What is The Loneliness Cure Award?

This award was created by us in conjunction with the Community Achievement Awards on behalf of Awards Australia, to tackle the growing epidemic of social isolation and to celebrate the power of community connectedness.

We are aware that there are so many organisations, groups and Community Centres that are fabulous at bringing the community together and creating connections that value, support and nurture a person’s values, their voice and experiences. We recognise that your actions are helping to cure social isolation and The Loneliness Cure Award is part of us recognising your brilliant work.

We want to help you to raise your profile and celebrate the work you do – The Loneliness Cure Award is an opportunity to reach a wider audience, have your voice heard and boost your awesome community programs that bring joy and connection to so many.

If you’re an Award finalist, you will have the opportunity to frock or suit up and attend the Awards Night Gala Dinner where the winner will be announced and receive $2000!

 

The 2021 Winner

The winner of Loneliness Cure Award was announced at the Community Achievement Awards’ Awards Gala Presentation Dinner on 20th November.

We are proud to share that UnitingSA Taperoo Community Centre won!

UnitingSA Taperoo Community Centre have an innovative approach to loneliness and education. They created a literacy skills development program that used poetry to support literacy development, self-expression and storytelling. Participants’ friendships and community connection expanded though the program, whilst growing their confidence, performance skills and literacy.
Thinking just a step out the box, can make all the difference to how we create new connections and support others. We are impressed by UnitingSA Taperoo Community Centre being so responsive their community and taking on loneliness!

With over 50 nominations, then shortlisted to 7, just 3 finalists and finally 1, the judges of our Loneliness Cure Award had some very tough decisions to make!
Each nomination was outstanding and told the story of the heartfelt, professional work and far reaching impact so many organisations are having on their communities. The judged chose based on elements such as,  whether the project/activity was specifically designed to impact on loneliness and how sustainable its outcomes would be long term.

Congratulations to UnitingSA Taperoo Community Centre as well as those who were finalist and semi-finalists!.
 

The 2021 Finalists

Robertstown War Memorial Community Centre of Robertstown runs a monthly coffee morning for all ages to meet, chat and keep each other company. After receiving a grant, they purchased a coffee machine to give locals a chance to sit and chat with proper coffee prepared by volunteer baristas. The seniors invite younger members of the town to talk together and learn how to upgrade digital skills.
 
Uniting SA Taperoo Community Centre introduced an innovative literacy skill development program in response to the impact of the Covid pandemic. Several of the participants experience learning challenges, mental health issues, and other significant health issues and come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Poetry was used as a simple way of expression and storytelling. The program resulted in increasing the participants’ literacy, performance skills, friendships and community connection.
 
Silver Citz of Hackham West began as a social group for older people in the community in response to an identified need of an ageing population. The group operates every Thursday during the school term and now has around 80 participants ranging from 50 to 92 years old. The group provides social interaction, information, help for health, welfare and transport to those who need it.

The 2021 Semi-Finalists

  • Silver Citz
  • Fullarton Park Community Centre
  • Robertstown War Memorial Communiy Centre
  • West Coast Youth & Community Support
  • ECH Cumberland Park Community Centre Parnership
  • Unley Community Centre
  • Kindred Spirits Australia
  • Talk Out Loud
  • Tailem Bend Community Centre
  • Taperoo Community Centre

Further Information

Contact CCSA via info@communitycentressa.asn.au or 8371 4622