Individual Award

Individual Award: Lee Prince

The Individual Award recognises individuals whose work has contributed to the prevention of domestic and family violence.

Winner: Ms Lee Prince

For: her work in Sunshine Coast communities to reduce domestic and family violence.

Domestic and family violence prevention advocate Lee Prince has played an inspiring role in reducing the impact of domestic and family violence in the Cooloola community. Her work includes providing outreach support, community education, referrals, counselling and information to local communities.

Lee has worked for many years on initiatives including the Cooloola Partners Network, which has strengthened communication and collaboration across the government and community sectors and advocated for responsible media reporting on to domestic and family violence.

In 2003, Lee established the Soul Survivors weekly support group, which mentors women who have experienced domestic and family violence.

Through her work, Lee has empowered many women to escape violence. Lee has also worked closely with Gympie Police to establish a fax back scheme that links victims of domestic and family violence directly with support services.

Highly commended: Uncle Wally Saunders

Individual award Uncle Wally Saunders - Woorabinda Community

For: his work in addressing domestic and family violence in the Woorabinda Community.

In 2006, Uncle Wally developed a spiritual healing program for young people in high schools to address significant levels of youth offending in the Woorabinda community.

Uncle Wally believes teaching traditions, culture and spirituality can reduce anger and violence. He also believes that self-respect and pride deter people from resorting to violence as a way to solve their problems.

Concerned about violence and alcohol misuse in his community, Uncle Wally extended his spiritual healing program to adults.

The success of the program is evident in the lifestyle changes of those who complete the course.