On a spectacular evening on Kaurna Country, overlooking the River Torrens at the Adelaide Convention Centre, more than 340 Sonder staff, partners, and stakeholders came together to celebrate our first Staff Awards Gala.
The evening, emceed by Marija Zivic, was filled with warmth, gratitude, and connection. Guests included Nadia Clancy MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Mayor Glenn Docherty from the City of Playford. The event was proudly sponsored by Weeks Group, Data Capture Experts, Falco, and Stellan Capital.
A night to remember
The celebration opened with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Moogy, Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna Elder, followed by remarks from Sageran Naidoo, CEO, and Dr Rizwan Latif, Board Director.
Dr Latif reflected on Sonder’s achievements over the past year, acknowledging important milestones in governance and leadership – including the appointment of Dr Matthew Bourke and Mr Sean Bates to the Board, and the retirement of long-serving Director Dr Richard Heah, after an extraordinary 29 years of service.
“Richard’s unwavering commitment, thoughtful leadership, and strategic foresight have helped shape Sonder into the strong, innovative, and values-driven organisation we are today,” Dr Latif said.
“As Richard steps down from the Board, we reflect not only on his outstanding service but also on the legacy he leaves behind — a legacy of strong leadership, sound governance, and deep commitment to the community.”
Dr Latif also commended Sonder’s staff and leadership team for their dedication and resilience, noting the organisation’s continued growth, strengthened financial position, and evolving reputation as a trusted sector leader.
Recognising the heart of Sonder
In her address, Kiara Hillam, Executive Manager, People and Culture, shared that the idea for the staff awards emerged directly from staff engagement surveys and forums – a collective call for more opportunities to celebrate and recognise each other.
“You told us that what happens here every day is extraordinary — but sometimes we move too fast to stop and notice it,” Kiara said.
“And you were right. So, we listened. We brought together a working group — made up of some of our own incredible staff. They spent time exploring what recognition could look like here at Sonder — something that felt genuine, inclusive, and true to who we are. And that’s how this night was born: our first Staff Awards Gala.”
A total of 135 nominations were received across the organisation, reflecting the admiration, respect, and gratitude shared amongst the Sonder family.
The evening also honoured staff who reached 10 and 15-year service milestones, along with graduates of Sonder’s Leadership Development Program, presented by Leadership Coach, David Watts, recognising emerging and current leaders shaping Sonder’s future.
Guests were treated to a short video featuring a number of Sonder staff members sharing their career journeys – a celebration of the diverse pathways, mentorship, and professional development that make Sonder a place where staff grow and thrive.
Our award winners
Each award category recognised individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in living Sonder’s values, inspiring peers, and delivering outstanding impact across the organisation.
Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Weeks Group
Winner: Elise De Pizzol
Recognised for her professionalism, emotional intelligence, and commitment to continuous learning, Elise exemplifies the growth, warmth, and curiosity of an emerging clinician.
Career Spotlight Award
Sponsored by Weeks Group
Winner: Nataly Veal
A leader in clinical innovation, Nataly has transformed Solasta’s capabilities through mentorship, training, and community partnerships, particularly in child and adolescent assessment services.
Sonder Impact Award
Sponsored by Weeks Group
Winner: Kiera Lowe
As a Youth Peer Support Worker, Kiera’s compassion and advocacy for young people have made a lasting impression at headspace Marion and beyond.
Leadership Award
Sponsored by Tricorp
Winner: Marzia Icolaro
Marzia’s transformative leadership of the Enhanced Mental Health Service has created a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and excellence.
Team Excellence Award
Sponsored by Data Capture Experts
Winner: headspace Marion
Celebrated for their inclusivity, innovation, and advocacy, the team continues to set the benchmark for youth engagement and holistic care.
Program Excellence Award
Sponsored by Data Capture Experts
Winner: In-Home Withdrawal Service
Delivering compassionate, client-centred care, the team’s pioneering model has earned national recognition and filled a critical gap in community-based withdrawal support.
Driving Success Award
Sponsored by Northpoint Toyota
Winners: Mental Health & AOD Project Officer Team – Carissa Louend and Kyra McKay
Carissa and Kyra’s data-driven innovation have streamlined processes and empowered teams across Sonder to deliver with confidence and precision.
Sonder Values Award
Sponsored by Synergy Signs
Winner: People & Culture Team
Honoured for embodying Sonder’s values through every challenge and change, the team’s people-first approach has strengthened culture, inclusion, and wellbeing across the organisation.
Looking ahead
Kiara also announced an upcoming partnership with the Lived Experience Leadership & Advocacy Network (LELAN), who will conduct a Ready, Willing & Able Audit to help Sonder strengthen its peer workforce and further embed lived experience practice across the organisation.
“In 2019, we had four Peer Practitioners,” Kiara said. “And today, we have 42, making up 14% of our workforce, and this is expected to grow to 20% in the next 2–3 years. This incredible growth reflects a real shift in how we design and deliver services and how we connect with our communities.”
A night of gratitude
From the heartfelt speeches to the laughter shared between colleagues, Sonder’s inaugural Staff Awards Gala was a powerful reminder of what makes Sonder truly special: its people!
As Kiara said:
“It’s not the buildings, or the systems, or even the programs — it’s the people. It’s the way you show up for one another. The way you care about our clients. The way you keep striving to do better, even when no one’s watching. You are Sonder.”
Thank you to all staff involved in organising and delivering this memorable and successful event.
We also extend our thanks to the organisations who made the evening possible.
Our Gold Sponsors, Weeks Group and Data Capture Experts, played a leading role in bringing the event to life, alongside our Silver Sponsor Falco, and Bronze Sponsor Stellan Capital.
We also acknowledge our award sponsors – Weeks Group, Data Capture Experts, Tricorp, Northpoint Toyota, and Synergy Signs – whose support helped make our inaugural Staff Awards Gala a true celebration of people, purpose, and impact.