The ACT Government has established a fund to assist people with disability pursue leadership roles and honour the legacy of the late Susan (Sue) Salthouse, who passed away in July 2020.
The Sue Salthouse named leadership fund has been established to assist people with disability to access opportunities that build skills and experience, enhancing the representation and leadership capacity of people with disability.
The fund recognises Sue's hard work championing inclusion and leadership opportunities for people with disability and focuses specifically on women and girls.
Hands Across Canberra will administer the $75,000 seeding fund on behalf of the ACT Government's Community Services Directorate. They will work with an advisory group, comprising of Sue's family and ACT Disabled People's Organisations including Women with Disabilities ACT and Advocacy for Inclusion, to advise and progress leadership and representation of people with disability. The fund is anticipated to grow through philanthropic support.
Minister for Disability Emma Davidson said the fund will empower people with disability to pursue leadership development opportunities including attending conferences, university, mentoring, skill building courses and activate ideas that change lives.
"Sue Salthouse was a strong advocate for Canberra's disability community and this fund is just one way the ACT Government will honour her passion and hard work to drive inclusive outcomes," Minister Davidson said.
"On what would be her 72nd birthday, the establishment of this fund will continue her legacy to create a more accessible and equitable Canberra. Two years ago, Sue announced the establishment of a community fund and I'm proud that this new named fund builds upon the work she generously started," Minister Davidson said.
As stated by Peter Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, Hands Across Canberra:
"Hands Across Canberra is thrilled to be in a position to publicly honour the late Sue Salthouse, by creating a permanent legacy in Sue's name. There is no doubt that Sue touched so many people right across our community and creating a named fund will ensure Sue's commitment to people with disability and her huge impact on us all is enduring."
