Awards to celebrate outstanding work

NOMINATIONS are now open for the Geelong Awards for People with a Disability 2020, which celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of people living with a disability.
Community members and organisations are invited to nominate individuals with a disability who are doing outstanding work in advocacy, leadership and empowering others and in their contributions to volunteering, at work or in the community.
Nominations can be made in four categories:

• Employment Award, which recognises someone who has achieved success or made a substantial contribution to empowering and developing others in the workplace or the community
• Achievement Award, which recognises someone who has achieved a significant milestone or success in any area
• Leadership and Advocacy Award, which recognises someone who has led or advocated for others to achieve a considerable outcome or advancement, and
• Volunteering Award, which recognises someone who has demonstrated exceptional commitment or made a substantial contribution towards empowering and developing others in a voluntary capacity.
• The awards – which were last presented in 2018 – are a partnership between the City of Greater Geelong and genU, supported by the Barwon Disability Resource Council, Leisure Networks and the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with a Disability (VALiD).

“The Geelong Awards for People with a Disability 2020 are a great way to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of people living with a disability in Greater Geelong,” chair of the social inclusion portfolio Cr Sarah Mansfield said.
“As we continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, these awards remind us of the importance of taking the time to celebrate the extraordinary people in our community.
“I encourage everyone in the community to think of the achievements of their colleagues, friends and loved ones living with a disability and to consider nominating them for an award.”
genU chief executive officer Clare Amies said the awards recognised “truly exceptional people making a real difference”.
“There are many people in the Geelong community who deserve recognition for their amazing efforts, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements through these awards.”
The winner of each category will be announced online during Inclusion Week (November 21-29).
For more information on each award category, nominee eligibility and selection criteria, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/disabilityawards.
Nominations close at 5pm on October 16.