Melbourne community leader George Halkias, co-founder of The Big Issue Community Street Soccer Program, has been recognised for his outstanding leadership in community services at the 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards.
Halkias, a pioneer in sport-for-development, has dedicated more than 20 years to using football to address social disadvantage, building a national network of programs that inspire stronger, healthier communities.
Since the program’s pilot in 2004, more than 11,000 people from marginalised backgrounds have taken part, with Halkias also leading the Street Socceroos to 11 Homeless World Cups – and preparing to take them to Norway on 11 August.
“It’s pretty special and rewarding to see so many people who have faced adversity come through the program and start to try new things, build their self esteem and improve their health,” Halkias said.
“Since we began, more than 11,000 people have used the Community Street Soccer Program to positively change their lives – and we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to help change lives through the power of sport.”
Other winners at the 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards included Emma Payne (The Daisie Chain, NSW) for transforming dementia care, and ACH Group Social and Health Teams (SA) for engaging 210 aged care residents in a 546km cycling challenge, among many others.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey praised all winners and finalists: “These professionals are among the shining stars of the aged care, allied health, community and disability services sectors, going above and beyond every day to care for their communities.”
Each winner receives $7,500 courtesy of ME, a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland, to support further education, service improvement or team development.
