The inaugural Lord Mayoral Awards, celebrating people who advocate for the rights and well-being of people with a disability, are now open.
The Awards are an initiative of the DiversAbility Collective, which includes representatives from the disability sector, support agencies, the NT Government and City of Darwin.
The Awards have two categories: The Champion Award – for a person with disability who has made an outstanding contribution advocating for the rights and well-being of people with a disability; and The Rising Star Award – for a person under 25 years with disability who makes an on-going contribution to their school, workplace or community advocating for the rights and well-being of people with a disability.
Sara Braines-Mead from Integrated disAbility Action Inc said it was important to recognise the efforts of people in the community who contributed to ensuring the lives of people with a disability were full and rewarding.
“These new Awards, to be held annually, will see deserving people in our community get recognition and give the entire community an opportunity to acknowledge the work they do,” Mrs Braines-Mead said.
Lord Mayor Vatskalis reinforced this, stating “I’m delighted to be launching these Awards, to recognise individuals whose contributions may otherwise go unnoticed.”
“The purpose of these Awards is to celebrate inclusivity and appreciate champions within our community,” said Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis, “I hope this Award program will assist in some small way in advocating for improved services and infrastructure for people with a disability.”
Anyone can nominate – friends, family or colleagues, with nominations opening Monday 14 October and closing Wednesday 13 November.
A judging panel, consisting of representatives from Integrated disAbility Action Inc, Life Without Barriers, City of Darwin, and the Office for Disability will assess the nominations.
Winners will be announced on International Day of People with a Disability, on Tuesday 3 December, 2019 at a special event, the ‘Carnival of Fun’, to be held at Tennis NT at Marrara from 11am to 2pm and include a full range of free fun activities for people of all abilities.
