Over 1,200 of Australia’s treasurers working for community groups across the nation have been recognised for their creativity,  innovation and community leadership in the annual Commonwealth Bank Not-for-Profit (NFP) Treasurers' Awards, with a further four treasurers taking out the top honours in this year’s awards program.

Together with Our Community – Australia's Centre of Excellence for the nation's not-for-profit organisations – the NFP Treasurers’ Awards recognise and celebrate the unsung individuals whose financial management and governance directly leads to positive and innovative outcomes for the community groups they represent.

This year’s winners – Suzana Vlahovic, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre VIC; Tony McCartney, Ilbijerri Theatre VIC; Mark Thompson, Balmain Rowing Club NSW; and Jane Reilly, YWCA NSW – were announced by CommBank’s Group Treasurer, Terry Winder, at a gala event taking place last Thursday during Not-for-Profit Finance Week (17-23 September).

Each of the winners commented on their work and what the awards mean to them:

• Suzana Vlahovic, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, said: "I am delighted to be receiving this award as Treasurer of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC). I am privileged to work with such inspiring people at the ASRC and I look forward to continuing our great momentum in finance."
• Jane Reilly, YWCA NSW, said: "It has been a pleasure to work with an incredibly generous and talented Board of unique Australian women and to support the bold and committed staff at YWCA and the amazing work they do. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to improving the lives of Australian women and girls, and I am honoured and humbled to receive this award."
• Tony McCartney, Ilbijeri Theatre Company, said: "I'm passionate about supporting my community to achieve better outcomes in housing, education, health and employment. I find it rewarding to contribute to my community and see new ideas come from inception through to fruition and success."
• Mark Thompson, Balmain Rowing Club, said: "When members of the committee said that they wanted to enter me for this award, I said no way. But when they said the club would be entitled to $5,000, I said do your worst, and they must have! I am very honoured to receive this award."

Head of Not-for-Profit Sector Banking, Commonwealth Bank, Julienne Price, said: "The highlight of Not-for-Profit Finance Week is, of course, the announcement of the winners of the Not-for-Profit Treasurers’ Awards.

"The role of a treasurer is not an easy one, with the ongoing viability of not-for-profits and community groups often depending on the Treasurer’s ability to ensure high levels of governance are in place along with strong financial management.

"The Awards not only bring to the forefront the importance of good financial practice within the sector, but they also provide a public forum where we can all thank and recognise Australia’s not-for-profit and community treasurers for the amazing work they carry out behind the scenes.

"A big congratulations to all the Treasurers who were nominated and who participated in the 2018 Awards and a thank you to everyone who works in the not-for-profit sector," Ms Price said.

Group Managing Director of Our community, Denis Moriarty said: "Our Community, together with the Commonwealth Bank, looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the community sector and supporting NFPs in the invaluable work undertaken each and every day. You inspire us all through your efforts, your dedication and your passion in strengthening our nation as we strive for a fairer, equitable and more inclusive nation for all Australians."

More information on the winners of this year’s NFP Treasurers’ Award can be accessed here.