Often when we hear the phrase ‘people with disability’ it is the last word – disability – that stands out.
For me, the first word – people – is far more significant.
Because that is first and foremost how people with disability should be defined.
They are no different to anybody else in that they have dreams and aspirations, it is just that like most of us, some people with disability have different needs.
In the Greater Geelong region, there are more than 14,000 people who need help in their day-to-day lives due to disability and this figure will only grow with an ageing and increasing population.
There are many people with disability in our region doing some amazing things, which is why the City of Greater Geelong Council has partnered with genU to hold the Geelong Awards for People with Disability.
Now in its seventh year, and its third year delivered by Council, the awards program is an important part of the work we are doing to build an accessible and inclusive community for all while celebrating the achievements of people living with disability.
This comes on the back of Council’s Access and Inclusion Action Plan 2018–22, which aims to create a more accessible community for everyone.
Among other things, the plan delivers on the community’s aspiration to work towards ‘An inclusive, diverse, healthy and socially connected community’ by making sure that our public areas and local services are accessible to people of all levels of ability and that we have a strong sense of community and support for our more vulnerable members of society.
We are also ensuring the Greater Geelong region is designed for all people and that accessible transport options are built to help connect people within the city-region.
After all, a fully accessible community benefits everyone.
It will be so good to have the awards back as a face-to-face event after consecutive years of virtual awards ceremonies.
There are always so many great stories that come out of these occasions, like last year when Justine Martin was the recipient of the Achievement Award.
Justine’s story began 11 years ago when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
She was told that she would never be able to work again.
Since then, Justine has changed tack with her career and has become a published author and illustrator, while also running art wellness classes for other people with disability.
Her story and many others are what make the Geelong Awards for People with Disability what they are.
Nominations for the awards are currently open in the below categories:
• Achievement Award – recognising someone who has achieved a significant milestone or success in any area
• Leadership and Advocacy Award – recognising someone who has led or advocated for others to achieve a considerable outcome or advancement
• Volunteering Award – recognising someone who has demonstrated exceptional commitment or made a substantial contribution towards empowering and developing others in a voluntary capacity.
Nominations are open until Friday 2 September, with the award ceremony to be held on Friday December 2.
Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/disabilityawards to find out more.
