Our centresWe’re thrilled to share that Barnardos Australia’s Melissa Andrews has been named as a finalist in the 2026 NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) Awards for Excellence & Impact: Collaboration. 🎉
Mel works alongside children, young people, families, community partners and colleagues across the South Coast, including through Communities for Children and the TIDES program. She builds relationships grounded in honesty, respect and genuine listening, and she stays present even when conversations are hard.
Her partnership with Gawurra, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, shows what collaboration looks like in practice. Mel shares her skills and experience while recognising that cultural knowledge, authority and leadership sit with Gawurra, its Elders and community.
That approach was central to the TIDES filming project, a partnership between Gawurra, Barnardos and a film producer. Together, the partners created a safe and meaningful platform for young people to share their stories, explore their identity and express what belonging means to them.
Congratulations, Mel!
