Category 1: Working Creatively to Make a Difference (Small Group/Organisation)

BUSSED Ed
Bussed Ed is a collaborative early intervention program that’s runs in the south metropolitan area of Perth. It provides support and encouragement for “at-risk” young people in attending school, with the aim of improving their life opportunities. The program runs every school day and involves picking up 15 to 20 young people from their home, providing them with breakfast and dropping them at school. An innovative component of the program is the support by the Boronia pre-release centre for women. This involves the residents of the centre voluntarily preparing breakfast for the program participants every morning. In addition, Bussed Ed receives significant support from Curtin University of Technology. This practical partnership between a community-based organisation, a university and a correctional facility is a first of its kind in Australia.

Category 2: Working Creatively to make a Difference (Large Group/Org)

Aboriginal Training Initiative
The Aboriginal Training Initiative is an innovative program that has broken new ground in providing culturally appropriate childcare qualifications for Aboriginal people. Initially developed by the Department for Community Development, Yorganop has worked creatively to modify the training resource package, extending it to map across to the Certificate III in Children’s Services. The program has generated employment for Aboriginal people, increased confidence, self reliance and esteem and at the same time fulfilled the need for improved Indigenous child care and protection. Yorganop works along side Aboriginal families and the community to enhance the well being of Aboriginal children and young people in care, both now and in the future.

Category 3: Strengthening Communities

Aboriginal Grandparent Family Support Services
In 2003 the Aboriginal Grandparent Family Support program based at Women’s Health Care House, was developed to provide invaluable support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grandparents caring for their grandchildren or great grandchildren. Based on family, social, health and wellbeing principles, the program improves grandparents access to government and other services, provision of information, advocacy and peer support. Through activities including pampering/self care events, respite camps, peer support and Aboriginal playgroups, grandparents have experienced improved health and wellbeing and the confidence to assist them in maintaining strong and happy families.

Category 4: Strenghtening Volunteering

Volunteer Program
Established over 30 years ago, Volunteer Task Force has embraced the spirit of volunteerism to make a positive difference to the community by providing support and services to those of limited financial, social and physical capacity. Volunteer Task Force has implemented procedures which involve volunteers in decisions that affect their activities. As well as developing strong policies on training and support for volunteers, the program ensures the contribution of every volunteer is recognised. Volunteers offer their time to provide assistance with gardening, home maintenance, shopping and social support. The organisation actively supports, strengthens and acknowledges the contribution that volunteers make, which has enabled volunteers to be valued by their clients and community alike.

Category 5: Strengthening the Community Services Industry

Emergency Relief Sector support and Training program
As the peak body of the community services sector in Western Australia, the Western Australian Council of Social Service has forged a strong relationship with the emergency relief sector. Through the Emergency Relief Sector Support and Training program, WACOSS has strengthened the capacity of services to provide emergency relief to the community. It is estimated that 200 agencies provide emergency relief to over 531,000 individuals in WA. The work undertaken by WACOSS with the emergency relief services in WA has resulted in improved resources, relevant training and the development of closer bonds between agencies, government departments and the wider community.

Category 6: Business and Community Partnerships

The Bullsbrook and Districts Community Reference Group
The Bullsbrook and Districts Community Reference Group brings a unique approach to business and community partnerships. In  partnership with Transfield Services a major transport contractor at the RAAF Pearce Airbase and the City of Swan, the groups focus is not financial, but rather on building community spirit, skill and capacity. Meeting on a monthly basis the Bullsbrook and Districts Community Reference Group, examine issues and opportunities confronting the community.  Through sharing and developing a network of resources and local knowledge across the community; by brokering mutually beneficial relationships across sectors within the community, the City of  Swan and Transfield Services in partnership with the Bullsbrook Community Reference Group has achieved positive outcomes for the Bullsbrook community now and into the future.

Category 7: Strengthening Rural and Remote Communities

Housing and Respite Services Program
The plight of a young woman who wished to work in Hyden as a hairdresser but could not find any accommodation spurred the Hyden Progress Association in 1994 to form a subcommittee aimed at raising funds for accommodation suitable for young single residents of Hyden and Karlgarin. The Housing and Respite Services Program is an ongoing development providing a body to allow community members to discuss, resource, share knowledge and develop skills to resolve issues facing the community, specifically the housing shortage. A positive outcome of the program was securing local, state government and community based support in the construction of young single housing which has provided accommodation for 70 people since 1996. The program has extended to providing much needed respite care services and support for the Hyden community, with the employment of a respite care coordinator and plans to build a permanent facility for respite care clients.

Category 9: Outstanding Commitment by an Individual

Jacqui Stutt
Think spirit, passion, tireless dedication and think Jacqui Stutt, manager of Newman YMCA. Jaqcui coordinated the development of a purpose designed youth facility in Newman, and has put in countless hours to develop this centre for local community members, youth and adult alike. Jacqui has also geared other projects like the development of a local skate park, holiday programs in the Nullagine and Jigalong communities and the DRUGGeD program, just to name a few.  Jacqui has developed innovative ways of teaching young people in Newman life, personal and employment skills. Her caring nature, insightful thinking and pure commitment to others have touched many lives of her community.

Category: DCD Innovation Award

Children in Care Project, KICROCK Team
Initiated in 2004 by the Department for Community Developments Rockingham District office, a community forum was held with the aim of developing a model to working with children and young people in care.  As part of this forum, a series of workshops were facilitated by the children and young people working party to explore issues pertaining to being in care. The success of this group was one of the outcomes of the forum and it was soon self named by the young people- Kicrock (Kids in care Rockingham and Kwinana).  The Kicrock program is an innovative life skills program based in the Rockingham/Kwinana area open to young people that are in care, or have had a care experience.