Sophia a worthy nominee

Lawyer Sophia Bookallil has been nominated for a CAN (Community Action Network) award for her pro bono work with the Caxton Legal Service.

Ms Bookallil, a solicitor with Hartley Healy, was surprised by the nomination and said it was completely unexpected. “At first, I thought it was a friend playing a joke,” she said. Ms Bookallil started volunteering almost 10 years ago while studying law at the University of New England, and finds the volunteer work she does both fascinating and challenging, and credits her parents with instilling in her a community spirit.
“My parents were like that, I think it’s ingrained in you,” she said. Nick Collyer, the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre Community Development coordinator said the CAN awards, now in their twelfth year, provided an opportunity to highlight people and programs that make a difference through building community and inclusion.
“The CAN Awards are presented to a diverse range of recipients who reflect the vibrant and proactive nature of Brisbane’s inner city.
“These awards shine a light on community leaders - people making a positive difference for the inner-Brisbane community,” Mr Collyer said.
For this year’s nominations there are eight categories, including Environment and Sustainability, Volunteering, Homelessness Services and Community Spirit.
Past recipients included HOTPAC, The Holiday Inn, Walksafe, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Crash Beds (Valley/West End), The Independent, Better Housing Projects, Food Connect and Sue Featherstone of Kummara Association.
Nominations are open until October 15 with the CAN Awards ceremony taking place at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesday 10 November at 5.30pm. Nomination forms can be sourced through contacting the centre, to download a form or for more information visit the www.newfarmneighbourhood.org.

Luke Shaw