Annette Gillespie: A Community Hero for 2026

Photo by: Ange Costes

Congratulations to Social Enterprise and Community Connections Cluster Lead, Annette Gillespie on being awarded a Community Hero. As part of Brisbane Festival Annette will be featured alongside the award recipients on a Heroes Walk installation until September 26 at the Festival Village in South Bank.

For almost a decade Annette has been a driving force behind programs at Micah Projects that help people experiencing adversity develop skills, gain employment, access nutritious food, and strengthen their connection to community. Through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to social justice, Annette has created pathways for people to build confidence and achieve their goals.

A passionate advocate for employment opportunities, Annette leads the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program at Micah Projects, an industry-recognised, paid 24-week traineeship delivered through the Hope Street social enterprise cafes. The program provides hands-on hospitality experience, practical skills development, and a supportive environment where participants can grow both personally and professionally.

"I heard about the traineeship through the Romero Centre. I didn’t have any experience of working in the kitchen before, so I saw the traineeship as an opportunity to learn and grow. I have gained confidence in my abilities and feel more prepared for future challenges." – Traineeship graduate

Additionally, Annette remains dedicated to ensuring people experiencing hardship have access to nutritious, high-quality food. Understanding the vital role nutrition plays in supporting health and wellbeing, Annette champions initiatives that reduce barriers to healthy food and create opportunities for social connection.

During 2024 - 25: 

• 1,948 meals were prepared and served through the weekly community Lunch in West End

• 16,425 meals were prepared and distributed to individuals and families living in crisis accommodation and community housing

• $14,585 was raised through Micah Projects ‘Pay it Forward’ food and beverage initiative.

Outside of this, Annette goes above and beyond, always looking for innovative ways to respond to emerging community needs. Most recently, she sought grant funding to collaborate with a dietitian on developing affordable meal plans and ready-made meals tailored to low-income households living with complex chronic health conditions.

Through every trainee she mentors, every meal served, and every opportunity created, Annette helps build a more inclusive, connected, and just community. Her work changes lives - not only by meeting immediate needs, but by creating lasting pathways to confidence, wellbeing, and belonging.

For Annette, community is about more than providing services - it is about creating opportunities, building connections, and ensuring every person is treated with dignity and respect.

We are truly grateful to work alongside such passionate and dedicated people, that make up our incredible Micah Projects community.

➡️ Learn more about Social Enterprise and Community Connections