BOOK A MEET-AND-GREET TODAY! Provider Number: 4050172946
BOOK A MEET-AND-GREET TODAY! Provider Number: 4050172946

Now in its fourth year, the Accessible Futures Gala continues to grow as a powerful celebration of community, connection, and achievement.
Held last November, the gala brought together our vibrant community to recognise outstanding contributions across paid, unpaid, and self-identified roles. More than just an awards ceremony, the event created a space for unity, inspiration, and shared pride.
Building on the success of our inaugural 2023 gala, which welcomed 128 attendees, we were proud to see the event reach new heights in 2024. With the support of platinum sponsors 24/7 Care and Disability Service Hub and Making Footprints, alongside gold sponsor Plan Tracker, attendance grew to an incredible 208 guests, making this year’s celebration bigger and brighter than ever.
Winners were selected by a dedicated panel of community volunteers, and guests enjoyed a luxurious three-course dinner alongside a night of memorable moments. We also expanded our sponsorship efforts, helping to reduce costs and ensure the event remained accessible to families and community members.
It was truly a remarkable celebration—one that will be remembered for years to come.
If you’re interested in getting involved as a sponsor or community judge for 2026, please contact us at accessiblefutureawards@makingfootprints.com.au.
Recognises an organisation or service delivering outstanding, person-centred support that consistently improves the lives of people with disability. This award is dedicated to highlight a provider organization that consistently demonstrates excellence in catering to the local community, participants, and caregivers within the field of disability services.
Celebrates innovative ideas, programs, or approaches that create meaningful and measurable impact in the disability sector.
Honours an organisation that demonstrates excellence in leadership, culture, and commitment to inclusion and quality service delivery.
The Outstanding Youth Award - Young Carer recognizes the remarkable dedication and selflessness of young individuals aged 16-25 who provide informal care for a family member with a disability. This award celebrates their unwavering commitment to improving the well-being and quality of life of their loved ones through their caregiving efforts.
The Support Worker of the Year Award identifies and acknowledges an individual support worker who has shown exceptional dedication to their role and the well-being of their clients. This award recognizes their outstanding contributions to the field of disability support and their commitment to providing person-centred care.
Recognises a young person or emerging individual making a significant impact in the disability or care sector.
The Local Legend Award is presented to an individual with a disability who is known and cherished within the community for their inspiring contributions, continued ability to bring happiness, and their positive influence on those around them.
The Caregiver of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional dedication and selflessness of informal caregivers aged 25 and older who provide care and support to individuals with disabilities. This prestigious award celebrates their unwavering commitment to improving the well-being and quality of life of their loved ones through caregiving.
Celebrates an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership, inspiring others and driving positive change.
The Above and Beyond Award is dedicated to recognizing provider organizations that have consistently gone the extra mile in delivering disability services. This esteemed accolade celebrates their unwavering commitment to excellence, their extraordinary efforts, and their exceptional contributions to the disability care field.
Recognises an individual who strengthens community inclusion and connection for people with disability.
Recognises professionals demonstrating best practice, innovation, and excellence in their field.
Recognises individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional kindness, empathy, and care in their work.
The Creativity Award recognises our local participant artists!
Honours an individual who has shown exceptional resilience, courage, and determination. !
Recognises a significant accomplishment by an individual in any area of life.
Honours an individual who has made a long-term, lasting contribution to the disability sector or community.
Innovation Excellence 2025 - Yarraman Lodge
Excellence in disability services 2025 -Coastal Active Ability
Support worker of the year 2025 - Donna Estemore &
Christopher Pennington
Carer of the year 2025 - Michael Winder
Outstanding Resilience 2025 - Nicole Watson
Local Legend 2025 - Adam Carter
Above and Beyond 2025 - Naomi Bennett
Contemporary Practice 2025 - Catherine Mackay
Outstanding Employer 2025 - Just COS
Compassion and Care 2025 - Our family Respite
Creativity Award 2025 - Joel Smith
Young Carer 2025 - Kali Hudson
Outstanding Youth 2025 - Skye Masters
Outstanding Achievement 2025 -Mikayla Tuppurainen
Community Champion 2025 - Bec Taylor
Above and Beyond 2024 - Eden Twyford
Caregiver of the Year 2024 - Jodie and Andrew Pearson
Compassion and Care 2024- Keira George
Contemporary Practice Award - Warrior Centre
Creativity Award 2024 - Isabella Cairelli
Excellence in Disability Services 2024 - RYSS
Innovation Excellence Award 2024 - Seen and Herd
Local Legend 2024 - David Lunn
Local Legend Highly commended - John Martin
Outstanding Achievement 2024 - Jordan Cabrita
Outstanding Achievement 2024 - Savanah Maynier
Outstanding Employer 2024 - Selynda Bryant
Outstanding Resilience 2024 - Diana Perri
Outstanding Resilience 2024 - Dale Kennedy
Outstanding Youth 2024 - Jordan Ayres
Support Worker of the Year 2024 - Christopher Gall
Support Worker of the Year 2024 - Amber Sharpe
Young Carer 2024 - Charlotte Lammi
Caregiver of the Year 2023 - Daniel McAndrew
Outstanding Achievement 2023 - Mitchell Black
Local Legend 2023 - Steven Turner
Support Worker of the Year 2023 - Layton Smith
Contemporary Practice 2023 - My Home Physio
Creativity Award 2023 - Joel Smith & Elizabeth Kitchener
Excellence in Disability Services 2023 - Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association
Outstanding Employer 2023 - 24/7 Care and Disability Hub
Innovation Excellence 2023 - RYSS
Above and Beyond 2023 - Kristy McCracken
Outstanding Youth 2023 - Gemma Jones
Outstanding Commitment to Disability Services 2023 - NeuroKind