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.<\/p>\n
After a two-year hiatus of a face-to-face ceremony, the seventh year of the event was held at Geelong council\u2019s new Wurriki Nyal building last Friday where long-time genU employee Ashley McDowell was presented with the Achievement Award.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
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 \u2018Tour for Megan\u2019 event, that honoured the life of her friend of the same name who died aged 18 with an aggressive form of cancer.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Living with a hearing impairment and parenting children with disability, Ms Pettiford\u2019s ethos is notable for her promotion of the mindset that each person\u2019s strengths and values should be recognised and utilised by the community and within the workforce.<\/p>\n
Geelong\u2019s deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the calibre of this year\u2019s award nominations that opened in July were \u201cextremely high\u201d, and both he and his colleagues were thrilled to recognise and celebrate their achievements.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations to all award nominees on the contribution they\u2019ve made to our local community, for being community champions for people living with a disability and special shout out to Ashley, Mackenzie and Priscila,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s new Wurriki Nyal building last […]<\/p>\n