- Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley has congratulated the winners of the 2025 WA Disability Support Awards
- Nine categories recognise individuals and services across Western Australia committed to excellence in the disability support sector
- Cook Labor Government is a proud supporter of the awards as part of its commitment to building more inclusive communities
The impact and contributions of Western Australia's disability support workers have been celebrated at the 2025 Disability Support Awards.
Now in its 15th year, the awards recognise the Western Australian support workers and disability services providing the highest standard of care to people with disability, their families, and carers.
The annual awards, proudly supported by the State Government through the Department of Communities, were hosted last night by National Disability Services WA (NDS) at Crown Perth.
The awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the sector, recognising the individuals and services who are empowering people with disability and building a more inclusive Western Australia.
It is also an opportunity to highlight the rewarding and purpose-driven career path the disability sector provides.
The disability sector is one of the fastest-growing parts of the Australian economy and maintaining a highly skilled and well-supported workforce is essential to ensuring high quality services are delivered for people with disability.
This year NDS received 122 nominations across nine categories. Each category winner received a cash prize of $2000 and a trophy. The winners are:
- Allied Health Professionals Award - CliniKids Clinical Team;
- Excellence in Regional and Remote Support Award - Workpower Kalgoorlie & Eastern Goldfields Education Support Centre;
- Excellence in Rights Promotion Award - Jonelle Fraser, owner, director, Aurora Learning;
- Outstanding Leader - Cassandra Hughes, chief executive officer, Down Syndrome WA;
- Excellence in Innovation Award - U & A Homecare;
- Inclusive Communities Award - WA All Abilities Football Association;
- Emerging Leader - Nikki Schwagermann, senior family support coordinator, Down Syndrome WA;
- Excellence in Supporting Employment Outcomes Award - Nigel Matthews, mentor, Inclusion WA; and
- Excellence in Disability Support Work Award - Kirstin Barton and Kyleigh Skeffington (private support workers).
The State Government has invested in a number of initiatives to address disability sector workforce shortages and to ensure people with disability continue to receive quality services.
Through the State Disability Strategy 2020-2030 and the Department of Communities' Office of Disability, the Cook Government is committed to building inclusive communities which support and empower people with disability.
As stated by Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
"I am delighted to congratulate all the winners and nominees of the 2025 Disability Support Awards and recognise the huge difference they make to the lives of Western Australians living with disability.
"These awards shine a light on our local disability workforce and the extraordinary people within it who are committed to providing the highest quality care and support to people with disability, their families, and carers.
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to building inclusive communities that support and empower people with disability to live meaningful, connected lives.
"Building and maintaining a passionate and highly skilled local disability workforce is key to achieving this vision.
"I'd also like to recognise the important role of National Disability Services in supporting and building the capacity of the disability sector in Western Australia."
Comments attributed to NDS WA state manager Frances Buchanan:
"The Awards highlight the disability services sector as a hub of creativity, a source of job opportunities, and a pathway to fulfilling careers.
"They underscore the significant impact that workers in this field have on the lives of individuals with disabilities and the broader community. Despite an environment of increasing change, complexity, and challenge, disability sector workers continue to achieve remarkable outcomes.
"I extend my congratulations to the winners, finalists, and all nominees. Your contribution to enhancing the quality of life and promoting inclusion for people with disabilities is truly commendable.
"I also express my gratitude to the Department of Communities for their continued support."
