Celebrating our ConnectUp 2026 award finalists and winners

Earlier this month, CoAct’s national network of service partners gathered at our annual ConnectUp conference. It was a fabulous two days on the Sunshine Coast, where we did what CoAct does best – collaborate and connect to solve issues and amplify our network’s impact.  

As part of ConnectUp, we held our 2026 ConnectUp awards. These annual awards recognise the outstanding people, teams and organisations across our network who are delivering meaningful impact for clients, employers and communities every day.  

The ConnectUp Awards play an important role in showcasing the strength, quality and innovation of service delivery across the CoAct network. They highlight the collective capability of our partners and celebrate the dedication, creativity and leadership shaping effective employment services across Australia.  

Meet the 2026 ConnectUp award finalists and winners  

Steve Lawrence – Employment Consultant of the Year Award 

• Amy Baldwin — Ability Options, Finalist 

• Carmen Miller — Five Bridges, Finalist 

• Bec Cardona — Community Solutions Group, Finalist 

• Liam Hill — BUSY At Work, Winner 

About Liam, Mentor, BUSY At Work 

Liam Hill began his journey in employment services as a participant himself, giving him a unique understanding of the challenges jobseekers can face.  

Since joining the sector, he has developed a strong track record supporting participants into sustainable employment and helping individuals build confidence and independence.  

His lived experience and empathy allow him to connect deeply with the participants he supports.  

“Liam’s ability to connect with participants comes from genuine empathy and lived experience. He inspires confidence in the people he supports and consistently delivers life-changing outcomes.” 

Know My Community — Place-Based Solutions Award  

• Gold Coast Recruitment Partner Team — BUSY At Work, Finalist 

• Youth Projects Wyndham Team — Youth Projects, Winner 

About the Youth Projects Wyndham team 

Through deep local knowledge and strong partnerships, the Wyndham team delivers place-based solutions that respond directly to community needs.  

Supporting more than 900 young people across the Wyndham region, the team works closely with schools, employers and community organisations to address complex barriers to employment and education.  

In 2025 alone, the team supported 322 young people into 12-week outcomes and 125 into 26-week outcomes, demonstrating the real impact of their work in the community. 

Excellence in Customer Service Award 

• Brooke Lowe — The Bridge Inc., Finalist 

• Chanell Denning — BUSY Ability, Finalist 

• Fazim Ali — Five Bridges, Winner 

About Fazim, Employment Services Team leader, Five Bridges 

Fazim consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment to service quality and participant outcomes.  

Through strong engagement with jobseekers, employers and community partners, he has strengthened employment pathways and improved service delivery across his region.  

His work reflects the true spirit of this award — ensuring participants feel supported, respected and empowered as they move toward employment. 

Wraparound Support Award  

• Employment Services Team — MS Queensland, Finalist  

• Keanna Johnson-Phillipps and Julian Gasparri — Youth Projects, Winner 

About Keanna and Julian, Youth Activity Program Coordinators, Youth Projects 

Keanna and Julian demonstrate the impact that coordinated support and strong partnerships can have for young people navigating complex barriers.  

By working closely with community organisations, training providers and employers, they help ensure young people receive the support they need to build confidence, develop skills and move into sustainable employment.  

Outstanding Employer Partnership Award 

• Amanda Baker — Youth Projects, Finalist 

• Bradford Feo — BUSY At Work, Winner  

About Bradford, Recruitment Partner, BUSY At Work 

Bradford has built a reputation across the sector as an employer-focused professional who forms strong and enduring partnerships.  

His commitment to understanding employer needs while supporting jobseekers has created opportunities across industries and strengthened relationships with employers across Queensland.  

Strong Start — Inclusive Employment Australia Award  

• Ability WA, Finalist 

• IMPACT Community Services, Winner 

About IMPACT Community Services
The IMPACT Community Services team has taken a collaborative and proactive approach to establishing Inclusive Employment Australia services within their community.  

By building strong partnerships with local employers, community organisations and support services, the team has created pathways that help participants move toward meaningful employment.  

Their focus on teamwork, innovation and participant outcomes has delivered impressive early results.  

Leadership Excellence Award 

• Neda Stankovic — MCM, Finalist 

• Matt Tribodo — MS Queensland, Winner 

About Matt, Employment Services Leader – Central Queensland, MS Queensland 

Matt has played a key leadership role in the growth and development of MS Queensland’s employment services as a specialist provider under the new Inclusive Employment Australia contract.  

As a member of the organisation’s leadership team, he has helped guide the expansion of the program from one Employment Service Area to twelve, with the team growing from four to twenty-three employment development consultants across Queensland.  

Through his leadership, collaboration and commitment to participant outcomes, Matt has helped ensure employment services at MS Queensland continue to reflect the complex needs of people living with neurological conditions.  

Celebrating excellence across our network 

Congratulations once again to all our finalists and winners. Your dedication, innovation and impact continue to strengthen communities and inspire what’s possible across the CoAct network. We look forward to sharing more of your stories in the coming weeks.  

If you’re interested in connecting with CoAct – whether you’re a jobseeker, an employer, or a community services provider looking to collaborate – we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us today.