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, outlined by 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 $1,000,000 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.
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 $1,000,000 and $6,000,000 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 significant contributions to 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 $6,000,000 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 most 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
Strategies and solutions which begin with our strengths are important to establish pathways forward together. Our communities and/or experts by experience are consistently showing us that they have the experiences and insights to develop these solutions. Collaborations which feature genuine community-led design can achieve relevant, culturally safe, place-based and sustainable outcomes.
Please describe how the organisation has achieved improved outcomes for communities through collaborative approaches with community members and/or experts by experience. You will need to address
- how the organisation collaboratively engaged the community, or the commitment to better practice that was demonstrated
- the positive outcomes achieved for the community
- the outcomes measurement method used
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 right to self-determination. The successful delivery of holistic and culturally appropriate services is the essence of ACCOs, and evidenced in the outcomes for Aboriginal people, their families, and communities.
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 collaboratively engaged the community, or the commitment to better practice that was demonstrated
- the positive outcomes achieved for the community
- the outcomes measurement method used
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 their own contributions to the community services sector. The winner of 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. The winner of this award will automatically be nominated for the Western Australian of the Year Award.
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.