The work of energetic and devoted people was honoured at the 12th Annual CAN awards at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre on November10. The CAN awards honour people and organisations for their work and passion in creating a more a more inclusive, vibrant and fair society.
Incredible work towards social justice takes place across Brisbane’s inner-city every year, and the CAN awards provide an opportunity to highlight the innovative people and programs that make a difference through building community and inclusion. Awards are given across eight categories including Environment and Sustainability, Volunteering, Homelessness Services and Community Spirit.
This year’s winners included:
Outstanding Community Leader- The Ron Muir Award: Anne Mitchell from the 139 Club.
Accessibility & Community facilities development award: Meredith Briggs from Café Bouquiniste.
Participatory process: Marina Thacker from the Pride Choir.
Volunteering in the community: Sophia Bookallil from Caxton Legal Service.
Homelessness services: Rodney Kelly, from 139 Club.
Private enterprise or development – fostering social justice: West End Women’s Work, award presented to Judy Collins-Hayes
Contribution to affordable housing: Carmela Chillemi from Brisbane Housing Company.
Environment and sustainability: Colman Ridge from Greenfest.
Community spirit: Vulcana Women’s circus. The Colin Collins special award.that recognizes a person’s contribution across nearly all of the categories: Kenneth Georgetown from Murri Watch.
