anglicare WA, Ngala, Wanslea -
RightbyYou website - Neami National -
Suicide Prevention Coordinators and Youth Project Steering Committee -
WA Rent Relief Program -
Anglicare WA, Vinnies WA, RUAH, Centrecare -
Women's Health Justice Partnership -
Women's Legal Service WA and WA Department of Health
Category 6 and 7 Presented in Partnership with:
Category 6:
Exceptional Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation: Champions of Cultural Empowerment
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
- Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service
- Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation
- Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Corporation
- Yorgum Healing Services
Category 7:
Inspiring Partnership between an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation and a Community Services Organisation
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
-
Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation (KKAC) and
Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) -
Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre &
Kimberley Community Legal Services -
US Without Abuse Campaign -
Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre
(in partnership with Ebenezer Aboriginal Corporation) -
Family Dispute Resolution -
Volunteering WA & Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council -
Volunteer Management Activity Project Based Grants Program -
Rise and Shine - Yorgum Healing Services + Hope
Individual Categories
Category 8:
Outstanding Contribution: Going Above and Beyond
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
- Craig Hollywood – Short, Back and Sidewalks
- Dr Lida Sayadelmi – Healing Smiles
- Erika Wells – EON Aboriginal Foundation
- Oscar Colbung - from Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Category 9:
Leadership Excellence: Inspiring Change and Innovation
Award Sponsor:
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.
Finalists:
- Asha Bhat – from Southern Aboriginal Corporation
- Duane Tang Wei – from Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation
- Kim Brooklyn – from Parkerville Children and Youth Services
- Vicki-Tree Stephens – from Youth Involvement Council
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
4 February 2025
