Honouring Community Dedication and Service
On Friday, 8th November 2024, Broken to Brilliant was proud to stand among three other remarkable finalists at the Channel 7 Bendigo Bank Community Achievement Awards. This prestigious award dinner was held at the beautiful Royal on the Park, bringing together people committed to community empowerment and support. Representing Broken to Brilliant were Directors Andrea, Kate, Margaret, Karen, Kris and Jamie, Patron Bob Atkinson, and Ambassador Loretta Ryan. There were many award categories celebrated during the evening. It was a fantastic event with around 300 guests in attendance at the beautiful Royal on The Park Brisbane, celebrating the outstanding achievements of our Queensland communities. We were proud to be amongst the four finalists in the Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award.
Meet the Finalists: Four Groups Making a Difference
The four finalists showcased outstanding dedication to their communities across various causes, each making a profound impact in its own right:
Broken to Brilliant
Founded by domestic violence survivors in 2015, Broken to Brilliant has become a vital lifeline for survivors in the post-crisis phase. With a team of 55 dedicated volunteers, the organization focuses on providing trauma-informed workshops, including Narrative Therapy and Financial Superwomen sessions. This year alone, Broken to Brilliant ran 50 sessions, supporting over 1,500 survivors and educating more than 1,000 police recruits about the nuances of domestic violence. By offering critical, long-term support to survivors, Broken to Brilliant fills a crucial gap in the recovery journey, fostering resilience and hope.
eWaste Connection of Kenmore Hills
eWaste Connection is committed to environmental sustainability and social inclusion. A social enterprise based in Brisbane and Ipswich, they provide hands-on recycling workshops for individuals with disabilities, creating meaningful social and skill-building opportunities. Each week, they support around 120 individuals with disabilities and engage 40 volunteers. Since their founding in 2016, eWaste Connection has diverted over 140,000 kg of e-waste from landfills and promoted environmental consciousness while providing inclusive community services.
Project Yumi Inc of Fitzgibbon
Focused on improving education and healthcare in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Project Yumi repurposes surplus resources from Queensland, redirecting them to where they’re needed most. Over the past eight years, they’ve donated essential items to over 150 schools and health centers in PNG, positively impacting over 50,000 lives. With a volunteer network of 500, Project Yumi supports sustainability and international community support, making meaningful use of Queensland's surplus supplies.
Rally For A Cause Ltd of Torquay
Rally For A Cause is a Fraser and Sunshine Coasts charity supporting families affected by medical issues or tragedies. Since 2015, they have raised over $3.5 million for more than 300 beneficiaries. Their signature event, the Dunga Derby, unites the community in a four-day rally adventure. Rally For A Cause also runs Angel Families, a support group for families grieving the loss of a child under 21.
The Moment of Truth: And the Winner Is...
All four groups stood side by side on stage, waiting with bated breath. Broken to Brilliant was there, our legs shaking, as the gold envelope was slowly opened. We had a 25% chance—a one-in-four shot—chosen from over 115 incredible entries. Just being a finalist, felt like an achievement in itself, and that’s truly amazing.
As the room full of people serving the community eagerly awaited the announcement, the energy was palpable. Congratulations goes to Rally For A Cause Ltd, awarded the Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award! Their moving acceptance speech highlighted their incredible work, including the annual Dunga Derby and the Angel Families support group. While there was a moment of disappointment for Broken to Brilliant, it was quickly replaced by admiration and pride to be among such impactful organizations.
Congratulations to Rally For A Cause and all the finalists, who continue to make a profound difference in their communities!
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