Candice, a proud Kamilaroi woman, has spent 10 years advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. At YFS Logan, she led the First Nations Legal Needs Analysis Project, identifying gaps in legal services for First Nations communities in areas such as housing, criminal law, and human rights. Candice also contributes to multiple committees, including the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland and Legal Aid Queensland’s First Nations Advisory Committee, driving justice and social outcomes for her community.

YETI, a provider of holistic support, has had a profound and immediate impact in making the rights of young people aged 8-25 more visible and protected. Recently, YETI led a legal action that prompted the Supreme Court to order the transfer of unlawfully detained children, mostly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, from adult watch houses to youth detention centres. This victory exposed the illegal nature of detaining young people in these facilities, brought significant public attention to the issue, and has ensured ongoing scrutiny of the practice.

Commencing in 2015, Traction has empowered 2,471 young people, aged 12-15, struggling with mainstream schooling through hands-on programs like Bike and Boom Box building. Offering a culturally safe, inclusive environment, 79% of participants report better relationships with teachers, and 84% feel more confident seeking help. Traction has provided over 105,495 hours of mentoring, donated 2,069 bicycles, and launched the “Building Deadly Riding Deadly” initiative for First Nations youth, developed with Gunya Meta and Aunty Faith Green.

Over the past five years, Luke has transformed social enterprises, creating inclusive employment opportunities for refugees, individuals with disabilities, those facing homelessness, and young First Nations people. By collaborating with philanthropists, investors, and government, he has highlighted the value of hiring from minority groups. Luke’s efforts have supported startups like Australian Spatial Analytics, which now employs over 150 neurodivergent young adults. Since 2019, he has raised $51 million, creating over 900 jobs with a goal of 5,000 by 2030.

The Post Release Services team at Centacare supports some of Southeast Queensland’s most marginalised individuals transitioning from prison to community life. The service provides 12 months of one-on-one advocacy for housing, employment, and rehabilitation. They ensure clients access essentials like identity documents, transport, food, and clothing. Between March 2023 and March 2024, they assisted 175 clients, achieving a recidivism rate of just 2.3%, with only four clients returning to prison.

EVAWQ is a volunteer group providing a united voice for women’s health, refuges, and legal services. Through independent research, they uncovered the inequity in access to support for women and children. Their advocacy has secured funding increases and improved services for women, children, and men affected by violence. They also contributed to establishing a Victim’s Commissioner and a DFV peak body. EVAWQ has catalysed change in Queensland’s Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence services.