Nominations for the Geelong Awards for People with Disability have opened, celebrating people with disability in Greater Geelong who are doing outstanding work in advocacy, leadership, employment and empowering others.
While the awards are in their eighth year, 2023 will be the fourth year in which the City will partner with genU in presenting the initiative.
The awards are also supported by the Barwon Disability Resource Council.
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.
Priscila Pettiford was the recipient of the 2022 Leadership and Advocacy Award, which recognised her advocacy for others.
Ms Pettiford suffers from several health complications as a result of an autoimmune disorder and also parents children with disabilities.
Providing support and guidance to jobseekers of all ages with disabilities, she works to ensure people with disabilities navigate services that they may not be aware of.
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: acknowledging an outstanding individual who has led or advocated for others to achieve a considerable outcome or advancement.
- Volunteering Award: celebrating a volunteer whose work fosters an inclusive culture, promotes access and inclusion, or enhances opportunities for people with disability.
- Excellence in Employment Outcomes Award: recognising excellence of an individual’s contribution to reducing barriers to employment for people with disability and building workplaces that respond to the needs of people with disability.
The awards help to promote ‘an inclusive, diverse, healthy and socially connected community’, which is an aspiration from our community’s 30-year clever and creative vision.
For more information on each award category, nominee eligibility, selection criteria and to nominate visit our Geelong awards for people with disability page
Nominations close at 5:00pm on Monday 25 September 2023.
For further information and assistance with completing a nomination form please contact the City of Greater Geelong on 0466 725 648 or [email protected].
The awards will be held at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre (the Dome) on Friday 1 December 2023.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
I urge residents to consider applying or nominating someone making a difference in the community.
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.
The awards present a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on the work being done by individuals to improve the opportunities for themselves and other community members.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken
The awards provide the opportunity to continue to be a voice and advocate for those without a voice to be heard.
The Geelong Awards for People with Disability are essential to highlighting the great work done by people with disability, as leaders and role models for others in the community.
I encourage everyone to consider a friend, colleague or family member living with disability for an award.
Clare Amies - gen U CEO
I'm delighted with the opportunity to present the awards once again.
We are proud to be a founding partner of these awards and excited to continue our involvement again this year.
These awards not only recognise people living with a disability, but importantly, they recognise people who are making significant contributions to our local community.
Ms Priscila Pettiford - 2022 Leadership and Advocacy Award winner
The significance of the awards cannot not be understated.
These awards are important for the community as it shows those with a disability that their work can be recognised and validated.
I encourage others to apply as it is a recognition of what they do and provides an opportunity, opening doors to things like a live radio interview, which I would not normally have the chance to participate in.
It’s also provided an avenue to network with others in the community who share the same values and passion.