Finalists Named in National Disability Awards

Federal Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, has announced the 27 finalists for the 2015 National Disability Awards.

“The National Disability Awards have been set up to recognise the valuable contribution organisations and people make to improving the lives of people with disability in Australia,” Porter said.

“The number of finalists reflects the breadth of talent through the more than 200 nominations received.

“There have been some fantastic achievements and it has made the job of the independent judging panel difficult.”

The achievements of the some of the award finalists include raising awareness of the discrimination experienced by people who are blind or have low vision when using Australian banknotes, the world-first patient-initiated project to create a mobile holiday dialysis machine and the invention of communication technology for people living with paralysis, loss of speech, or loss of motor control.

The 2015 National Disability Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 25 November at Parliament House in Canberra.

2015 National Disability Award finalists

Sam Almaliki, Cricket Australia, VIC

Cashelle Dunn, VIC

Fishers with Disabilities Association Inc, WA

Peter Ford, NSW

Maurice Gleeson OAM, Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, VIC

Keran Howe, VIC

Alexandra Kay, Scope Global Pty Ltd, SA

Kidney Health Australia Big Red Kidney Bus Holiday Dialysis Project, VIC

Greg Killeen, NSW

Jessica May, Enabled Employment, ACT

Connor McLeod, NSW

Alex Miller, Western Health, VIC

Mind Recovery College, VIC

MJD Foundation Ltd, NT

My Choice Matters (incorporating My Learning Matters), NSW

Parks Victoria, VIC

Julie Phillips, VIC

Jo Ragen, NSW

Rebus Theatre, ACT

Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, NSW

Trudy Ryall, VIC

Kate Swaffer, SA

Karen Thompson, NSW

Chris Varney, VIC

Western Australian Motor Industry Foundation Inc, WA

Karen Williams, Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House, QLD

Wynyard Yacht Club Inc, TAS

IDPwD is celebrated globally on 3 December each year and almost 1000 events were registered across Australia last year.

“It’s a great day for the community to come together and recognise people with disability, their families and carers,” Porter said.

“I encourage local businesses, schools and clubs to get inspired and organise an event. Last year, Australia’s celebrations included fishing tournaments, music festivals, sporting events and barbecues.

“Australia’s Patron for 2015 International Day of People with Disability, is John Walsh AM.”

Walsh has lived with quadriplegia since being injured playing rugby league at university and is a dedicated disability rights enthusiast who has been instrumental in establishing the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“I am strongly committed to supporting greater economic and social freedom for people with a disability,” Walsh said.

“Being Patron provides me with an opportunity to engage with the public about the importance of independence and participation for Australians of all abilities.”

Organisers who register their IDPwD events before 18 November will receive promotional packs for their celebrations.

To register an event go to www.idpwd.com.au or call 1800 440 385. TTY users can phone 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 440 385.