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Grants and awards Health | February 03, 2016

Victorian Disability Awards Open for Nominations

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy is calling for nominations for the 2016 Victorian Disability Sector Awards.

Ms Kealy said the awards recognise and honour individuals, businesses and organisations that are making a difference to the lives of Victorians with a disability.

"As part of my role on the Family and Community Development Committee, over the course of the Inquiry into Abuse in Disability Services I have heard of terrible stories of abuse, but these stories do not overshadow the overwhelming majority of carers and disability service providers who are providing amazing support, care and friendship to local people with disability,” Ms Kealy said.

“It’s especially important that we acknowledge the contribution of individuals and organisations across the Lowan electorate that have chosen to work on improving the lives of people with disability, whether that be in a voluntary or professional capacity.

“Judges of the 2016 awards are looking for entries that demonstrate achievements in advocacy, support and leadership,” she said.

Ms Kealy said the awards help to recognise carers ongoing commitment to supporting people with a disability to achieve their goals and aspirations.

“This year there are seven categories, with a strong focus on empowerment and inclusion of people with a disability,” she said.

The award categories are:

• Excellence in Advocacy and Promotion of Human Rights Award
• Excellence in Social and Cultural Access Award
• Excellence in Accessible Communications and Technology Award
• Excellence in Employment Outcomes Award
• Volunteer Award
• Emerging Leader Award
• Lifetime Achievement Honour Roll

Nominees selected as finalists by the judging panel will be invited to the 2016 Victorian Disability Awards ceremony on 15 June where the winners will be announced.

Nominations are open from 1 February to 24 March.

For more information or to nominate you can visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-service-providers/disability/disability-recognition-awards/victorian-disability-sector-awards