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There are four Excellence, Vision & Advocacy (EVA) Awards. One award category recognises an organisation, and three categories recognise individuals for their exceptional work, dedication and courage in the Social Service Sector.

Category 1: Excellence & Impact: Organisation

Category 2: Excellence & Impact: Leadership

Category 3: Excellence & Impact: Frontline Worker

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

 

Category 1: Excellence & Impact: Organisation

This award category recognises outstanding organisations that are delivering innovative, creative, and impactful programs or services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

 

These organisations are celebrated for their ability to respond to complex or evolving needs with community-focused solutions and a strong commitment to inclusivity and resilience.

 

The organisation can be small, medium, large, regional, or collaborative, making a huge impact through innovative, collaborative, or creative programs which responds or contributes to evidence of what works.

 

Nominate an organisation here.

 

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be assessed on the organisation’s ability to:

 

  • Demonstrate innovation, creativity, or collaboration across any aspect of its operations;
  • Deliver clear, measurable outcomes that show positive change in the community. This includes addressing social issues, enhancing quality of life, and contributing to community resilience and wellbeing;
  • Proactively adapt to and evidence with forward-thinking, inclusive approaches;
  • Show a commitment to best practice, continuous improvement, and, where relevant, cultural safety and self-determination.

 

Category 2: Excellence & Impact: Leadership

This award category honours an exceptional leader (e.g. CEO, Board Director, Executive/Management Leadership Team member) within the Social Service Sector who has demonstrated outstanding innovation, vision, and guidance in driving positive change for their organisation, team and the wider community.

 

These individuals inspire those around them, overcome challenges with determination, and lead strategic, transformative initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities.

 

Nominate a social service leader whose impact is shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable society.

 

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be assessed on how effectively the individual:

 

• Demonstrates strong leadership by inspiring, guiding, and empowering others within their organisation or the community;

• Exemplifies personal dedication and resilience in the face of challenges;

• Shows a commitment to innovation, creativity, or collaboration in their leadership approach;

• Has a proven track record of implementing initiatives that address community needs and result in meaningful, measurable improvements in wellbeing, inclusion, and social outcomes.

Category 3: Excellence & Impact: Frontline Worker

This award category recognises exceptional individuals working within the Social Service Sector who have made an extraordinary contribution through their dedication, leadership, and impact.

 

These staff members stand out for going above and beyond the expectations of their role and demonstrate a deep commitment to improving the lives of others and strengthening the sector as a whole.

 

Nominate a social service professional whose work exemplifies excellence, passion and meaningful change.

 

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be assessed on how effectively the individual:

 

• Demonstrates unwavering dedication to their role and the community, exceeding expectations to support people and initiatives;

• Has made a measurable, demonstrable and positive impact on individuals, families, or the broader community through their work;

• Exemplifies resilience and personal commitment in overcoming challenges in their role;

• Shows a strong commitment to innovation, creativity, or collaboration within the sector.

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

This honorary award is named after Amir Bodenstein, who was a Lived Experience Advocate at NCOSS and a founding member of NCOSS’ Lived Experience Advocacy Panel (LEAP).

 

Before his passing in 2024, Amir played a critical role with NCOSS in shaping our approach to working with people with lived and living experience. His sense of social justice, humility, and a desire to draw on all his experience and resources to improve the lives of others made our advocacy work more effective.

 

Amir played a key role in sharing the experience of those who are sleeping rough and experiencing poverty, helping NCOSS to advocate for meaningful policy and funding reform in NSW.

 

This award acknowledges an individual with lived or living experience who has advocated to improve the lives of others going through similar experiences. It also recognises a deep commitment to social justice.

 

This award is open to anyone with lived or living experience who has created meaningful change through their actions.

 

Nominate a lived experience advocate who has made a positive impact.

 

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be assessed on how effectively the individual:

  • Has made a positive impact to improve the lives of individuals, families or communities going through similar experiences through their efforts or initiatives;
  • Advocates for the voices of people with lived and living experience to be at the centre of social policy decision-making and discourse;
  • Embodies the values of empathy, inclusion, courage and social change.