Media Release: Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) Recognised as a Silver Finalist in the Government, Education & Not for Profit Category of the 2026 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work List

For Immediate Release 
2 April 2026

Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) Recognised as a Silver Finalist in the Government, Education & Not for Profit Category of the 2026 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work List

MELBOURNE, Thursday 2 April 2026 – The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) has officially been awarded the Silver Finalist honour in the Government, Education & Not for Profit category of the prestigious 2026 Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Places to Work list. This historic milestone recognises AVWA as one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading organisations pioneering innovative workplace policies, flexibility, and employee experience.

At a time when workforce retention, wellbeing, and sustainability are critical challenges across the care and not-for-profit sectors, this recognition highlights the growing importance of investing in people-first workplace cultures. 

This matters because in the care sector, a supported and stable workforce directly translates to higher quality support for vulnerable communities. By prioritising a people-first culture, we're not just retaining essential staff, but setting a benchmark for sustainable care. 

Standing out in the not-for-profit sector, AVWA was shortlisted for its commitment to offering private-sector competitive benefits while maintaining a deeply purpose-driven, community-first environment. The recognition follows a rigorous assessment process, largely driven by direct feedback from the organisation’s own staff. 

With over 450 staff, supporting more than 3,000 clients across Melbourne, and more than 43 years of service to the community, AVWA operates across multiple locations including Sunshine, St Albans, Springvale, Thomastown, and Richmond, among others. 

"To each and every one of our 450 staff and 95 volunteers, this award belongs to you. Thank you for bringing your heart and soul to the Victorian community every day," said Nicky Chung, AVWA CEO. "We have a saying in Vietnamese, ‘Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao.’, roughly translating to ‘One tree cannot make a forest, three trees together can make a high mountain.’ Our strength is in our shared mindset of togetherness when it comes to caring for the community."

"To be named a finalist on such a prestigious national stage is a profound honour, but what makes it truly special is that it stems from the voices of our own people," said Nicky Chung. "We have worked tirelessly to ensure our staff feel valued, heard, and supported. From our employer-funded paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements to our extra paid days for the Vietnamese New Year, we believe that taking care of our team is the most effective way to take care of our community." 

The 2026 list highlights top-tier workplaces that emphasise visible leadership, flexibility, and a purpose-driven culture. AVWA has consistently demonstrated excellence across these dimensions by providing extensive personal development programmes, a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a workplace culture anchored by respect, inclusion, and innovation. 

AVWA President, Bich Cam Nguyen OAM, noted that the recognition validates the organisation’s long-term strategic vision and stable governance. 

"AVWA has grown rapidly yet steadily over the years, and we have always prioritised translating that stability into peace of mind for our staff," said Bich Cam Nguyen OAM.  "Our frontline workers, support staff, and leadership team bring exceptional heart and passion to the Victorian community every single day. We are incredibly proud to see their dedication, and our shared 'People-First' culture, recognised by the Australian Financial Review." 

For AVWA, the finalist status is more than an award; it is a testament to an environment where staff do not just serve a community - they are a community. 

-ENDS-

Media Contact

Nicky Chung

CEO

Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 0475 871 589

For more information about AVWA please visit https://avwa.org.au/en/

AVWA

The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the health, wellbeing, and empowerment of Vietnamese community members. AVWA has 450 employees, 4 offices in Victoria, and five program areas – Family and Children Services, Training and Vocational Services, Aged and Disability Services, Health and Community Wellbeing and Cultural and Language Services. AVWA strives to address the unique needs and challenges faced by Vietnamese Australians and foster a supportive community environment.