Media Release by The Hon Jane Prentice MP

Disability Awards finalists

The Hon. Jane Prentice, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, has announced the finalists for the 2017 National Disability Awards.

The Awards recognise outstanding achievements of organisations and individuals working to bring about positive change and outcomes in the lives of people with disability.

Mrs Prentice said this year’s finalists are focused on workplace diversity, inclusive education, accessible communities, advocacy and innovation.

“From a social enterprise combining 3D printing with human-centred design to a bank creating an inclusive employment environment, all our finalists are helping to break down barriers for Australians with disability and I commend them for that,” Mrs Prentice said.

“This year, we received 145 nominations across five categories. An independent judging panel made up of disability sector and subject matter experts had the difficult job of selecting the top 12 finalists,” Mrs Prentice said.

2017 National Disability Award finalists

  • AbilityMate, NSW
  • ANZ Bank, National
  • Catia Malaquias, WA
  • Compass Group, National
  • Cricket Australia’s National Inclusion Championships
  • Deborah Pearce, SA
  • Family Chips, NSW
  • Julia Farr Youth, SA
  • Northcott, NSW
  • Sue Salthouse, ACT
  • University of Melbourne, VIC
  • University of Sydney – Centre for Disability Studies, NSW

The National Disability Awards are part of the Australian Government’s celebration of the United Nations sanctioned International Day of People with Disability.

Winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony held at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra on 3 December 2017.

Achievements of this year’s finalists include:

  • working with large corporations on inclusive advertising practices to ensure people with disability are represented in mainstream campaigns
  • providing a mentoring program that supports young people living with disability across a range of areas including school, anti-bullying and respectful relationships
  • supporting people with intellectual disability to experience university life
  • advocating for human rights and fundamental freedoms of people with disability.

For more information about the National Disability Awards, visit www.idpwd.com.au