All Aboard ‘The Tori Awards’

THE red carpet will be rolled out this evening from 5.30pm for All Aboard disABILITY Support Services’ night of nights at the Torquay Salvos on Boston Road.

All Aboard, a Torquay-based disability support service provider, will reward its participants for the work they have achieved over the past year at the second annual Tori Awards.

More commonly referred to as The Tori’s, the awards night is named after late-participant and daughter of co-founder Kate Marshall, Victoria Marshall, who passed away on April 25, 2021.

Ms Marshall said The Tori’s represent a night of celebration, and for many, a night of excitement as the community spotlight shines on the region’s disabled community.

“We started this organisation with just four participants back in 2016, two of which were my co-founder Helen [Cini] and I’s daughters, and the program has continued to blossom since, so we really look forward to recognising the achievements of our participants each year,” Ms Marshall said.

“Tori represented what these awards are about, she had a real zest for life, she was a great advocate for people with disabilities and was proud to have a disability, so the staff thought it made sense to name the awards night after her.

“This is what it has grown into and now it’s a big hit, everyone looks forward to the Tori Awards.”

After all invitees walk the red carpet in their best ‘Op Shop glamour’ and enjoy a selection of finger food and mocktails, the awards ceremony will begin.

All Aboard participants and staff members will receive awards on the night, but only one can take home the coveted Bright Betty Award for embodying resilience and taking different approaches to thinking.

Ms Cini says the atmosphere during last year’s inaugural awards ceremony was lively.

“Last year, everyone was just so proud to get an award and be up there on stage, but the families were also really involved which made it beautiful.

“We celebrate disability, a lot of people sort of don’t, but we’re happily called All Aboard Disability Support Services because we celebrate the abilities in these guys. They’re amazing.

“We feel if you hide away or sugar-coat it, it’s like you’re ashamed, but we’re not, they’re incredible humans and we only aim to celebrate who they are.”

Following the awards ceremony, the celebrations will conclude with live music and dancing until 9.30pm.