Employment Provider - Cloud 129 - Community Lifestyles Agency Inc
Cloud 129 is a socially conscious coffee shop located on Adelaide Street in Maryborough that is gaining attention in the community for its innovative approach, positive impact, and commitment to creating inclusive employment opportunities for people with disability.
Over the past year, Cloud 129 has grown significantly, boosted by the addition of footpath dining, which increased their visibility and customer base.
They have shown a strong commitment to inclusivity by supporting employees with disability and training seven others, providing them with valuable skills.
With a new parklet trial approved by the Fraser Coast Council, Cloud 129 is excited about future opportunities to expand and enhance community engagement.
Cloud 129 is committed to providing equal access to employment and training, empowering individuals to develop valuable hospitality skills and grow independently.
Cloud 129 was conceived by the participants of the Community Lifestyles Agency to create valued roles in the community for people with disability.
The café collaborates with local charities and businesses to host events and fundraisers, including free coffee days for first responders and key workers.
These efforts have built a strong support network, enhancing the well-being of the Fraser Coast community.
Education Provider - Early Childhood Development Program, Kawungan State School
Sponsored by Octec Employment Services
The Kawungan State School’s Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) is an early intervention program designed for children from birth to 5 years who require additional support to develop skills and behaviours that help them thrive. ECDP enhances early learning and equips children with valuable skills needed to succeed as learners both now and in the future.
ECDP employs various Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods, including high-tech tools like Speech Generating Devices and AAC apps, low-tech options like communication books, and unaided methods such as gestures and Auslan.
The program offers playgroup sessions for children aged 0-3 years with parents attending once a week, and group sessions for 3-5 year-olds twice a week without parents. It supports children who may have physical or intellectual disability, hearing or vision impairments, autism, or speech-language impairments.
Children receive tailored support from specialist teachers and Department of Education therapists, with an individual education plan (IEP) developed in collaboration with parents/carers to set personalised goals and strategies. ECDP works closely with families, early childhood education centres, and the child’s future school to ensure a smooth and successful transition, maintaining continuity in teaching and learning.
Community Champion - Carla Thornton
Carla is a much-valued support worker who is able to work well with people with disability and help them reach their goals.
Known for her big heart and dedication, Carla often covers extra shifts and even checks on clients in her own time.
Her positivity, caring nature, and innovative ideas make her loved by both colleagues and the families she supports.
Carla is a dedicated advocate for people with disability, often standing up for her clients when their needs are overlooked.
She supports them in various areas, including budgeting, cooking, woodwork, social and computer skills, art, swimming, emotional regulation, and more.
You'll often see Carla out in the Maryborough community with her clients, attending classes, therapy sessions, appointments, and events.
Carla now offers art classes in Hervey Bay specifically for those on the spectrum. An incredible artist and a joy to be around, Carla's positive influence is felt by everyone she works with.
Community Organisation - Hervey Bay Humpbacks All Abilities Futsal Club
The Hervey Bay Humpbacks All Abilities Futsal Club, founded by a small group of friends in October 2021, has rapidly expanded from just six members to 26, now including three additional teams and a mixed team.
This growth reflects the club's commitment to inclusivity and creating a supportive environment for players of all abilities.
Their dedication was evident in January 2024 when they secured third place in the All Abilities division at the National Club Futsal Championships in Sydney, followed by silver and fourth-place finishes at the regional competition in Brisbane in May.
The club has significantly impacted the lives of people with disability, offering a space for friendship, confidence-building, and independence.
Beyond athletic success, the club emphasises life skills, encouraging activities like selling weekly raffle tickets to develop money-handling skills.
The strong camaraderie and teamwork within the club have fostered a positive, inclusive community, where members support each other both on and off the court, making a lasting difference in their lives.
Community Spirit - Kath Corless
Sponsored by Maryborough and District Committee on the Ageing
Kath has been an inspiration to people with vision impairments in Maryborough.
Kath, who is legally blind, founded the Maryborough Low Vision and Blind Persons Social Group in 2016, creating a vibrant community for its members.
Kath organises a variety of inclusive social outings for the group with special guest speakers, coffee mornings, trivia nights, game days, and bus trips.
Kath works tirelessly to provide suitable social activities for the group and continues to help her members while facing her own personal struggles.
The group continues to grow in numbers and Kath ensures that a welcoming and supportive environment is available for all people with vision impairment, their support workers, families and carers.
Young Community Spirit - Anthony Whittingham
Sponsored by Assistance Industry Resourcing
Anthony Whittingham embodies the values of Responsibility, Respect, and Self-Discipline at Aldridge State High School, consistently striving for excellence.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership team, he has embraced his role as a senior ambassador and a role model for younger students.
His dedication to upholding school values is evident in his initiatives, such as advocating for these virtues through presentations, posters, and school-wide notices.
Anthony’s positive attitude and dedication to his school community have earned him Meritorious Awards every year, recognising his exemplary behaviour and effort.
He is actively involved in school activities and assists teachers during playground duty. He also organised the "Walk and Talk" Mental Health fundraiser.
Beyond the school, Anthony contributes to the wider community by volunteering with the Endeavour Foundation and the Food Basket, where he dedicates his time to helping those in need.
His efforts to enhance the school environment and his commitment to others make him an inspiring leader and a role model for both his peers and the broader community.
Ted Weber Individual Achievement - Colby Ferguson
Sponsored by ProMelius
Colby is a deserving winner of the Ted Weber Individual Achievement Award.
Colby manages a busy schedule that includes work, community involvement, and athletic achievements, all while continually developing his life skills and supporting himself.
Every week, Colby attends Beyond the Spectrum where he learns life skills while making friends.
He works at the Endeavour Foundation a couple of times a week where he makes wooden pegs and also spends time with Jack, his support worker.
Colby, who manages a range of health conditions including Stickler Syndrome, ASD level 2, and ADHD, has never let these challenges stop him from achieving his goals.
Colby is recognised for his unwavering commitment, resilience, and positive spirit, which he brings to every aspect of his life.
Sport and Recreation - Dyshart Morgan
Sponsored by Time Out Disability Services
Dyshart Morgan has demonstrated exceptional dedication to swimming within the Fraser Coast community.
He has been a competitive swimmer for over seven years, training six days a week with a rigorous schedule that includes pool sessions, gym workouts, and cycling.
Alongside his athletic achievements, including District-level athletics, Dyshart excels academically, maintaining an A/B average in Grade 11.
In April, he competed at the Australian Age and MC Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast, qualifying for the A finals in all five events and setting personal bests in every race.
In August, Dyshart was diagnosed with a rare genetic heart disease that prevents him from competing in high-endurance sports, but he remains determined to pursue his athletic goals.
Less than two weeks after his diagnosis, he began exploring archery as a new competitive sport and remains committed to swimming with his squad.
His coach has been an invaluable support, researching safe training levels so Dyshart can continue his passion for swimming.
Dyshart exemplifies dedication and resilience, demonstrating that with the right support and determination, he can continue to thrive in his athletic pursuits.
Hall of Fame - Mighty LionHearts - Mary River Lions Club
The Mighty LionHearts - Mary River Lions Club in Maryborough, led by individuals with disability, exemplifies leadership and community service.
Established in 2019, this club transitioned from a local Maryborough Lions Club into its current, unique existence.
The club comprises a Board and members who generously volunteer their time to support the community.
Their efforts include running raffles and selling Lions Cakes to raise funds, which are then used to give back to the local community.
The club is also known for its creativity and community spirit, exemplified by its annual tradition of making and distributing advent calendars to local Emergency Services, which further enhances its fundraising capabilities.
This award-winning club is not only a beacon of service and inclusion but is also highly valued within the community for its commitment to making a difference.
The Mary River Mighty Lion Hearts Club stands as a powerful testament to the impact that people with disability can have when given the opportunity to lead and serve.