Technology awards spotlight sector innovation

The awards celebrate the best in technology innovation and excellence in the NFP sector, were held in conjunction with this week’s Infoxchange Technology for Social Justice conference in Melbourne.

‘Accidental’ expert’s AI help for the homeless

Wombat Housing Support Services youth team leader Lenka Brazda picked up the Best Accidental IT Person award for creating WomBot, an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant which helps vulnerable people find housing.

The award recognises a volunteer or staff member who has significantly improved an organisation’s IT systems, where it was not originally part of their role.

Brazda, who has no formal IT training, taught herself skills such as automation and data analysis to develop the multi-function chatbot.

The judges said Brazda not only developed an innovative solution for housing information and advice, but did so while keeping the needs of vulnerable clients at the heart of every technical decision.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to Infoxchange,” said Brazda, who earlier participated in a panel discussion on AI and social impact.

“I think it’s really important to acknowledge people who are into tech in the sector. We need all the support we can get.

“Thanks to my management team for supporting me in what seemed like a very whacky idea at the time.”

Wilderness Society wins top gong for deforestation effort

The Not-for-profit Technology Innovator of the Year award went to Wilderness Society for their Watch on Nature initiative, designed to detect and expose deforestation.

The web-based platform combines satellite imagery with simplified geographic information system (GIS) tools, allowing citizen scientists to monitor and map deforestation activities.

This award recognises an NFP organisation which has best showcased innovation using technology to effectively deliver programs or services that positively impact the community.

Tech volunteer’s effort to preserve records

The Technology Volunteer of the Year Award went to Graham Grundy, from the Australian Museums and Galleries Association in Western Australia.

This award recognises a volunteer who has made an exemplary voluntary contribution to the not-for-profit sector with technology.

Grundy was recognised for his decades-long effort to digitise historical community records.

Last year Grundy pioneered the WestPride Archives collection on the Collections WA platform. The initiative helps LGBTQIA+ safety groups to access and record information, and identify historically significant objects in collections.

Grundy praised the many other volunteers he had worked with over the years.

“They are largely from under resourced small communities in Western Australia who have shown huge commitment and ingenuity to achieve their goals,” he said.

“I look forward to continue helping them with the technology that can support their efforts.”

Justice Connect wins for data innovation

Legal advice service Justice Connect picked up the Best Use of Data for Community Impact Award for embedding a data-driven culture in the organisation.

The award highlights the innovative use of data by an NFP to strengthen its mission and culture, and improve impact and service delivery.

The judges acknowledged Justice Connect’s dedication to investing in establishing clean and consistent data, user-first dashboards, and organisational data literacy – efforts that have improved services for disadvantaged members of the community.

Winners boost metrics, governance

The Technology for Community Impact Award went to Enrichd Group for its ImpactIQ analytics dashboard. The tool measures the impact of clients’ work by tracking traditional digital metrics alongside real-world outcomes.

And the Best Technology Achievement by a First Nations Person or Group Award went to the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute for their Indigenous Governance Toolkit.

The toolkit is designed to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by providing a comprehensive, accessible, and culturally responsive resource to strengthen Indigenous governance practices.

Success stories an inspiration for the sector

The master of ceremonies and Telstra Foundation CEO Jackie Coates acknowledged the innovative efforts of all the award winners and nominees.

“Technology continues to merge into the ways in which we work, play, and live and that of course, includes the way we help others,” said Coates.

“We all know that digital tech is a double-edged sword for not-for-profits that brings new challenges, sometimes disruption whilst also opening new worlds of new-found effectiveness and efficiency in our collective missions towards social justice.

“Tonight, we make space to recognise some of the very best stories of success of the sector’s use of technology amidst their dedicated and selfless efforts to make Australia a more equitable country for all.”

The judging panel included Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie, Infoxchange digital transformation manager Sophie Souchon, youth advocate Jo Szczepanska and Aboriginal tech executive Brent Saunders.

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Sector shines in technology awards