Media Release by The Hon Jane Prentice MP

Champions of disability recognised in National Disability Awards

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, Jane Prentice will announce the winners of the 10th National Disability Awards at a gala ceremony tonight in Canberra.

The National Disability Awards honour and recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of people, organisations and initiatives that improve the lives of people with disability.

“This is a special year for the National Disability Awards, as we celebrate a decade of achievements and contributions from individuals and organisations that work to improve the lives of people with disability,” Mrs Prentice said.

“We have some remarkable people coming together tonight to celebrate our finalists and winners achievements which include raising awareness of issues faced by people with disability and their carers. 

“I would like to congratulate and thank all the 2016 winners and finalists for being passionate advocates and leaders within their communities. Their drive and hard work is remarkable, and it sets the benchmark for all Australians.”

Award finalists include people with and without disability, and people and organisations within and outside of the disability sector.

The National Disability Awards are an important part of the Australian Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability, held each year on 3 December.

The evening will include:

  • Announcement of Award winners
  • Jonathon Welch AM, multi-award winning singer, conductor, teacher and speaker
  • Tony Doevendans or Tony Dee, the voice behind the Rio Paralympics ‘We’re the Superhumans’ campaign
  • Guitarist and singer Lorin Nicholson.

The 2016 National Disability Award finalists are listed below. Further details of their achievements are available at: www.idpwd.com.au/awards/2016-national-disability-award-finalists.

2016 National Disability Award finalists

  • Brisbane City Council, QLD
  • Taste Creative and Bus Stop Films, NSW
  • Accessible Arts, The Deaf Arts Network, NSW
  • Dementia Friendly Kiama Project, Kiama Municipal Council, NSW
  • Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club and the Fremantle Dockers Foundation, WA
  • Changing Places, Association for Children with a Disability, VIC
  • V/Line, VIC
  • Kairsty Wilson, AED Legal Centre, VIC
  • Shire of Collie, WA
  • Determined2, SA
  • Nightlife Disability Service, VIC
  • Sonokids Australia, QLD
  • Dr Peter Puya Abolfathi, Healthcare Innovations Australia, NSW
  • OrbIT – accessible gaming system, SA
  • Tagai State College Student Support Services Team, QLD
  • Dandelion Program, Department of Human Services, ACT
  • Kerri Cassidy, CCSVI Australia, VIC
  • Rehabilitation Robots Development Partnership, VIC
  • Griffith University, QLD
  • G-Force Contracting, WA
  • Lifestart Co-operative Ltd, NSW
  • RSL Victoria, VIC

*Finalists for the Lesley Hall Leadership Award will be announced on the night.

A pool feed will available and sent to all TV media outlets on Tie Line 6.