Since 2002 the Queensland Community Achievement Awards have been recognising the contributions of individuals, communities and businesses throughout the state. The awards seek to encourage and reward those that work to improve the social, economic and environmental prosperity of their communities. 

From Aged Care workers to Youth Parliament representatives, here are the 2024 winners: 

Special Event Presentations Sports in the Community Award
Ipswich Basketball Association
For over 60 years, Ipswich Basketball Association (IBA) has been fostering inclusivity and resilience in the Ipswich community through the medium of basketball. With more than 2,700 active members, IBA fosters a family-oriented environment where everyone feels valued and safe. Its programs cater to all, with youth initiatives and support for individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone can participate in sports. IBA hosts charity events, school competitions and community engagement activities, as part of its commitment to local causes. The association is actively working on a multi-purpose indoor sports facility which will enhance opportunities for athletes and the broader community.

The Career College Small Business Award
Trusted Aged Care Services
Trusted Aged Care Services was established in 2016 by Amanda Cassar to offer specialised financial advice for families navigating aged-care decisions. With over 20 years of experience, including a Master of Financial Planning and a Specialist Aged Care™ Accreditation, Amanda’s aim is to provide elderly Australians in her area with the best possible outcomes so that they are taken care of in a dignified manner and that their families are comfortable with the choices made. Amanda’s dedication to ongoing learning, including her work in elder financial abuse prevention, further enhances her impact, with expert, compassionate advice that has helped countless families navigate difficult circumstances together. 

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Synaco by Synergie Safety Award
Civic Assist
Civic Assist is a charity committed to safety and support within its community. It coordinates a number of services and initiatives, like the Youth Street Crew – an outreach program that aims to provide an on-the-ground support network helping young people find effective solutions and support in accessing vital services – and Safe Night Precinct – which provides harm minimisation, peer support and street outreach services in the Toowoomba CBD liquor precinct. For more than 17 years, Civic Assist has supported young people in navigating stress and anxiety, while also offering practical assistance to families facing challenges such as homelessness and domestic violence. In FY2024, Civic Assist’s achievements include 20,240 bottles of water distributed, more than 5,500 meaningful interactions and 735 interventions during late-night operations. 

Royal on the Park Local Legend Award
Jessica Stone
Jessica Stone of Wavell Heights is a Youth Member for Nudgee in Queensland Youth Parliament. A passionate advocate for youth and First Nations rights in Brisbane, Jess is drafting a Bill aimed at the repatriation of First Nations ancestral remains and cultural heritage, fostering reconciliation and cultural respect. If passed by Youth Parliament Jess’ repatriation Bill has the potential to become Queensland legislation.  Beyond her parliamentary work, Jess volunteers at the Cystic Fibrosis Bookshop and the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre, where she engages families in environmental conservation. Jess also serves on the Bravehearts Youth Advisory Council to improve child protection policies. 

Konica Minolta Customer Service Award
City Farm Nursery
City Farm Nursery promotes sustainability through organic and permaculture practices. Since 1994, it has provided Brisbane residents with eco-friendly gardening solutions, including unique seedlings, edible plants and sustainable products. Its team offers personalised expert advice, helping customers create thriving and productive home gardens. City Farm Nursery is actively involved in Brisbane City Council’s Free Native Plant Program, distributing thousands of plants each year. It also fosters community engagement by offering volunteer opportunities, workshops, and collaboration with First Nations people to integrate cultural knowledge, strengthening local sustainability efforts.

Quota Beenleigh Leadership Award
Mark Forbes
Mark Forbes of Montville has dedicated the past eight years of his life to reshaping the treatment of eating disorders in Australia. Frustrated by inadequate options when he and his wife were trying to support their two daughters through eating disorders, Mark founded endED. Through this charity, Mark was able to establish the country’s first ever live-in residential eating disorder facility – Wandi Nerida. EndED also runs House of Hope on the Sunshine Coast which offers day programs, employing recovery coaches with lived experience to support clients. Mark is currently developing a Tiny Home Village to offer temporary housing for individuals escaping domestic violence or seeking eating disorder support. 

Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award
Rally For A Cause Ltd
Rally For A Cause is a community-driven charity that provides support to families and individuals on the Fraser and Sunshine Coasts affected by serious medical conditions or unexpected tragedies. Since 2015, the charity has raised over $3.5 million, benefiting more than 325 recipients with financial aid and practical assistance. Their flagship fundraiser, the annual Dunga Derby, a car rally that sees up to 55 team vehicles from the Fraser Coast, 55 teams from the Sunshine Coast and approximately 400 people take part in a four-day rally adventure travelling from the Coast to the Country. Rally For A Cause also leads Angel Families, a support group for those grieving the loss of a child.

QLD Family and Child Commission Dedicated to Supporting Young Queenslanders Award
Formally Ever After 
Formally Ever After is a community program founded by Logan-based mum and aged-care worker Tammy Robinson which ensures that no student misses out on milestone events like Year 12 formals. Formally Ever After has transformed the lives of more than 6,000 young Queenslanders by providing donated glamorous clothes and accessories and ticket support, as well as providing formal wear for other occasions such as court attire and graduation wear. The program operates across Logan, Brisbane, Gold Coast and remote areas, empowering students from disadvantaged backgrounds to feel confident, proud and included. Tammy’s work extends to Indigenous communities, where she’s helped launch formal programs. She also partners with various organisations to support youth with disabilities. 

Awards Australia Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Award
Cycling Without Age Gold Coast
Cycling Without Age is a not-for-profit charity that connects those no longer able to ride for themselves with their community and the outdoors. By offering free rides on trishaw e-bikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists, the organisation helps combat loneliness and social isolation. Cycling Without Age Gold Coast is the largest chapter in Australia providing free rides to more than 700 seniors and people with disabilities each month, using 11 adaptive trishaws. The all-volunteer organisation fosters connections between generations—from 14-year-old pilots to centenarians. Volunteers experience profound joy and fulfilment. The initiative has significantly improved the well-being of participants, enhancing mood and social interaction. By breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion, they have become a beloved source of community pride and resilience.