Acknowledging outstanding excellence or innovation in community engagement, resulting in positive outcomes, or collaborating effectively with others to realise a vision that brings opportunity and transformational change.

Energy finalists

AGL Energy
Project/Program: Point Pearce Community Solar and Battery Project

The Point Pearce Community Solar and Battery Project is a community-led initiative delivered through a partnership between AGL and the Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation (PPAC), Narungga Country in South Australia.

The project was in response to community concerns about rising electricity costs and energy reliability and was shaped through ongoing engagement with PPAC and the local residents. AGL worked alongside the community to co-design a model reflecting local priorities.  The solar and battery systems will be owned and maintained by the community.

This is a practical example of how renewable energy generation and battery storage projects can create lasting economic and community benefits when developed in partnership with First Nations communities.

Santos
Project/Program: Santos Indigenous Advisory Panel

Santos’ Indigenous Advisory Panel (IAP) was established in 2023 in response to feedback from Traditional Owners on the value of long-term engagement. Under a formal charter the IAP, chaired by the Santos CEO, seeks to strengthen Indigenous participation across the company’s operations and ensure that the voices of Traditional Owners meaningfully inform the Indigenous Participation Plan.

This model enables Santos to incorporate lived experience and local knowledge into policies, programs and operational procedures. The panel’s work has led to tangible initiatives designed to improve Indigenous participation, including new employment pathways, recruitment programs, mentoring initiatives and expanded early career opportunities. Under the guidance of the IAP, Santos has achieved significant uplifts across key cultural heritage, employment and procurement metrics.

ShineHub
Project/Program: ShineHub and Mitcham Council Community Energy Program

ShineHub and the City of Mitcham’s Community Renewables Program is transforming South Australia’s energy future – one household at a time. Launched in 2022 as an Australia-first council-led initiative, this pioneering partnership removes upfront cost – the biggest barrier to clean energy. Through community bulk buys, residents and businesses access high-quality solar panels, home batteries and a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) with no money down – making renewables accessible, affordable and practical.

ShineHub and Mitcham have shown that community-driven renewable energy works, with local government and industry working together to deliver real cost-of-living relief, emissions cuts and energy security.

Resources finalists

Alliance Resources
Project/Program: A tri-partite Community Meal Support Program in Kimba

The Kimba Community Meal Support Program is a collaborative community initiative providing free, nutritious frozen meals to people experiencing hardship across the Kimba district. The program was developed through a partnership between Alliance Resources, FareShare and Harvest Christian Centre, and supported by the District Council of Kimba. It combines FareShare's meal production, Alliance's local cold storage facilities, and Harvest Christian Centre's community networks to deliver practical, dignified support where it is needed most.

Meals are distributed through trusted local organisations, including Harvest Christian Centre, Kimba Area School and Our Town community hub, ensuring support reaches individuals and families facing financial, physical, emotional or mental hardship.

BHP
Project/Program: A Pathway to Prosperity: Traditional Owners leading mining on their own lands

On the traditional lands of the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara (AMY) People in remote north-western South Australia, employment opportunities can be limited.

The award of a $60 million, five-year contract for mining services at BHP’s Prominent Hill mine represents a significant milestone for community. AMY Nominees, trading as Anangu Mining wholly owned by the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation, will lead Run of Mine (ROM) rehandle services on AMY traditional lands.

The contract reflects years of partnership, capability building, and shared commitment between AMY Nominees, Thiess, and BHP. The outcome creates meaningful employment, strengthens local capability, and opens new pathways for future generations of AMY people.

Roxby Downs Community Hub
Project/Program: Roxby Downs Community Hub Men's Health Week Initiative

Led by the Healthy Environs-managed Roxby Downs Community Hub, the Men’s Health Week Initiative is a collaborative, community program made possible through BHP’s social investment in the Hub. The initiative uses trusted community settings to encourage conversations about men’s physical and mental wellbeing, bringing together sporting organisations, healthcare providers, SAPOL, schools, industry health teams and wellbeing partners to promote prevention, reduce stigma and strengthen community connection.

By taking health promotion into places where men already gather, the Hub has established a sustainable annual initiative that demonstrates how social investment and local collaboration can improve wellbeing in a remote mining community.