Awards & Recognition
Hearts and Hands have been acknowledged in local, state, and national awards across Australia.
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Orange Ride for Child Protection Awareness (OR4CPa)
We were honoured to be named a finalist in the Lake Mac Awards 2025, and then being awarded the prestigious title of 'Lake Mac Community Event of the Year' - Highly Commended.
This is recognition for our volunteer team and the reason for the event.
A team effort was rewarded with Astrid Hocking, our co-chairperson, being awarded with the distinction of being named Lake Macquarie Local Woman of The Year 2025
Previous Awards & Recognition
NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards 2024
A few of our wonderful volunteers accepting awards presented to Hearts and Hands Volunteers 2024. A great thank you to ALL our volunteers. You make the world a better place, one person, one community at a time.
Community Achievement Awards 2024
Invited to nominate to enter these awards resulted in Hearts and Hands Community Development successfully progressing to become a finalist.
Lake Mac Awards - 2023
Hearts and Hands Community Development - Umbrella Hearts program was proud to be a finalist in the LAKE MAC COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR 2023 awards. An acknowledgement of the valued contribution our volunteers are making within our community, volunteers giving to the community much more than just a heart.
Lake Mac Awards - 2022
This 'Certificate of Appreciation' is recognition of the efforts and contribution our volunteers are making within our community, giving much more than just a heart.
Rotary Charity Champion 2025
What a wonderful suprise to receive this award from such a well respected Community Service Club, recognising the efforts of our volunteers.
Australian of the Year Awards - 2023
Hearts and Hands Community Development's long-term volunteer, guiding hand and chairperson is recognised for her dedication, passion, advocacy, helping children and her stand against violence and child abuse. Astrid commented, "This award is for all the volunteers helping Hearts and Hands Community Development, who are changing the lives of so many disadvantaged people. This is not my award, it is our award".
Lake Mac Awards - 2023
Congratulations to Hearts and Hands Community Development Chairperson Astrid Hocking for being awarded 2023 Lake Macquarie Senior of the Year.
Working Together
Hearts and Hands collaborates with a number of other charitable organisations.
Survivor's R Us Incorporated
Helping survivors reclaim their dignity and independence
Hearts and Hands Community Development and Survivor's R Us Incorporated share a mutual commitment to supporting disadvantaged individuals in our community while actively opposing violence and child abuse.
In the spirit of collaboration, an invitation was extended to our Chairperson to join the Survivor's R Us Incorporated Advisory Board—a role that was accepted with gratitude.
These two impactful organisations are united in their mission to put an end to domestic violence and child abuse, while also offering vital support to survivors. Together, they work toward building a safer and more compassionate community.
Ikthus Redeemed Community Philipines, Inc.
In recognition of past and ongoing support Hearts and Hands Community Development has and continues to provide to extremely poor and disadvantaged communities in the Philippines.
IRC & Hearts and Hands Community Development formalised the relationship and thus a partnership was established. Astrid Hocking, on behalf of Hearts and Hands Community Development, was recognised as the Ambassador cementing the relationship.
Kalipay Negrense Foundation
Astrid Hocking, on behalf of Hearts and Hands Community Development, recieved recognition and accepted an invitation to become an"Honorary Member of the Board of Trustees" of KALIPAY Children's Homes in Philippines.
Accepting this responsible position sees Hearts and Hands Community Development representation present at "KALIPAY Board of Trustees Meetings" which gratefully accept the input and recommendations put forward. This is a role that continues to be very well respected from both sides.
A partnership aimed at improving the outcomes for the children, which both organisations are so passionate about.