Four Flinders University graduates have been included in the 2021 Pro Bono Australia Impact 25 shortlist, acknowledging the most most influential people in Australia’s social sector who are aiming to address and improve the nation’s greatest community challenges.
The nominees are heralded for their integrity, foresight, initiative and collaboration, and recognises that they serve as a powerful force for good.
The shortlist of nominees is now open to the public to vote until February 10 – and the 25 with the top votes will be will be crowned the Impact 25 award winners on March 25. In addition, the top 25 will be eligible to win one of three judge’s choice awards.
The Flinders alumni included in the shortlist are:
Stephen Lewin, CEO, Youth Insearch Foundation (GCertPubSecMgmt ’13). Stephen became CEO in November 2019 after being GM for 5 years and had been personally impacted by Youth Insearch in his youth. His vision for embedding Youth Insearch into communities across Australia is inspiring, and his new strategy under Place Based Model has moved a lot of funders and communities into action. Furthermore, his vision to pivot Youth Insearch into virtual operations within 24 hours of COVID-19 restrictions taking effect has benefitted many young people.
Shyla Mills, CEO, Palliative Care, Queensland (MPallC ’08, GradCertHlth ’06). In July 2019, as CEO of Palliative Care Queensland, Shyla launched a new program – Ambulance Wish Queensland, a simple concept using a decommissioned ambulance, paramedic volunteers and partnering with palliative care services to fulfil last wishes for the terminally ill and create lasting memories for their loved ones. The first wish they fulfilled was for 92-year-old Betty, who simply wished for a passionfruit ice cream. The story went viral, with a worldwide media and social media reach of 155 Million.
Amy Orange, Co-Founder, Collab4Good; Principal, Fourth Sector Solutions; Social Procurement Lead SA, Social Traders (MBA ’16, BBehavSc(Hons) ’09). Since closing down her own social enterprise in 2018, Amy has dedicated her time and energy to building up the social enterprise ecosystem in South Australia to create better conditions for SA social enterprises to be recognised, supported and funded to enable positive social impact and jobs for people who face barriers to employment. Amy’s work includes advocating across Government, private and NFP sectors, educating on the social, environmental and economic opportunities that social enterprise and social procurement presents, and offering many hours of probono support for SA social enterprise leaders to build strong foundations and access opportunities for success.
Moira Were AM, Founder, Chooks SA; Founder, Hen House Coop; Co-Founder, Collab4Good (BSocAdmin ’82). Moira has had significant impact in South Australia through her advocacy and enterprising efforts to close the gender investment gap for female founders and business owners. Moira created Chooks SA in 2018, and it has turned into a 3,000 member strong group of women and male-champions of change who highlight, discuss and take action to address gender issues. Moira also founded Hen House Coop to enable people to take further action to close the gender investment gap through various activities. Moira is also Co-Founder of Collab4Good, an intermediary assisting impact-driven organisations through collaborations, a SheEO Super-Activator, and is a member of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board for SA Government. Moira’s generosity and influence is helping to shape a better future for South Australia.