To our valued colleagues in the Health, Youth, Education and Community Services Sector.

Congratulations to all individuals and services who were nominated for the inaugural 2014 CaddyShack Awards. We were overwhelmed by the response, and the number of  individuals, services and projects dedicated to improving the sexual health and well-being of individuals and communities across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven! We thank you for the great work you are doing, and encourage you to keep up the effort.

It is with great pleasure the HIV and Related Programs (HARP) Unit, ISLHD, in partnership with Healthy Cities Illawarra and the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Sexual Health Service announce the winners of the inaugural CaddyShack Awards!

The CaddyShack Award Categories

• Outstanding achievement – Individual Award Winner: Anthony Scerri, Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra (MCCI)

The CaddyShack Awards judging panel were impressed by Anthony’s commitment to incorporating sexual health into health promotion programs for young people over many years, particularly given some of the challenges that are faced when working with a variety of groups from a diverse array of cultural backgrounds.

• Outstanding achievement – Service Award Winner: CHAIN Youth Health Service

CHAIN have also been working to improve sexual health for young people for many years. Over the past 12 months they have implemented a new ground-breaking program whereby young people can get a Chlamydia screen anytime during CHAIN’s opening hours. The program – a partnership with Illawarra Sexual Health Service & ISLHD Youth Health has been a great success, with the potential to be piloted in youth centres in other settings through the region.

• Outstanding achievement – Project Award Winner: IDAHOT Project Nowra

The IDAHOT Project – a partnership between Headspace Nowra, the Shoalhaven Youth Reference Group, Nowra Queer Straight Alliance, acon, Hyper Hyper Coffee & others – coordinated an event to celebrate gender and sexuality diversity in the Nowra CBD in May 2014. The Judging Panel considered this another example of important work to promote acceptance of diversity and inclusivity, and improving sexual health and well-being of the community. We hope the event can continue and grow!

• The CaddyShack Innovators Encouragement Award Winner: African Youth Project

This project – a partnership between The Future of the Children Ministry and First Step Program – engages with young people from a range of African communities in the Illawarra through sporting and other activities, building in subtle and supportive messaging promoting sexual health in a holistic and strengths-based approach to health and well-being to young people. We love their work!

Award ceremonies are scheduled to present the Awards to individuals and services this week.

Congratulations again to all winners, and nominees. We feel honoured to be able to showcase your work, and celebrate your achievement.