NCOSS celebrates 90 years of advocacy
The EVA (Excellence, Vision and Advocacy) awards are the first of their kind to recognise and celebrate the positive impact, dedication and courage of individuals and organisations across the entire the NSW social service sector and are named in honour of former NCOSS Director and social justice icon, Eva Cox.
NCOSS CEO, Cara Varian, said the sector has stood shoulder to shoulder with local communities across the state, driving change and giving a voice to those who are too often unheard.
“These awards honour not only the dedication of today’s leaders, but also the generations who built the foundations of advocacy that continue to guide us towards a more equitable future.
“The 90th event, and the EVAs, are a tribute to the everyday heroes of our sector- people who turn compassion into action and advocacy into impact. Ninety years on, our mission remains as vital as ever- to stand with communities, challenge inequality, and build a society where everyone can thrive.”
The event was hosted by multiple Walkley Award winning author, journalist and broadcaster, Tracey Spicer AM, and attended by: NSW Premier Chris Minns, Kate Washington MP, Jodie Harrison MP, Damien Tudehope MP, Natasha Maclaren-Jones MP, Greens Abigail Boyd MLC, Cate Faehrmann MLC and Jenny Leong MP, and former Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney.
Former NCOSS CEO/ Directors in attendance included Eva Cox, Gary Moore and John Robertson, the current NCOSS President.
There are four EVA Award categories:
- Amir Bodenstein Lived/Living Experience Individual Honorary Recognition
Recipient: Anna Nagel
Anna’s nomination highlighted her profound impact on individuals and communities experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, which Anna has overcome herself before becoming an advocate and policy influencer. Anna had also formed a connection with fellow lived experience advocate Amir Bodenstein, whom the award is named in honour of.
- Excellence and Impact- Organisation
Recipient: MacKillop Family Services
MacKillop’s initiatives to raise practice standards and initiate similar improvements across the foster care sector were recognised for their commitment to continuous improvement, for clear and measurable outcomes already influencing practice and for its collaborative approach ensuring people with lived experience were at the centre of the initiative.
- Excellence and Impact- Leadership
Recipient: Edward Morris, Physical Disability Council of NSW
Edward’s application impressed the judging panel with his demonstration of prioritising the voices of people with lived experience in all aspects of the organisation’s work. Since joining the Physical Disability Council of NSW as CEO in 2023, Edward has helped elevate their commitment to advocating across the spectrum of issues, which has been impactful from a systemic level right through to the individual level.
- Excellence and Impact- Frontline Worker
Recipient: Meher Banu, CatholicCare
CatholicCare supports individuals and families across the wider Sydney community for a
range of services including home care, disability services and child and family services.
Meher’s commitment to walking alongside the community, to be patient, flexible and
empathetic while also being a determined and fierce advocate for human rights has been
demonstrated at both community level and systematically.