A North Queensland youth support organisation committed to protecting the human rights of young people achieved high recognition among peers at the QCOSS Queensland Community Impact Awards last night.
Leading the way in identifying injustices and flaws in Queensland’s youth justice practices, Youth Empowered Towards Independence (YETI) has been improving the lives of young, vulnerable Queenslanders and keeping them out of adult police watchhouses.
“All children in Queensland need champions, and YETI is committed to ensuring children get this support regardless of their background or circumstances,” QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh said.
“The Human Rights award recognises exceptional contributions in advancing a human rights respecting culture in Queensland. YETI has consistently stepped up to ensure the rights of children in Queensland are not ignored.”
The annual Queensland Community Impact Awards is our sector’s night of nights.
It is the one event of the year where we celebrate the individuals and organisations who support those Queenslanders doing it tough every day.
“The community services sector is the strong backbone and the beating heart of both Queensland’s economy and our social fabric. Our services turn up and change lives every day,” Ms McVeigh said.
“Through our awards we turn our attention to exceptional people and organisations who are not often recognised. These are Queenslanders who are deeply committed to a vision of equality, opportunity and wellbeing for all Queenslanders.’’
Also awarded this high honour are a lawyer improving social justice outcomes for First Nations Peoples in the Logan region, a social change advocate for refugees and people with disabilities and mental illness, a group working with former prisoners, a network of domestic and family violence services working toward ending violence against women, and a group committed to offering children an alternative to mainstream school.
“The winners and finalists embody the important and positive change that happens because of a strong and engaged community sector in Queensland,” Ms McVeigh said.
“Hearing their stories shared last night was heartwarming and inspiring.
“Celebrating them and the exceptional work of the community services sector is an honour.”
The six winners are:
- Human Rights Award: YETI
- Frontline Hero: Candice Hughes
- Social Impact Leader: Luke Terry, Founder and CEO of White Box Enterprises
- Prevention Excellence Award: Centacare
- Women’s Equality Award: Ending Violence Against Women Queensland (EVAWQ), Management Committee
- Community Impact Award: Traction