i24s Group (i24s) Chief Executive Officer, Angela Kickett, won the Individual Change Maker Award at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA’s (CCIWA) 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Awards, held at Crown Perth.

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This award recognises Angela’s leadership in scaling i24s’ Return to Country (RTC) Program into an Aboriginal-led, culturally safe service that supports Aboriginal people who are sleeping rough to safely reconnect with family, community and Country.

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Implemented by i24s’ Cultural Response Team, of which around 80 per cent identify as Aboriginal, the Program embeds trauma-informed care, gender-appropriate engagement and Elder-guided practices, combined with real-time coordination with other support services.

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In 2025, we have supported more than 560 Return to Country applications to date, which is an increase of 52 per cent year-on-year. Importantly, this includes an increasing number of women and children.

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The RTC Program is part of the Western Australia’s (WA) Government’s HEART (Homeless Engagement, Assessment Response Team) initiative. In early 2024, the WA Department of Communities, Office of Homelessness engaged i24s to further develop the Program, leading to significantly strengthened Aboriginal inclusion outcomes and expanded support for people experiencing homelessness across Western Australia (WA) and beyond.

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Unfortunately, Angela was unable to attend the awards gala event on Friday 9 November.  The Award was accepted by her sons, Shane Pickett and Anton Pickett, two proud Aboriginal men who are making their own positive social impact on communities. Shane delivered a wonderful tribute to Angela’s commitment to inclusive leadership and to the unwavering efforts of the Cultural Response Team and partner organisations.

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Angela adds, “Inclusion is about ensuring everyone has a voice and their voice is heard. It’s about taking small steps that collectively translate to meaningful positive and enduring social impact for all. I’m humbled by the recognition and excited about what we can continue to achieve together with our partners for those sleeping rough on our streets.”

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“Thank you to the Chamber, the judges and Curtin University (for sponsoring the Award). Thanks to the other finalists (WSE Professional Network and Soa Palelei from Strong Minds/Strong Mines), and to the many other community services’ partners, and the Department of Communities WA, Office of Homelessness.”

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“The recognition also belongs to our clients who are vulnerable and brave in equal measure, the Elders who guide us, and the families who welcome their loved ones home. I’m incredibly proud of Mark Spina (Cultural Response Team Led) and the entire i24s team, who show up every day and demonstrate how cultural safety, dignity and choice are at the centre. Together, we're creating real pathways home and stronger futures for our people.”

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Click here to review the complete list of award winners.

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To learn more about i24s’ Outreach & Advocacy services, including the Return to Country Program, click here and or call Mark Spina on 08 9209 2090.​​​​