On Friday the 31st of October voting closed for the Pitch Night Community Choice Award. 

This year’s event showcased some of the Fraser Coast’s most inspiring community projects, each dedicated to improving wellbeing, fostering connection, and supporting those most in need.

After weeks of community voting and an evening of heartfelt presentations, Louder Than Before – Angel Bags took home the prestigious Community Choice Award. This touching initiative provides comfort and practical support to women who have recently left domestic violence situations. Each Angel Bag is carefully filled with essential and comforting items — toiletries, baby supplies, a notepad and pen, tea, chocolate, and most importantly, a personal safety alarm.

For many women, these bags are more than just items; they’re a symbol of hope, dignity, and safety during an incredibly vulnerable time. The community’s overwhelming support for Louder Than Before reflects a shared commitment to standing beside survivors and ensuring no one in Hervey Bay faces hardship alone.

The Judges’ Choice Award was presented to Hope in a Suitcase, a program that provides essential items, clothing, and personal care products to children entering foster care. Each suitcase is packed with love and care — a tangible way to remind young people that they are valued and not forgotten during one of the most difficult transitions in their lives. The judges commended the project for its compassion, strong community impact, and clear focus on supporting some of the region’s most vulnerable children.

In addition to these two major awards, the judges recognised two remarkable runners-up for their innovative contributions to the community. Dave from HBNC received funding for his Driving Simulator Chair Project, which will help young people and members of multicultural communities build the confidence and skills needed to obtain their driver’s licence. The project aligns perfectly with HBNC’s commitment to empowerment and opportunity, offering participants the tools to access employment, education, and greater independence.

The other runner-up, Blissful Box, received funds to expand its Postpartum Box Program, which provides care packages to new mothers within the community. These boxes include self-care items, resources, and messages of encouragement designed to support women through the often-overlooked challenges of the postpartum period. By focusing on maternal wellbeing, Blissful Box helps nurture both mothers and the next generation of Fraser Coast families.

HBNC CEO Tanya Stevenson congratulated all participants, praising their passion and commitment to strengthening the community.

“Pitch Night is such a special event because it highlights the power of community-driven ideas. Each of these projects represents compassion in action. It’s inspiring to see our community come together to back initiatives that truly make a difference.”

The 2025 Mental Health Pitch Night once again demonstrated what’s possible when local people unite for a shared purpose. Every dollar raised, every vote cast, and every story told contributes to building a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate Fraser Coast.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible event sponsors, Red Bike Adventures and Fraser Coast Mates, whose generosity and ongoing commitment make events like Pitch Night possible. Their support reflects a shared belief in community connection, mental health awareness, and helping those in need across the Fraser Coast region.

For HBNC, Pitch Night is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of community spirit, collaboration, and hope. Congratulations to all winners and participants for helping make Hervey Bay a place where everyone can belong, feel safe, and thrive.