The award recognises Wellard’s extensive community work, which includes coordinating a Brisbane tutoring program for refugees and overseeing the recruitment, training and management of over 350 volunteers. Run through St Vincent de Paul, the program matches volunteer tutors with refugee families, mainly from Africa, and provides English language skills assistance and community support to over 130 families.

“I’ve always had a strong interest in social justice and human rights, and the tutoring program provides a way to balance my legal career with the community work I enjoy,” Wellard said. “Corrs have been very supportive, which enhances my ability to run the program smoothly.”

Chief executive officer, John Denton, said Corrs was “proud of her efforts and will continue to support [Wellard] and other staff involvement in initiatives that provide a direct benefit to the disadvantaged and underprivileged in our community”.

“It is a privilege to work so closely with some of the most courageous and enthusiastic people I’ve ever met, and to help them build the future they dream of,” Wellard said.