Social Futures Honoured At Northern Rivers Business Awards
The Lismore-founded organisation has been named Outstanding Community Organisation during its 50th anniversary year and highly commended for workplace health and wellbeing.
Social Futures has received two major regional honours at the 2026 Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards, recognising its community contribution and commitment to employee wellbeing.
The organisation won the Outstanding Community Organisation category and received a Highly Commended award for Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing.
Business NSW Northern Rivers presented the awards during a gala celebration at Ballina RSL Club on Saturday, September 26.
The achievement holds particular significance for Social Futures during its 50th anniversary year.
Founded in Lismore, the organisation has spent five decades working with individuals, families and communities to reduce disadvantage and create greater social inclusion.
Social Futures delivers programs across homelessness and housing, mental health and wellbeing, disability inclusion, family and youth support, employment, seniors’ services and community development.
Chief executive Tony Davies said the Outstanding Community Organisation award belonged to everyone involved in the organisation’s work.
“For 50 years, local people and organisations have shared their knowledge, placed their trust in us and worked alongside us to create positive social change,” Mr Davies said.
“Being named Outstanding Community Organisation acknowledges the care, expertise and commitment our people bring to supporting individuals, families and communities across the Northern Rivers.”
He also congratulated the other award recipients and finalists contributing to the region’s social and economic strength.
Social Futures has more than 90 employees working from its Lismore office. Across the Northern Rivers, 238 employees live locally and contribute their skills and experience throughout the region.
The organisation also reached the finalist stage of the Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing category.
Social Futures received a Highly Commended recognition, while Biala Support Services won the category.
The result acknowledged Social Futures’ efforts to provide a healthy and supportive workplace for employees delivering essential services across diverse communities.
The Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards celebrate businesses, leaders, employees and community organisations demonstrating excellence across the region.
Finalists in the Outstanding Community Organisation category also included Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels, CUC Clarence Valley, Plan C, Shaping Outcomes and Club Evans RSL.
Social Futures representatives Simone Balzer and Jen Jones accepted the community organisation honour. Dana Martin attended on behalf of category sponsor Tursa Employment and Training.
Social Futures also sponsored the Sustainable Business Award, continuing its support for organisations reducing their environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable Northern Rivers.
Norco received the Sustainable Business Award for 2026.
Mr Davies said the regional recognition reflected the trust, partnerships and shared knowledge built during Social Futures’ five decades of operation.
“Congratulations to all the winners and organisations making such a valuable contribution to our region,” he said.
The awards brought together businesses, community organisations, sponsors and regional leaders to celebrate their collective contribution to the Northern Rivers.
