FREE TO BE ME

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Acknowledgement of Country

Sovereignty was never ceded. No treaty was ever signed. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which this work is made, and that does not become less true with time, legislation or silence.

FREE 2B ME acknowledges Elders past, present and emerging. This body of work exists because systems cause harm when they ask people to become easier to accommodate. No community in this country has been asked to do that more often, or for longer, than First Nations peoples.

We hold that as a matter of practice, not sentiment.

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FREE TO BE ME

Recognition

Recognition for work changing what people can expect.

The significance of visibility is what it allows other people to see.

International and Australian recognition across leadership, education, inclusion, innovation, advocacy and community impact.

Australian and international, 2021 to 2026 — twelve gold, six silver, four bronze or honourable mention, twenty-one finalist places, across leadership, education, innovation, inclusion, advocacy and community impact.

2026

  • GoldBig IdeaWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris
  • Third placeGirl of the YearWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris · Kianni Jackson
  • FinalistRising StarWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris
  • FinalistWoman in EducationWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris
  • FinalistWoman in Therapy & Counselling ServicesWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris
  • FinalistDisability Inclusion ImpactWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris
  • FinalistHuman RightsWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris
  • FinalistInnovationWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris
  • FinalistThought Leader of the YearWomen Changing the World Global Awards, Paris
  • FinalistSustainable Business Woman of the YearSunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards
  • FinalistWoman Changing the WorldAusMumpreneur National Awards, Australia
  • FinalistBusiness EvolutionAusMumpreneur National Awards, Australia
  • FinalistThought Leader of the YearAusMumpreneur National Awards, Australia
  • FinalistCitizen of the YearSunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards · Tanya Hicks
  • FinalistCommunity Group or OrganisationSunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards · Sparkly Aliens Inc.

2025

  • GoldNon-Profit Organisation of the YearStevie Awards for Women in Business, International
  • GoldChildren’s EducationWomen Changing the World Global Awards, London
  • GoldEmerging Non-Profit BusinessAusMumpreneur National Awards, Australia
  • GoldRising StarWomen Changing the World Regional Awards, APAC
  • SilverAchievement in Diversity & InclusionStevie Awards for Women in Business, International
  • SilverWoman in EducationWomen Changing the World Regional Awards, APAC
  • SilverEmerging AusMumpreneur of the YearAusMumpreneur National Awards, Australia
  • BronzeMost Resilient Women-Owned BusinessStevie Awards for Women in Business, International
  • Third placeAdvocacy & ImpactWomen Changing the World Global Awards, London
  • Honourable mentionThought Leader of the YearWomen Changing the World Regional Awards, APAC

2024

  • GoldGlobal Female ExecutiveStevie Awards for Women in Business, International
  • GoldEducation Provider of the YearSunshine Coast Business Awards
  • GoldCommunity Leader of the YearBeam National Awards, Australia
  • GoldOvercoming the OddsAusMumpreneur National Awards, Australia
  • SilverGlobal Woman of the YearStevie Awards for Women in Business, International
  • SilverGlobal Female ExecutiveStevie Awards for Women in Business, International
  • SilverDisabled Business ExcellenceAusMumpreneur National Awards, Australia
  • FinalistOutstanding GrowthTelstra Best of Business Awards, Australia
  • FinalistChampioning HealthTelstra Best of Business Awards, Australia
  • FinalistWoman of the YearBeam National Awards, Australia
  • FinalistExcellence in Diversity & InclusionBeam National Awards, Australia

2023

  • GoldND/Autistic Excellence Provider of the YearDivergantz Autistic Business Awards, Queensland
  • GoldCommunity Inclusion AwardSunshine Coast Community Gala Awards
  • FinalistFisher Business of the YearFisher Community Awards, Caloundra

2022

  • GoldEmerging Community LeaderSunshine Coast Community Gala Awards
  • FinalistCommunity Leadership AwardSunshine Coast Community Gala Awards
  • FinalistSocial Commitment AwardSunshine Coast Community Gala Awards

2021

  • FinalistBest Children’s Disability ServiceSunshine Coast Community Gala Awards

Recognition is not the point. It is evidence the questions travelled.

What matters is whether people can live, belong and contribute without becoming someone else first.

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