Geelong champions community members defying limits of disability

THREE Geelong residents were recognised as community leaders for their tenacity in defying physical or mental afflictions, when they were announced as winners at the 2022 Awards for People with Disability.

After a two-year hiatus of a face-to-face ceremony, the seventh year of the event was held at Geelong council’s new Wurriki Nyal building last Friday where long-time genU employee Ashley McDowell was presented with the Achievement Award.

Suffering from anxiety, depression and an auditory processing delay, Mr McDowell was recognised for overcoming these challenges and progressing from a supported position with the organisation to an open employment role as a delivery driver that entailed his gaining of a Medium Rigid License

Starlight Children’s Foundation volunteer Mackenzie Sinclair was celebrated for her ability to deal with her own disability and mental health challenges while juggling multiple roles including working with Bravery Buddies and the forming the ‘Tour for Megan’ event, that honoured the life of her friend of the same name who died aged 18 with an aggressive form of cancer.

The Leadership and Advocacy Award went to Priscila Pettiford, whose employment in the Employment and Recruitment field has been distinguished by her advocacy and campaigning for positive outcomes within the workplace for people with a disability.

Living with a hearing impairment and parenting children with disability, Ms Pettiford’s ethos is notable for her promotion of the mindset that each person’s strengths and values should be recognised and utilised by the community and within the workforce.

Geelong’s deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the calibre of this year’s award nominations that opened in July were “extremely high”, and both he and his colleagues were thrilled to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

“Congratulations to all award nominees on the contribution they’ve made to our local community, for being community champions for people living with a disability and special shout out to Ashley, Mackenzie and Priscila,” he said.

The awards presented by the City of Greater Geelong in partnership with genU, and supported by the Barwon Disability Resource Council, are designed to not only celebrate the work of community members who are helping to overcome their disability, but are also helping inspire others to do the same and dispel stereotypes in the community that can hinder their journey.