Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

More time to nominate for National Disability Awards

Australians now have an extra month to nominate outstanding individuals and organisations that have contributed to the lives of people with disability for the 2011 National Disability Awards.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, said nominations for the Awards would now close on 29 July.

“The Awards, now in their fifth year, give recognition to the remarkable achievements of the disability sector and the role models with disability who inspire all Australians,” Senator McLucas said.

“The National Disability Awards are a great way to recognise those individuals within the community that are working hard to improve the lives of people with disability.”

“I encourage people to nominate someone within their local community for a National Disability Award. It is a wonderful way to recognise an individual or organisation that has inspired you, who has done something remarkable or made a difference in the lives of people with disability.”

Senator McLucas said there are seven Award categories that organisations or individuals can be nominated for:

  1. Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award
  2. Young Disability Challenge Award
  3. Business Award
  4. Local Government Award
  5. Social Inclusion Award
  6. Inclusive and Accessible Communities Award
  7. Health and Wellbeing Award

“Last year’s award winners were a mix of educators, advocates, business people and public speakers who all worked tirelessly to raise awareness of people with disability and make a real difference in the lives of others,” Senator McLucas said.

Among the 2010 winners was the Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award recipient, the late Mary Guy, who was instrumental in securing government in-home support for people with disabilities and new programs to enhance independence.

Laura Miller, a Perth social worker, was also honoured with the Young Disability Challenge Award for her leadership in promoting the rights of people with disability as well as being the youngest Disability Services Commission (WA) Board member appointed since 2008.

D.C.T. Associates Pty Ltd in South Australia received the Small Business Award, for their development, design and manufacturing of aids to assist people with disabilities.

“The Awards are part of the Australian Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability, which occurs on 3 December each year to build awareness of the important role of people with disability in our community, and showcase their extraordinary achievements,” Senator McLucas said.

“The Australian Government is working hard to ensure people with disability have the same opportunities as other Australians to fulfil their potential.”

“The Awards recognise organisations and individuals from all walks of life that provide opportunities for full inclusion, access and participation for people with disability.”

Australian of the Year and Patron of this year’s International Day of People with Disability and National Disability Awards, Simon McKeon will join finalists at a gala dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra on 22 November 2011 to announce the winners.

To nominate for the National Disability Awards, visit www.idpwd.com.au or call 1800 440 385.