The Queensland Association of School Tuckshops’ Creating Connections through Cooking program was recognised as a Finalist in the prestigious Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award by Jason Luckhardt, Chair, Community Bank Logan, Bendigo Bank during the 2023 Queensland Australian Community Achievement Awards Gala Presentation Dinner on Friday, 17 November 2023 at the Royal on the Park Brisbane.
Hosted by Kendall Gilding, 7NEWS Presenter, more than 350 guests gathered from across the State to celebrate Queensland’s high achievers.
Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) has been a beacon of hope for over 120 migrant and refugee women through their “Connections through Cooking” program. By connecting these women to volunteer roles in school tuckshops, they’ve broken down language and cultural barriers, fostering social inclusion and community bonds.
The impact extends beyond the tuckshop, as participants gain English language skills and open doors to employment in catering and hospitality. Survey results show 100% reporting enjoyment, 80% practicing English, and 80% feeling better equipped for future employment. QAST’s commitment to the social determinants of health and cultural competence training exemplifies their dedication to a brighter future for all.
The ten category winners are:
- Super Max & Bryce – Bryce U’Ren and Amy Kenworthy – Australia Pacific LNG Community Hero Award
- Inclusee – Awards Australia Charitable Foundation Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
- Baby Give Back – Volunteers – Bendigo Bank Community Group of the Year Award
- Green Fox Studio – Career College Small Business Award
- Extraction Artisan Coffee – Konica Minolta Customer Service Award
- ALT Skills – Now I Can Run Disability Achievement Award
- Care Kits for Kids Qld Inc. – QLD Family and Child Commission Dedicated to Supporting Young Queenslanders Award
- Jack Growden – Quota Beenleigh Leadership Award
- The Boss Boxing – Special Event Presentations Local Sporting Club Making a Difference Award
- Sunpork Group – Synaco Safety Award
The Awards night was the culmination of a tremendously successful year with hundreds of nominations received from across Queensland.
