Youth justice solicitor Candice Hughes has been recognised as a Frontline Hero by the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) at the agency’s annual Community Impact Awards.
The YFS Legal Principal and Kamilaroi woman received the honour in Brisbane on Monday for her more than a decade of advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system.
At YFS Logan, Candice led the First Nations Legal Needs Analysis Project, identifying gaps in legal services for First Nations communities in areas such as housing, criminal law, and human rights.
“I didn’t expect this award, but I’m deeply honoured and proud to see this important work recognised,” she said.
“This work is deeply personal to me. The resilience and strength of our community, particularly our First Nations people, inspire me every day to fight for social justice and systemic change.
“I’m proud to be part of YFS Legal, where I have the privilege of working with young people in the Logan community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful advocacy and create lasting change.”
At the community legal centre, Candice led the First Nations Legal Needs Analysis Project, identifying gaps in legal services for First Nations communities in areas such as housing, criminal law, and human rights.
She has also contributed to various committees and advisory groups including the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland, Queensland Human Rights Commission, Queensland Law Society, Legal Aid Queensland, and Community Legal Centres Queensland.
QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh said the award winner was among those who formed the “beating heart of Queensland”.
“Candice wholeheartedly deserves to be recognised for her 10 years of advocacy and legal work which has improved social justice outcomes for First Nations Peoples in the Logan region and beyond,” Aimee said.
“Through achieving outcomes in the housing, criminal law and human rights space, she embodies the important and positive change that happens because of a strong and engaged community sector in Queensland.”
More than 340 sector representatives gathered at Brisbane City Hall for the presentation of the six awards in the categories of Frontline Hero, Human Rights, Social Impact, Prevention Excellence, Women’s Equality and Community Impact.
Share this article