Last night, the spotlight shone on the outstanding achievements of community sector organisations and individuals across Western Australia at the 2025 Community Services Excellence Awards, held at Optus Stadium.
CSEA is a longstanding partnership between the Department of Communities and the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS), and supported by Lotterywest. This year we also welcomed a new partner, the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA).
The event honoured 10 exceptional winners across nine categories, recognised for their tireless efforts in creating stronger, fairer communities through innovative, collaborative, leadership and impactful initiatives.
CSEA continues to be an indispensable opportunity for the sector to reflect on its achievements, and to commemorate the significant differences made within our communities.
The 10 award recipients were chosen out of a field of 37 well-deserving finalists and hundreds of nominations.
The winners are:
Category 1 – Trailblazing Small Organisation: Catalysts of Community Innovation: Healing Smiles
Category 2 – Standout Medium Organisation: Engines of Progress and Creativity: Reconciliation WA – Respect Rising Great Southern
Category 3 – Impactful Large Organisation: Powerhouses of Positive Change: Ruah Community Services
Category 4 – Remarkable Regional Organisation: Champions of Rural and Remote Innovation: Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation – Youth Connection Night Space
Category 5 – Visionary Community-Led Collaboration: Crafting Better Futures Together: Anglicare WA, Vinnies WA, RUAH, Centrecare – WA Rent Relief Program
Category 6 – Exceptional Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation: Champions of Cultural Empowerment: Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation
Category 7 – Inspiring Partnership between an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation and a Community Services Organisation: Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation (KKAC) and Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF)
Category 8 – Outstanding Contribution: Going Above and Beyond: Craig Hollywood – Short, Back and Sidewalks; and Oscar Colbung – from Sothern Aboriginal Corporation
Category 9 – Leadership Excellence: Inspiring Change and Innovation: Vicki-Tree Stephens – from Youth Involvement Council
WACOSS Chief Executive Officer Louise Giolitto said it was an honour to be able to present the awards to the worthy and esteemed organisations and individuals who perform tireless work in the sector.
“Last night was a special moment to take a step back see first-hand examples of where tireless commitment of the community services sector can be found.
“Each and every finalist was worthy of top accolades, but the 10 award recipients were outstanding, and I congratulate each and every one of them for their recognition.
“The winners were applauded for their leadership in driving meaningful change for those facing disadvantage and adversity. Their work reflects a deep commitment to improving outcomes at the grassroots level – partnering with other organisations and designing creative solutions tailored to local needs.
“Innovation has never been more necessary in our sector than now, as we continue to experience dual cost-of-living and housing crises across Western Australia, so it’s extremely pleasing to see clear evidence of next-level ideas being put into action for the betterment of our communities.
“Congratulations to our winners and to our finalists, and thank you to our supporters including Lotterywest, who this incredible event would not be possible without.”
