Awards celebrate excellence in Community Services

The 2025 Community Services Awards, held on Friday, 7 November at the University of Wollongong Great Hall, was a celebration of the individuals, teams and not-for-profit organisations who work tirelessly to address inequalities and support individuals, families and communities who are experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the night such a success.

This year we added a new award – the Social Justice Champion Award. Social Justice is very basis on which Community Industry Group was founded over 30 years ago, and we decided to this year recognise an individual who truly embodies the principles of social justice. Someone who fights for equity and inclusion, who promotes human rights and challenges systemic inequalities.  This new award will be awarded annually and will recognise the Social Justice Champion with a perpetual trophy as well as an individual award.

The inaugural Social Justice Champion Award went to the irrepressible Val Fell OAM, a 96-year-old warrior for the rights of older people and people living with dementia. It was truly moving to see a standing ovation from the 300-plus people in attendance.

Congratulations to all award winners

⭐ Innovation Award (Team) - Barnardo's, South Coast

⭐ Innovation Award (Individual) - Becky Garrett, SAHSSI

⭐ Impact Award (Team) - Age Matters, IRT Group

⭐ Impact Award (Individual) - Samantha Bruce, Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre, What Were You Wearing? - Australia

⭐ Emerging Leader Award - Michelle Chate, Warrigal

⭐ Leadership Award (Small Organisation) - Angela Pendlebury, North Shoalhaven Meals on Wheels

⭐ Leadership Award (Large Organisation) - Kelly McGarrity, Wollongong Homeless Hub & Housing Services

⭐ Partnership Excellence Award - Greenacres Disability Services & KJ Scaffolding

⭐ Social Justice Champion Award - Val Fell OAM.