Nominations for Inaugural National Disability Awards open

Achievements of people with disability and contributions to the disability sector will be recognised in the Inaugural National Disability Awards, to be announced on International Day of People with Disability, 3 December 2007.

Minister for Community Services, Senator Nigel Scullion, today officially launched the awards, announcing nominations would open on 2 June 2007 and close on 20 July 2007.

‘There are five award categories, Community Contribution Award, Young Community Contribution Award, Inclusion Award, Go Getter Award and the Personal Achievement Award,’ Senator Scullion said.

‘I encourage everyone to nominate someone with disability or who cares for someone with disability who has overcome adversity to achieve personal goals. Other nominations could include someone with disability who has made a significant contribution to their community; as well as people who have improved the lives of people with disability.

‘International Day of People with Disability 2007 is a worldwide celebration showcasing skills, abilities, contributions and achievements of people with disability.

‘It promotes a positive image of people with disability and involves people with disability and the broader community in activities to celebrate and raise awareness of disability issues.

‘The National Disability Awards will be presented annually from this year and the recipients of the awards will receive national recognition and publicity.

‘The Australian Government continues to support people with disability and their families with a total spend of $12.8 billion over several services and programs.

‘The recent budget announcement of a further $12.2 million over this and the next four years will increase the level of service delivered through the National Disability Advocacy program.

‘In addition, up to 18,000 people with disability will continue to be supported with $116 million over the next four years, through a continuation of case-based funding for 220 disability business services across the country.

‘I encourage all Australians get involved and nominate someone for the National Disability Awards,’ Senator Scullion said.

Further information regarding the awards can be found at National Disability Awards or by calling 1800 677 427.