Finalists announced for awards recognising Excellence, Vision and Advocacy in social service sector

The New South Wales Council of Social Service (NCOSS) has announced the finalists for the upcoming inaugural Excellence, Vision & Advocacy (EVA) Awards. Category recipients will be announced at a special event in October celebrating the peak organisation’s 90 years of advocacy.

The awards, named in honour of former NCOSS Director and social justice icon, Eva Cox, recognise and celebrate the positive impact, dedication and courage of individuals and organisations in the NSW social service sector.

NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said, “It’s fitting we are honouring those shaping the future of the social service sector, at the same time we mark 90 years of NCOSS championing social justice.

“Reading through the 54 nominations across four categories we received has been both humbling and inspiring. The EVAs provide us an opportunity to shine a light on the vital contributions of our sector, which often go unnoticed - the individuals and organisations who work tirelessly and with deep commitment and courage to build a stronger, fairer, more inclusive NSW.

“The awards celebrate more than milestones - they acknowledge movement-makers. The finalists are innovators and advocates whose work is setting the standard for excellence and driving meaningful, lasting change in the lives of individuals, families and communities across this state.”

NCOSS’ 90th anniversary celebration will take place on 28 October at the Australian Museum in Sydney and will be officially opened by The Hon. Chris Minns, Premier of NSW.

Finalists:

Category 1: Excellence and Impact- Organisation

Central Coast Tenant’s Advice and Advocacy Service
Dignity
Good 360 Australia
Mackillop Family Services
Uniting NSW/ACT

Category 2: Excellence and Impact- Leadership

Edward Morris
Kane Abbott
Mary Ellen Harrod
Penny Lamaro

Category 3: Excellence and Impact- Frontline worker

Andrew Wong
Anna Certoma
Lisa Thompson
Meher Banu

Category 4: Amir Bodenstein Lived/ Living Experience Individual Honorary Recognition

Anna Nagel
Jenny Smith
Kevin Street
Renee McNab

Media Enquiries:

Bron Matherson, 0438 844 765