Every week, in rescue and training centres across the country, something quietly remarkable happens. Someone who hasn't left the house much in months walks through the gate. A nervous dog sits a little closer than it did last week. A conversation starts that wouldn't have happened anywhere else. This year, those small moments have been recognised twice over, and we couldn't be prouder of the community who make them happen.

Impact Through Innovation Award 2026

In August, Happy Paws Happy Hearts received the Impact Through Innovation Award 2026 at the Queensland Social Enterprise Council Awards, sponsored by QUT. The award recognises the purposeful way our programs bring people and rescue animals together to create meaningful outcomes for both: participants building confidence, connection and real-world skills, while the animals in their care grow calmer, more social and more ready for their forever homes.

A special thank you to the Queensland Social Enterprise Council and the Queensland Treasury Office of Social Impact for championing social enterprises across the state, and for creating a space where purpose-driven work like this can be seen and celebrated.

Social Enterprise winner, Lord Mayor's Business Awards 2026

Then, on Friday 30 October, we were named winner of the Social Enterprise category at the Lord Mayor's Business Awards 2026, sponsored by Hutchison Builders. This award celebrates purpose-driven businesses using enterprise as a force for good.

Last year we were humbled to receive a special mention in this category. To be named a finalist again this year, and then to walk away with the award, means a great deal — not because of the trophy, but because of what it reflects about the people behind it. Our heartfelt thanks to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency for backing businesses that put community at their core.

This recognition belongs to our community

Together, these two awards are a true testament to the incredible Happy Paws Happy Hearts community.

Our participants, who bring their courageous hearts to sessions each week, show up, try something new and find their place — one paw at a time.
Our team members and volunteers, whose big hearts make every session possible, and who walk alongside participants with patience, warmth and belief.
Our partners and supporters, who open doors, create opportunities and help us grow so more people can find belonging.
The rescue animals we are privileged to walk alongside, who teach us every day that connection doesn't need words.

We also want to acknowledge our location partners, who open their doors, trust us with the care of their animals and share the welcoming spaces where every one of these moments begins.

Ten years of connection, belonging and hope

Since opening with RSPCA Queensland at the Animal Care Campus in Brisbane over 10 years ago, we have welcomed almost 6,000 socially isolated Australians across nine rescue and training centres, from the ears to the tail of the country.

The programs have grown, but the heart of them hasn't changed. Each week we are grateful to witness people and animals find connection, belonging and hope together — a win-win that leaves a lasting pawprint on both. Being recognised for that impact is a reminder that this work matters, and that there is room for so many more people to be part of it.

Be part of what comes next

If you know someone who would benefit from a sense of belonging, real-world experience and a furry friend cheering them on, we'd love to welcome them. Programs are open to people of all abilities aged 12 and over, and can be funded through NDIS, SLES, DVA and other schemes. Find out more about our programs here.