Nominations now open for the Geelong Awards for People with Disability

Nominations for the Geelong Awards for People with Disability have opened.

The awards celebrate people with disability in Greater Geelong who are doing outstanding work in advocacy, leadership and empowering others.

After two years of virtual awards ceremonies, this year’s awards will be held at a face-to-face event on Friday 2 December.

Now in their seventh year, and its third year delivered by the City in partnership with genU, the awards program is an important part of the City’s work in building an accessible and inclusive community for all while celebrating the achievements of those with disability.

Previous awards have recognised recipients leading in their chosen fields, advocating for equal treatment and access for those with disability and empowering those around them.

Last year, Justine Martin was the recipient of the Achievement Award, which recognises someone who has achieved a significant milestone in any area.

Justine’s story started 11 years ago when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was told that she would never be able to work again.

Since then, Justine changed tack with her career and has become a published author and illustrator while also running art wellness classes for other people with disability.

Justine Martin:

The awards are important because they highlight the diversity within the community and help break down stereotypes.

It’s huge to be recognised for an award in the disability sector, and I feel very humbled.

These awards are important to help inspire other people with disabilities and show them there are more opportunities available than they might think.

The awards also show the wider community how capable people with disabilities are, and hopefully will encourage employers to consider how they can be more inclusive in their recruitment processes.

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

• Achievement Award – recognising someone who has achieved a significant milestone or success in any area;
• Leadership and Advocacy Award – recognising someone who has led or advocated for others to achieve a considerable outcome or advancement; and
• Volunteering Award – recognising someone who has demonstrated exceptional commitment or made a substantial contribution towards empowering and developing others in a voluntary capacity.

These awards also help to promote ‘An inclusive, diverse, healthy and socially connected community’, which is a community-led aspiration outlined in the City’s Access and Inclusion Plan 2018-22.

Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy:

The awards are a valuable celebration for the Greater Geelong community.

There are many people with disability who are doing outstanding work to advocate, support and empower others, and we are proud to celebrate their efforts.

Councillor Anthony Aitken, chair of the Volunteering and Disability portfolio:

There will be no shortage of people to nominate, given the breadth of talented and passionate individuals in our region.

As we continue towards our community’s clever and creative aspiration to create an inclusive, diverse, healthy and socially connected community for all, I encourage everyone to think of who they know who may be eligible for the awards and to consider nominating them this year.

genU CEO Clare Amies:

I am excited for genU to be involved in the awards.

These awards not only recognise people living with a disability, but importantly, they recognise peop