Endeavour Foundation
Business Excellence and Impact Awards
CELEBRATING INNOVATION, LEADERSHIP, AND INCLUSION
About the Awards
Each and every day, at 50 sites nationwide, more than 1,700 Endeavour Foundation employees with disability produce consistently excellent work and are proud to contribute to the Australian workforce. It’s time to celebrate this quiet achievement along with the businesses who support these important commercial enterprises, providing opportunity and career pathways to people with disability.
Explore the nomination categories below and download the Nomination Pack or Easy read Nomination Pack for more information.
We've put together this 2 minute video to help you with the process of nominating and how to nominate. Take a look.
Key Dates
Monday 16 June: Nominations open, and event tickets available
Friday 25 July: Nominations close
Week Commencing 8 September: Finalists announced
Thursday 16 October: Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at Rydges Hotel South Bank Brisbane 11:30am – 3pm where winners will be announced
Nomination Categories
Results That Shine Award
This award recognises the Endeavour Foundation social enterprise site that consistently delivers high-quality work coupled with a focus on individual employee development and skill-matching.
CBC Group
Partnership Excellence Award
This award recognises strong partnerships with clear shared goals, focusing on improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities through innovative support and sustainable efforts.
Advocacy in Action Award
This award honours media campaigns that effectively raise awareness, influence public perceptions of disability inclusion, and engage a wide audience to inspire positive change.
Charity Champion Award
This award recognises organisations that provide significant financial and/or in-kind contributions, directly impacting the work of Endeavour Foundation and demonstrating ongoing commitment to supporting its mission and objectives.
Community Leadership Award
This award recognises organisations that offer diverse support in multiple areas, maintains a long-term relationship, and demonstrates leadership in promoting disability inclusion and community engagement.
Please note: You may submit only one nomination per category, but you may nominate in all categories if you wish.
Meet the Judges
Avril
Avril Livingstone is first-and-foremost ‘Mum’ to Heather who has been supported through Endeavour Foundation for over 10 years. Avril first took part in the Great Endeavour Rally in 2017 and has been an integral part of the ‘Rally family’, along with husband Jimmy. Together they have raised and donated over $400,000 to Endeavour Foundation.
Jane
Jane is Receptionist and Administration Officer at Endeavour Foundation's Support Centre and is looking forward to being part of the judging panel because she loves learning about other people.
Madison
Maddie is a supported independent worker through Endeavour Foundation's hosted employment program. She is looking forward to being on the panel because it’s something new and exciting for Maddie to get involved with.
Warren
As a long-standing partner and supporter of Endeavour Foundation, smartMonday’s Warren Peppin has a passion for retirement planning and his mantra is, ‘planning and acting is the key to success’. Warren is often seen at Endeavour Foundation’s key locations, hosting information sessions for staff and supported employees.
Wendy
Appointed to Endeavour Foundation’s Board of Directors in April 2024, Wendy Zernike’s commitment to continuous improvement, strategic performance and focus on active community participation, aligns seamlessly with the Endeavour Foundation Business Excellence and Impact Awards.
Zoe
Zoe Harrison is People and Culture Manager at Rydges South Bank, Brisbane, venue partner of the Endeavour Foundation Business Excellence and Impact Awards. Zoe witnessed the importance of Endeavour Foundation’s inclusive social enterprises when she and her team visited Endeavour Foundation’s Geebung social enterprise in April this year.
FAQ's
What are the Endeavour Foundation Business Excellence and Impact Awards?
The Business Excellence and Impact Awards are a new initiative designed to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of our social enterprises and community partners. These awards honour those who are creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability and championing inclusion and diversity in the workplace. We want to recognise all the wonderful businesses we work with at our social enterprise sites, as well as businesses that support Endeavour Foundation in other ways such as fundraising and providing jobs for people we support.
When and where is the event being held?
The awards ceremony and business luncheon will take place on Thursday 16 October 2025, from 11:30am to 3pm at the Rydges Hotel South Bank, Brisbane.
Who can come to the event?
Everyone is welcome. This includes Endeavour Foundation, Community Solutions and BRACE employees, our commercial partners and sponsors, families and carers, people we support and members of the public.
How can I purchase tickets, and what do they cost?
Tickets will be available for purchase from 16 June 2025. Early bird pricing is $175 per person or $1,750 per table of 10. After the early bird period, full-price tickets will be $195 per person or $1,950 per table.Â
Can I buy a whole table for my team or business?
Absolutely. Tables of 10 can be purchased, making it a great opportunity for teams or groups to attend together and show their support.
What does the ticket include?
Your ticket includes a gourmet lunch, a premium drinks package, live auctions and a raffle with fantastic prizes.
Is there a dress code for the event?
Yes, the dress code is business attire.
Who is eligible to be nominated for an award?
All Endeavour Foundation sites are eligible to be nominated, with the exception of those under government contracts due to restrictions on financial transactions. In addition, commercial partners, suppliers and sponsors are eligible and encouraged to participate.
What if I have more than one organisation or site that I want to nominate in the same category?Â
To ensure fairness and give all participants an equal opportunity, we limit each person to one entry per category. This prevents any single entrant from having an unfair advantage and helps our judges give proper attention to every submission. We also want to encourage a diverse range of entries in each category.
Can businesses nominate themselves?
Yes, businesses are welcome to nominate themselves for an award. Self-nominations are encouraged as a way to highlight their efforts and achievements.
How will the funds raised be used by Endeavour Foundation?
Funds raised through ticket sales, auctions and raffles will support Endeavour Foundation’s unfunded projects. These are programs that provide vital support and create new opportunities for people with disability but do not currently receive external funding.
Do you have further questions about the awards?
Contact us at partnerships@endeavour.com.au
Our sponsors
The Endeavour Foundation Business Excellence and Impact Awards are brought to you with thanks to the generous support of our sponsors:
Major Event Partner
Event Partners
