Call to nominate disability ‘champs’

Simone Stevens was rapt to be a finalist in the inaugural Geelong Awards for People With a Disability last year.
The East Geelong champion campaigner for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was nominated for the volunteering category last year.
The awards were overdue recognition for disabled people, she said.
“Famous people get recognised a lot more than those of us who have challenges in life.
“People with disabilities get overlooked but I want to change this and these awards can assist with this.
“Radio stations and local newspapers need to keep talking about disability issues (through promotion of) the awards and the Having a Say Conference as well as the NDIS.”
Nominations for the 2016 awards opened this week with categories for volunteering, sport and recreation, leadership and advocacy, achievement, arts, and outstanding employee.
Community services agency Karinga has again partnered with City Hall to run the awards which will double as the opening of Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability’s Having a Say Conference.
“Last year’s awards were an outstanding success and this year is set to be even bigger and better – it’s a terrific initiative,” said councillor Kylie Fisher.
City Hall has partnered with community services agency Karinga again to run the awards which will double as the opening of Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability’s Having a Say Conference.
Winners will be revealed on 9 February. Nominations are open at geelongaustralia.com.au/disabilityawards/default.aspx.