AVPartners Supports the 2025 7NEWS NSW and ACT Community Achievement Awards at Shangri-La Sydney

The 2025 7NEWS NSW and ACT Community Achievement Awards brought together hundreds of guests at the Shangri-La Sydney for a night dedicated to recognising the individuals, organisations and volunteers who uplift communities across the state. Held in the hotel’s iconic Grand Ballroom, the evening honoured the people whose compassion, leadership and hard work create real and lasting change.

AVPartners was proud to support the gala by delivering the audiovisual production that helped showcase the finalists and their stories.

A Night of Recognition in an Iconic Setting

The Shangri-La Sydney Grand Ballroom provided an refined setting for the 7NEWS NSW and ACT Community Achievement Awards. As guests took their seats, the room glowed pink and purple for a night filled with storytelling, gratitude and community spirit.

Across the evening, finalists were honoured for their dedication to areas such as health and wellbeing, Indigenous culture, small business community support, regional resilience, youth programs and local leadership. Each award presentation highlighted how extraordinary impact often begins with a single individual or a small team who choose to act.

Spotlight on Community Impact

This year’s winners reflected the diversity and strength of NSW and ACT communities. Their stories served as powerful reminders that meaningful change often comes from those working quietly behind the scenes.

Speaking in Colour

Winner of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Community Achievement Award
Speaking in Colour is led by Cherie Johnson, a proud Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman and award-winning artist, educator and cultural storyteller. She is recognised for her contributions to Indigenous leadership, cultural revitalisation and education. Her work, which spans sculpture, photography and dance, helps communities reconnect with identity and culture while passing knowledge to younger generations.

 

Macquarie Home Stay

Winner of the Small Business Community Award
Macquarie Home Stay provides affordable, compassionate accommodation to regional families who must travel long distances for medical treatment. More than 13,000 bed nights are supported annually, offering comfort and stability during times of stress. Their newest 26 room guesthouse, built for cancer patients, has become a vital resource for communities across regional NSW.

 

Wardell Neighbourhood Centre

Winner of the Health and Wellbeing Award
Entirely volunteer run, Wardell Neighbourhood Centre formed in the wake of the 2022 Northern Rivers floods. Since then, they have delivered trauma-informed counselling, horticulture therapy, food relief and social programs for isolated seniors, families and flood-affected communities. Their more than 3,000 food hampers and 2,500 counselling sessions reflect a grassroots approach that is saving lives, strengthening wellbeing and fostering connection.

 

Global Sisters

Winner of the Small Business Community Ally Award
Global Sisters supports women to achieve long-term economic security through self-employment. With more than 8,000 women supported through coaching, mentoring, business development programs and social enterprise initiatives, the organisation is transforming financial independence and creating community-led pathways out of poverty.

 

ShoreTrack

Winner of the Connecting Communities Award
ShoreTrack has transformed opportunities for regional youth by offering practical, trade-based learning and holistic support. More than 800 young people have participated in training that integrates hands-on work experience with confidence building and community belonging. Their upcoming launch of Gumma Place, Australia’s first trade-based special assistance school, will expand their reach even further.

 

Leadership in Focus: Rainbow Roos and winner Brad Ambridge

One of the most moving moments of the night came when the Leadership Award was presented to Brad Ambridge, founder of Rainbow Roos. Based in the Northern Rivers, Rainbow Roos is reimagining how communities support children of all abilities through inclusive sport.

Brad has grown Rainbow Roos from a single session to 25 weekly programs, along with school and community outreach. His work supports children with autism, ADHD and other developmental needs to build skills, confidence and friendships in a safe and joyful environment.

In his acceptance speech, Brad said:
“Being recognised at state level means the world. It tells me the work we are doing is making a real difference and this is only the start. When we back each other, our communities thrive.”

The judges described him as an individual reshaping how regions view inclusion and community support. They also acknowledged the more than 50 volunteer hours he gives each week to keep programs accessible.

 

AVPartners Behind the Scenes at 7NEWS NSW and ACT Community Achievement Awards

AVPartners was honoured to support the awards by delivering the technical production that helped bring each story to life. The team designed and executed audiovisual solutions tailored to the Grand Ballroom, ensuring every speech, performance and announcement was delivered with clarity.

The production included:
• tailored lighting designs that shaped the atmosphere of each presentation
• stage management and show calling that ensured smooth pacing throughout the evening
• high quality sound that supported the transition between stories, hosts and live moments
• screen content delivery that highlighted finalists, sponsors and achievements

For AVPartners, supporting an event like the Community Achievement Awards is a privilege. It allows the team to contribute to a celebration of service, leadership and community impact, while ensuring the attention stays exactly where it belongs: on the people and organisations who make a difference.

A Celebration of Hope and Collective Strength

The 7NEWS NSW and ACT Community Achievement Awards 2025 was more than a ceremony. It was a reminder that community resilience is built through people who show up, often without applause, and uplift those around them. The night was filled with emotion, applause and gratitude. It showed what is possible when communities, partners and sponsors come together to recognise the best among us.

AVPartners extends heartfelt congratulations to all finalists and winners, and acknowledges the sponsors, volunteers and organisers who make this annual celebration possible.