There are six award categories recognising organisations and two award categories recognising individuals for their exceptional work in the community services sector. Categories are either to acknowledge an organisation’s contribution – their programs or services – or to acknowledge an individual’s contribution. All individuals or organisations nominated must meet eligibility criteria – refer to each category below.
Organisational Categories
Category 1 - Small organisation providing collaborative, innovative or creative programs or services
Our small, often volunteer-run organisations are the backbone of WA’s communities. Although small, they often make a difference to our lives in the biggest ways, providing essential and irreplaceable services. Recognise a small organisation that has made a positive difference to individuals, families, or communities, through its collaborative, innovative, or creative programs or services.
To be eligible for this category, the organisation must have an annual turnover between $5,000 and $500,000 per year.
Please describe how the organisation has made a difference to its communities through its collaborative, innovative, or creative approach. As part of the criteria you will need to address:
- the level of creativity or innovation
- how it met a need or promoted change
- what processes were engaged, or commitment to best practice was demonstrated
- the positive outcomes achieved.
Medium organisations are the quiet achievers of the community. This award recognises a medium-sized organisation that has made a positive difference to individuals, families or communities through its collaborative, innovative and creative programs or services.
To be eligible for this category, the organisation must have an annual turnover between $500,000 and $5,000,000 per year.
Please describe how the organisation has made a difference to its communities through its collaborative, innovative or creative approach. As part of the criteria you will need to address:
- the level of creativity or innovation
- how it met a need or promoted change
- what processes were engaged, or commitment to best practice was demonstrated
- the positive outcomes achieved.
Our large organisations have the resources to make a difference in our communities and often include iconic and familiar brands. Recognise a large organisation that has made a positive difference to individuals, families or communities through its collaborative, innovative, and creative programs or services.
To be eligible for this category, the organisation must have an annual turnover of more than $5,000,000 per year.
Please describe how the organisation has made a difference to its communities through its collaborative, innovative or creative approach. As part of the criteria you will need to address:
- the level of creativity or innovation
- how it met a need or promoted change
- what processes were engaged or commitment to best practice was demonstrated
- the positive outcomes achieved
Community service organisations are the foundation of our vibrant and diverse regional, rural and remote communities. They work in some of the harshest and challenging environments. Recognise an organisation that is providing collaborative, innovative or creative programs or services to their communities.
Please describe how the organisation has made a difference to its communities through its collaborative, innovative or creative approach. As part of the criteria you will need to address:
- the level of creativity or innovation
- how it met a need or promoted change
- what processes were engaged, or commitment to best practice was demonstrated
- the positive outcomes achieved
Place is the new frontier. Placed-based services and solutions are not limited to geographical location, but represent a community. Place is how engagement or involvement or change transpires. Recognise an organisation that has implemented effective programs or services that incorporate community feedback and advice on place-based solutions. Place-based solutions cannot happen in a vacuum, collaboration between other services, business, or community members is essential.
Please describe how the organisation has made a difference to its communities through its collaborative, innovative, or creative approach. As part of the criteria you will need to address:
- what processes were engaged, or commitment to best practice was demonstrated in creating place-based solutions or outcomes
- the positive outcomes achieved
Please detail how service users were central in the design, delivery, and outcome.
Category 6 - Outstanding contribution to improving life in communities by an Aboriginal organisation
Aboriginal community-controlled organisations provide change for Aboriginal people, by Aboriginal people. They are the living embodiment of the aspirations of Aboriginal communities and their need for self-determination. Recognise an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation that has successfully delivered holistic, culturally appropriate services. An organisation that has created positive change for Aboriginal people, their families, and communities, through innovation and effective partnerships.
Please describe how the Aboriginal community-controlled organisation has made a difference to its communities through its collaborative, innovative, or creative approach. As part of the criteria you will need to address:
- how the organisation engaged the community
- the impact the organisation had in the community
Individual Categories
Staff in the community services sector work hard. This award recognises and honours someone who has surpassed expectations through their involvement in a community project, or own contributions to the community services sector. Finalists for this award will automatically be nominated for the Western Australian of the Year Award.
Please describe how the individual has made a difference to its communities through its collaborative, innovative, or creative approach. As part of the criteria you will need to address:
- how this person is committed to the community and the people they serve
- why this person shines above others
Leaders have the influence and inspire, to develop a positive culture, and to make real change happen. This award recognises a leader who has demonstrated great innovation and guidance in their organisation or community, and has contributed to the significant improvement to the lives of people and communities they serve.
Describe how the individual has made a difference to their communities through collaborative, innovative, or creative practice. As part of the criteria you will need to address:
- the innovation and guidance the individual has displayed in their leadership
- the significant improvement in the lives of people and community that has resulted from the individual’s leadership
- the legacy this individual’s leadership will leave in the community
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.