The event attracted around 500 champions of the not-for-profit sector, including leading representatives from both business and government organisations in the region.
Receiving over 100 nominations for the third consecutive year, the ceremony recognised 18 winners and 13 highly commended community groups, organisations and individuals across 16 categories, representing Greater Western Sydney.
The awards are led by regional peak body Western Sydney Community Forum and this year included key partners Western Sydney University, TAFE NSW Western Sydney Institute, TRI Community Exchange Inc. and WESTIR Ltd..
“The ZEST Awards sees the coming together of key regional leaders within the not-for-profit, government and business sectors – to collectively recognise the strengths of Greater
Western Sydney and the outstanding successes that shape the region’s social and economic future” said Billie Sankovic, Chief Executive Officer of Western Sydney Community Forum.
ZEST Ambassador and Western Sydney University’s Chancellor, Peter Shergold AC addressed the ceremony, presenting the Western Sydney University Unsung Heroes Award and a university prize of $5,000 to support the work of students within the community.
“I'm delighted to recognise the unsung heroes of Western Sydney University, who contribute so much to building a stronger and fairer community in our region” said Shergold.
There was a strong sense of recognition during the ceremony, with moments from speakers and nominees that demonstrated both the proud honoring of achievements and captivating stories from winners.
TAFE NSW: Western Sydney Institute’s Institute Director, Robin Shreeve spoke on the night highlighting the importance of working together within our region.
“Greater Western Sydney continues to flourish because of its creativity, innovation and diversity as demonstrated here tonight. TAFE Western Sydney is a strong supporter of
Western Sydney and has long recognised the special place of community in achieving outcomes for local people and promoting harmony and multiculturalism,” said TAFE NSW: Western Sydney Institute’s Institute Director, Robin Shreeve.
The ZEST Awards has quickly become one of the biggest annual events for the community sector – playing an important role in showcasing and connecting the contributions and identity of Greater Western Sydney as a region.
2016 ZEST Awards Category Winners:
• Exceptional Community Business Partnership: Street Outreach & Drop In @ Bulldogs
• Exceptional Community Partnership across a Region: Borrowers Beware Project
• Exceptional Community Partnership in an LGA: Arrupe Place - Jesuit Refugee Service
• Exceptional Project in a Not for Profit Organisation: The HuB in Telopea
• Highly Commended: Blacktown Children's Centre / Supported Play Group
• Let's Dine Out Program: Respect Project
• Exceptional Social Enterprise in GWS: MYC Painting Services
• Highly Commended: Darcy Street Project
• Exceptional Use of Technology by a NFP: "Every Moment Has Potential" Online Learning Resource for
• Disability Support Workers
• Highly Commended: Made In Mt Druitt, One Day For Peace
• Hall of Fame: Abulla Agwa , Warren Gardiner
• Out of the Box: BANKSTOWN:LIVE,Involve Me
• Outstanding Community Leader – Paid capacity: Julie Webster
• Highly Commended: Tairyn Vergara
• Outstanding Community Leader – Volunteer Capacity: Annie Nielsen
• Highly Commended: Michele Ellery
• Outstanding Project promoting Social Cohesion and Community Harmony: Common Cultures
• Highly Commended: 210th Anniversary Reconciliation Day at Prospect Hill
• Outstanding Project working with Aboriginal Communities: Mt Druitt Indigenous Choir
• Highly Commended: Kasey is Missing
• Outstanding Voluntary Group/Organisation: Queen of Hearts Community Foundation
• Highly Commended: Parramatta Climate Action Network (ParraCAN)
• Outstanding Youth Leader: Taniela Afu
• Outstanding Youth Led Project: Savannah Pride Basketball Program
• Western Sydney University Unsung Heroes Award: Megan Houn
