Thirteen outstanding Victorians and groups have taken out top gongs at the ninth annual Victorian Disability Awards today at Federation Square.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan presented three categories at the awards where over 200 community leaders, finalists and disability advocates gathered to celebrate excellence in the sector.
Find Your Voice All Abilities Choir received the prestigious Minister’s Award for Outstanding Leadership as well as two highly commended awards for their work with people with disability in the Barwon South West region.
The 170-people strong choir was formed in 2017 and is made up of people with various disabilities. They have performed to sold out crowds in Warrnambool, appeared at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and, more recently, competed on Channel Seven’s Australia’s Got Talent.
Five individuals who have made a significant contribution to inclusion for 20 years or more were inducted into the Lifetime Achievement Honour Roll.
Regional Disability Advocacy Service Ambassador Margaret Goodman was one of these inductees and has spent many decades advocating and supporting people living with post-polio syndrome and other disabilities.
Other sector leaders inducted into the Lifetime Achievement Honour Roll were:
- Carla Anderson, Able Australia
- Dr Jane Tracy, Yooralla
- Rosemary Malone, Gateways Support Services
- Rhonda Joseph, Scope
All finalists have shown dedication and innovation in building a fairer, more inclusive Victoria.
To see the full list of finalists, visit:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“The Victorian Disability Awards are an important opportunity for us to recognise people who provide outstanding support, leadership, advocacy, service and education to Victorians with disability.”
“We’ve been so impressed with the amazing work of every finalist and would like to thank all of the nominees for the important contributions they make in creating a more inclusive Victoria.”
“Creating a diverse and inclusive community is a top priority for this government and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the leadership and perseverance shown from people across the disability sector.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020