Celebrating our clients’ successes

Anglicare Victoria (AV) is focused on transforming the futures of children, young people, families, and adults. Our dedicated staff and volunteers work to support clients as they build better futures. Empowering our clients and seeing vulnerable people thrive is not only a deeply rewarding aspect of our work, it’s the measure by which AV judges its own success.

The inaugural Chairperson’s Awards was held in 2014 to recognise the commitment of our staff and volunteers. However, the awards soon expanded to put the spotlight on our clients – celebrating their successes, achievements and extraordinary efforts.

Today, awards in the ‘Inspirational Outcome,’ ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Educational Outcome’ categories recognise the resilience, perseverance, personal growth and commitment of families and individuals. Held at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), the event is a truly joyous occasion that has deep significance for many of our clients.

“Often the people we work with have significant levels of disadvantage and significant histories of trauma in their lives,” says Sue Sealey, AV’s Deputy CEO. “They’re people who don’t always feel worthy, valued, or recognised. So, recognising their achievements – especially the achievements of young people – and celebrating them in front of staff and their families is important. It really means a lot.”

In addition to the Chairperson’s Awards, AV’s Education Awards are held annually, celebrating the achievements of young people in our care who have made big strides in their education.

A rising star

Growing up in difficult family circumstances, Ashley took on responsibilities far beyond her years. Since she was 16, Ashley and her brother have been supported by AV in independent living. With remarkable determination to better her life situation, Ashely completed Year 12 at TAFE with excellent grades. At the same time, she showed true resilience, keeping her family together, managing her independent living commitments and volunteering at a Headspace Youth Reference Group.

Now on the path to achieving her goal of going to university, Ashley is AV’s 2021 Rising Star Award recipient.

“It’s been our real pleasure to support Ashely on her journey and to watch and wonder at this truly remarkable, amazing young woman,” says Jessica Dunne, AV Youth and Families Services Worker