Beenleigh’s Tammy Robinson-Heynatz has won big at the 2024 Queensland Community Achievement Awards, earning hundreds of nominations for her charity work.
Ms Robinson-Heynatz received the Queensland Family and Child Commission’s
Dedicated to Supporting Young Queenslanders Award and the People’s Choice Award.
Through her charity, Formally Ever After, she gifts free formal dresses and suits to students across the country who cannot afford to buy clothes to attend their school formal.
Another Logan-based organisation, the Australian Institute of Play, was a finalist in the Supporting Young Queenslanders category for its efforts empowering children through child-led play.
“I did not expect to win at all,” Ms Robinson Heynatz said.
“I was really shocked when they called my name and was shaking.
“I was very very nervous at the awards being amongst so many incredible people, groups, organisations – so to be called twice, what an absolute honour.”
She said serving the community wasn’t about awards or money.
“The payment I get is the parents feeling relieved and supported and the young people leaving with the biggest smile and feeling empowered,” she said.
“There is no price for helping others.
“Helping each other should just be something we all do freely.
“It really fills your heart with so much joy and happiness that ripples through our community.”
Formally Ever After has helped more than 6000 young people attend their formals.
Ms Robinson Heynatz has also partnered with various organisations to support youth with disabilities, court attire, and graduation wear.
The program operates across Logan, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and remote areas in Australia.
