The City of Greater Geelong has announced the three winners of its eighth annual Awards for People with Disability.
Shannon Bowman, who has lived with disabilities since birth, won the Achievement Award for his work in psychotherapy and counselling.
Autistic/ADHD advocate, researcher, and NDIS professional Paige Humm was named winner of the Leadership and Advocacy Award for the support she provides to people with a disability.
Tim Harte received the Volunteering Award for his efforts to advocate for a human rights-based model of disability, equitable access and inclusion.
The awards ceremony was held at Geelong Library and Heritage Centre on the International Day of People with Disability on Friday, December 1, presented in partnership with genU and with support from the Barwon Disability Resource Council.
Clare Amies, genU chief executive, said all 2023 nominees should be “extremely proud”.
“The Geelong Awards for People with a Disability is a great opportunity to celebrate people’s outstanding work and contribution to building Geelong’s reputation for leadership, innovation and best practice in disability services,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken, chair of the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, congratulated the winners and thanked all 17 finalists.
“These awards are important for the community as it shows those with a disability that their work can be recognised and validated,” he said.
“The Geelong Awards for People with Disability are essential to highlighting the great work accomplished by people with disability, as leaders and role models for others in the community.
“The awards present a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on the work being done by individuals to improve the opportunities for themselves and other community members.”
