Nominations for the National Disability Awards have been officially opened by Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten.
The Awards form part of the Australian Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability.
Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy, today welcomed the announcement, and encouraged the people of Canberra to support and nominate those in our community for the award.
“These Awards celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions individuals with and without disability make to our community and the disability sector,” Senator Lundy said.
Nominations are open for the following categories:
• Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award- Person, over 25 years of age, with or without disability who has demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary personal commitment to improving and/or reshaping the lives of people with disability.
• Disability Rights Young Leader Award- Young person, 12-25 years of age, with disability who has raised awareness and shown outstanding leadership in improving the lives of people with disability.
• Business Award- Person with or without disability who has displayed an innovative approach and achieved substantial outcomes, in advancing the lives of people with disability in areas such as transport, housing, communication and technology. No age limit.
• Local Government Award- Person who has challenged or lobbied, and has succeeded in implementing substantial change by breaking down barriers faced by people with disability. No age limit.
• Social inclusion Award- Person who has worked towards a more inclusive environment by creating opportunities for people with disability to participate in areas such as sport, the arts, education and the wider community. No age limit.
Nominations close Friday 22 May 2009. Award recipients will be announced at an Awards Ceremony in Canberra on Monday 23 November 2009.
“I encourage the people of Canberra to look into our community to celebrate and recognise people with disability and those who support them,” Senator Lundy said.
Further information regarding the awards can be found at www.idpwd.com.au or by calling 1800 440 385.
Media contact: Annika Hutchins on 0407 458 882
