Know someone making positive change in Canberra? The 2025 Lifeline Spirit of Canberra Awards are seeking nominations

Posted on 4 August, 2025

Changemakers, pioneers, leaders and trailblazers – we all know someone in Canberra who deserves recognition for the work they do.

They work tirelessly to give back to the local community and humbly ask for nothing in return. They inspire positive change. And they can now have their well-deserved moment in the spotlight thanks to the 2025 Lifeline Spirit of Canberra Awards.

Now open for nomination, the awards are an annual celebration of those driving positive change in our community — recognising the efforts that enhance Canberra’s social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing.

This year, Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson says that there are four award categories open for nomination: Spirit of Resilience, the Spirit of Hope, the Spirit of Impact and the People’s Choice Award. Changemakers can nominate themselves, their organisations, colleagues, or community members whose hard work deserves recognition.

“Our role at Lifeline is to ensure that we continue to come together as a community, to instil compassion and kindness in every connection,” she explains.

“These awards allow us to engage in a meaningful conversation about the inspiring impact individuals, businesses and organisations have on our community, in an exciting and fresh way.”

Nominating is simple – with just one click, you can recognise someone making a positive difference in the community.

Here are some more details on what you can nominate them for:

The Spirit of Resilience Award

Celebrating individuals who have overcome adversity and are bettering the community through their experience.

The Spirit of Hope Award

For either individuals or businesses who have a unique vision for the future of Canberra and are working towards that goal.

The Spirit of Impact Award

Designed for businesses and organisations making a difference.

The People’s Choice Award

Voted on by the community from the pool of finalists.

Know someone who deserves recognition? The nominee must consent to being nominated, and they must show significant inner strength and self-belief.

You can submit a nomination here.

This year’s awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 16 October at Old Parliament House.