Outstanding not-for-profit leaders recognised

The Australian Scholarships Foundation (ASF) held its inaugural Not-For-Profit Leadership Awards last week in Sydney. The event shone a light on organisations, teams and individuals who have demonstrated excellence and courage in their leadership. 

“Recognising outstanding leadership encourages best practice, builds capabilities and leads to organisational growth. In a sector where salary is not the primary career motivation, it is crucial to reward excellence,” said the foundation’s CEO, Louisa Graham. 

She said that choosing the winners was a difficult task for the judges. “Our winners are selected on merit and judged by their peers. They should be commended for their courage and organisations should feel proud of their achievements. 

“Together we can create a stronger and more effective not-for-profit sector that is better equipped to address key social and environmental challenges important to us all.” 

One of the many organisations recognised for their contribution to for-purpose leadership was Youth Projects, which won awards in four categories: Outstanding Emerging Leader in the over $3 million category, Outstanding Scholar, Outstanding Leadership in Talent Growth and Outstanding Leadership in Wellbeing Governance.  

The judges said Youth Projects’ dedication to Wellbeing Governance was demonstrated through “the commitment to psychological safety, the high engagement with EAP, the value placed on lived experience, the provision of additional wellbeing leave and the board’s understanding of the organisation’s people through activities such as shadowing”.  

Shaun Christie-David, founder of Plate It Forward, was named Outstanding Leader in the under $3 million category. The judges said the impact he has created was “meaningful and long lasting, not only for disadvantaged people but also for the environment”.  

The award for Outstanding Leader in the over $3 million category went to Tanya O’Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services. The judges said: “Her organisation’s growth and innovation are to be applauded in service delivery and outcomes, social enterprise projects, staff development and leadership.”  

Judges were drawn from across the philanthropic sector. Other winners included: 

• Outstanding Emerging Leaders working with organisations with annual revenue of under $3 million: Angelique Wan, Co-founder and CEO, Consent Labs 
• Outstanding Emerging Leader working with organisations with annual revenue of over $3 million: Trent Miller, Executive Manager of Employment, Training, and Social Enterprise, Youth Projects 
• Outstanding Leadership in Talent Growth: Angela Gaylard, People and Culture Manager, Youth Projects 
• Outstanding Education Provider – entrants could be educational institutions or private/for-profit organisations: CareFlight, Trauma Care Workshops 
• Outstanding Leadership in Wellbeing governance and outcomes for their staff and volunteers: Youth Projects 
• Outstanding Scholar who has made a significant contribution to their organisation following their studies: Ben Vasiliou, Chief Executive, Youth Projects.