Community Achievement Awards for NSW & The ACT

16/09/2026

🎉 Introducing the 2026 Finalists!

A huge congratulations to the outstanding individuals, businesses, groups and organisations named as Finalists in the 2026 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for NSW/ACT! 👏

Reaching the Finalist stage is an incredible achievement and a wonderful recognition of the impact these nominees are making in communities across New South Wales and the ACT.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more about our Finalists and the incredible work they’re doing in their communities, so keep an eye on our socials and get to know the people and organisations behind this year’s Awards. ✨

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Finalists! 🎊

NSW Government
Sharpe Bros AUST Pty Ltd
Beyond Bank
Konica Minolta Australia
AVPartners
Shangri-La Sydney
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Awards Australia
7NEWS Sydney
Reflections Holidays
The Career College
Briar Ridge Vineyard

15/09/2026

✨ Judging is complete!

A huge thank you to the incredible panel who helped select the 2026 Finalists for the 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for NSW/ACT.

Our judges took on the challenge of reviewing an inspiring group of nominees from across NSW and the ACT, bringing their expertise, experience and thoughtful perspectives to the process.
We’re so grateful for their contribution!

🎉 Stay tuned - the 2026 Finalists will be announced soon!

15/09/2026

⚖️ Judge Spotlight: Sharon Debevc

Meet Sharon Debevc, Beyond Bank’s Community Development Manager and one of our 2026 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for NSW/ACT judges.

Sharon brings 30 years of experience across banking, charities and community service, with a strong passion for the not-for-profit sector, building networks and encouraging collaboration across communities.

For Sharon, one of the most rewarding parts of judging is “the opportunity to go through all the applications for the Beyond Bank Community Group Award and have the insight into what wonderful work is being performed in the community, regardless of their success in the awards process.”

She describes the judging experience as inspiring:

“It really has provided me with a high-level overview of what we can do as humans, in our communities, when we put our hearts into the task of helping others.”

And while every nomination is different, there’s one thing Sharon says consistently stands out:

“The human element of care of each and every nomination has absolutely stood out.”

Her advice to anyone thinking about submitting a nomination is to “take the time to really share the impact and outputs – the purpose of what is trying to be achieved.”

Thank you, Sharon, for bringing your experience and community insight to our Judging Panel!

15/09/2026

14/09/2026

⚖️ Meet one of our 2026 Judges, Sarah Chlala!

A Sydney-based media and PR professional and host, Sarah brings more than 12 years of experience across broadcasting, live events and public affairs. With a background in journalism, she has a natural curiosity for the stories behind people making a difference in their communities.

For Sarah, judging the 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for NSW/ACT is an opportunity to discover the passion, resilience and determination behind some incredible community achievements.

“I love a good story, so getting to read about the people behind these incredible community achievements is right up my alley. What I enjoy most is discovering the passion, resilience and sheer determination behind the nomination, especially the people quietly doing extraordinary things without expecting a pat on the back.”

When it comes to a standout nomination, Sarah looks for clarity, heart and real examples of impact.

“The strongest entries bring the nominee's work to life with examples rather than generic praise. The common thing I always see in top nominations is a real commitment to community, people who saw a gap or a need, rolled up their sleeves and simply got to work without expecting a spotlight.”

Thank you, Sarah, for bringing your experience, insight and appreciation for a great story to our Judging Panel!

🔗 Connect with Sarah:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahchlala/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahchlala/

03/09/2026

I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for the 2026 NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards in the Beyond Bank Community Group Award category.

When I founded TACC Rescue, my goal was to create practical, lasting change for cats and the people who care for them. What began as a response to the growing pressures facing animal rescue has become a community of foster carers, volunteers, supporters and partners working together to save lives.

Our work extends beyond rescue and rehoming. We’re also developing initiatives that make essential services, including desexing, microchipping and vaccinations more accessible to low-income families. By helping people care for the animals they already love, we can reduce surrenders, prevent unwanted litters and create better outcomes across our community.

This nomination may have my name on it, but it reflects the compassion and hard work of everyone behind TACC Rescue. To our volunteers, foster carers, veterinary partners, donors, adopters and supporters: thank you for believing in what we are building.

There is still so much work ahead, but I’m enormously proud of how far this young rescue has already come, and very grateful to see that work recognised.

Beyond Bank Community Achievement Awards for NSW & The ACT

03/09/2026

🎉 We’re semi-finalists! 🎉

We’re excited to share that Pathfinders has been named a semi-finalist in the 7News Community Achievement Awards for NSW & The ACT!

Our 2026 Pumpkin Run has been recognised in the Beyond Bank Community Group Award category, celebrating organisations making a positive difference in their communities. 🎃

We’re incredibly proud of everyone who helped bring the Pumpkin Run to life and make it such a success.

A fantastic recognition of the teamwork, community spirit and impact behind this much-loved event!

03/09/2026

EXCITING NEWS!

BHF has been selected as a semifinalist in the
🏆7 News Community Achievement awards 🏆

Thank you to our committee and everyone who has supported us!

Community Achievement Awards for NSW & The ACT

03/09/2026

🏆 Join us for the 2026 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for NSW & ACT Gala Presentation Dinner!

Celebrate the incredible individuals, groups and organisations making a difference across NSW and the ACT, as we recognise this year’s Nominees, Semi Finalists and Finalists and announce the 2026 Award Winners. 🎉

📅 Saturday, 14 November 2026
⏰ 6:00pm – 11:15pm
📍 Shangri-La Sydney

Enjoy a three-course dinner, inspiring stories and a special evening celebrating community achievement.

🎟️ Book your tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/2026-7news-nsw-and-act-community-achievement-awards-gala-presentation-dinner