Ten years. Thousands of moments. One shared goal: Inclusion
Uniting Local Area Coordination gathered on Gadigal Land with colleagues, NDIS participants and partners to launch the inaugural Uniting Disability Impact Awards as we proudly celebrated our Decade of Impact delivering the NDIS to communities across NSW.
From a vibrant performance by Brolga Dance Academy to profound reflections on connection, camaraderie and community, the 21 April event – livestreamed to 27 Uniting LAC offices across NSW – shone a light on the people with disability, their families and organisations who've helped us shape more inclusive communities over the past 10 years.
Among them, the winners of the Uniting Disability Impact Awards from across NSW, announced by Uniting NSW.ACT Chief Executive Tracey Burton.
We're delighted to congratulate these remarkable changemakers:
Goulburn Inclusion Forum – Organisation (Community)
This community-led group has significantly advanced disability inclusion in the Goulburn area over the past three years.
Andrea Rowsell - Leadership (Community)
Leading with integrity, empathy, and purpose in the Hunter region, Andrea, the parent of a child with disability, ensures inclusion is reflected in both values and practice.
Natasha Little - Individual (Community)
Driving cultural change, Natasha has shifted the regional focus from basic accessibility to genuine belonging, most visibly at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Robyn Taylor - Uniting LAC / Team Award (Uniting LAC Program)
Proud Kungabula woman; Uniting LAC Aboriginal Stakeholder Engagement Officer supporting communities in Western Sydney.
Head of Uniting LAC, Jennine Blundell, congratulated finalists and winners and reflected on all we've achieved together in 10 years:
"When we talk about a decade of impact, we're really talking about thousands of moments. Connections made, barriers challenged, opportunities created and communities strengthened. That is absolutely something worth celebrating today," said Jennine.
"But it's also something to build on …This decade is just the beginning."
