Company: Blue Beanie Projects Limited, Western Australia
Nomination Submitted by: Blue Beanie Projects Limited
Company Description: Blue Beanie Projects is a registered health promotion charity, founded in 2015. We work with children and young people aged between 5-25, to deliver innovative youth led projects and services aimed at increasing regional young people’s social & emotional well-being, self esteem, confidence, resilience & connection to community. We are a team of qualified, passionate and experienced youth workers
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Mentor or Coach of the Year – Government or Non-Profit
 Nomination Title: Sandra Spadanuda
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 246 words used.
One of Sandra’s life goals is "Challenging humankind to Change our thinking from - 'What can I get?' To 'What can I give?'”
Sandra is a qualified, skilled, experienced and passionate Youth Worker, and an experienced and qualified Grooming, Deportment and Catwalk Choreography Educator, allowing her to combine her 2 x passions and areas of expertise (Youth Work and Fashion) to work with young people.
Despite facing significant adversity, including being wrongfully accused of a crime she did not commit, Sandra has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. Since this life-altering experience, she has co-authored and published three books, with two more set for release this year. Her journey of overcoming such profound challenges and turning them into a platform for positive change is truly inspiring.
In May, Sandra attended the Women Changing the World Summit & Awards in the UK, where she was a keynote speaker. Her powerful message resonated with the audience, highlighting her commitment to empowering others. Sandra was recognized at the Global Awards event in London, winning Silver in the “Community Impact” category—a testament to her dedication to making a difference.
Driven by her own experience of wrongful arrest, Sandra is passionately raising awareness of the need to uphold the principle of "innocent until proven guilty." She seeks to educate the public on the importance of understanding that an arrest does not equate to guilt. Through her advocacy, she encourages a shift in mindset that embraces this foundational legal principle.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 143 words used.
ATTACHMENTS:
PDF. 1 Supporting Documentation
PDF. 2 BBP Flyer
PDF. 3 PSP Photos 2024
PDF 4. Past Nominations, Support Statements, Testimonials and Reviews
Quote from Sandra:
"As a mother, I strive to raise my boys to be dreamers and achievers. I teach them that anything is possible and in-still in them the values of inclusivity, acceptance, understanding, empathy, kindness, and advocacy for the voiceless. Balancing daily life and work commitments, I ensure they remain connected to their First Nations Australian-Aboriginal culture, country, and family. We educate them about Australian history, the truth of their ancestors, and the resilience of their people. Every day, we build their pride, strength, and ability to speak up, even in the face of fear. My professional and personal life are intertwined with these values, and I am proud to embody them in my work, friendships, and family."
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 174 words used.
Sandra has worked tirelessly in the youth/community services sector of Australia for over 26 years. She has been a strong advocate for young people and youth workers, particularly those living in regional and remote areas, advocating for better access to services for regional and remote young people, and professional development and funding opportunities for youth workers and service providers.
Sandra co-founded Blue Beanie Projects - a not for profit health promotion charity, in the Pilbara Region of WA in 2015 working with children and youth aged 5-25 building their self esteem, resilience and confidence through modelling, grooming and deportment, team building workshops, fashion shows and photo shoots.
Sandra has faced significant adversity over recent years, overcoming some truly grueling experiences after a wrongful arrest and criminal charges which would later be dropped after a 3 year long ordeal and legal battle, with state prosecutors applying to have her case formally dismissed, and she has bounced back, a role model, showing incredible resilience and changing the narrative of her story, transforming from victim to hero.
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 237 words used.
Sandra models best practice Youth Work and is continually encouraging youth workers and agencies to do the same. Maintaining a high standard of youth work practice in regional locations is often difficult. Staff recruited to the field, are often in-experienced with minimal qualifications, often managed by organisations with little experience (if any) in youth service management. Sandra has been a change maker & has not been afraid to challenge others to work alternatively. The creation of Blue Beanie completely disrupts the status quo of the youth work industry. We are a proudly independent charity, created local and in complete consultation with community & young people. We are well accepted by local community because of who we are, what we do & our inclusive approach. We found there was not enough on the ground consultation, and people being employed were unskilled, unqualified and inexperienced. The work of Blue Beanie, while delivering youth projects, also works alongside services, raising the profile of youth workers regionally. We strongly believe youth workers in regional areas can make a significant difference to the lives of young people & their overall wellbeing. We want to strip away the view that youth workers are babysitters or rec officers, but instead trained, skilled & experienced professionals. We encourage & educate service providers to support the movement to professionalise youth work, making experience & qualifications mandatory, & supporting staff with frequent training & professional development opportunities.
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