West Australian frontline workers and leaders from a range of disability support organisations have been honoured for the impact they have had on the lives of people with disability at the 2023 Disability Support Awards at the Crown Perth Grand Ballroom on Friday 24 March.
Hosted by National Disability Services, in partnership with the Department of Communities, the Awards recognised and celebrated the achievements of those who work to increase the quality of life and inclusion of people with disability.
More than 600 guests attended the gala dinner, including more than 140 people with disability and their companions who were provided tickets by Lotterywest to attend alongside the support workers they nominated.
This year's winners are:
Excellence in Home and Family Support Award: Cindy Jane, SensesWA
Excellence in Innovation Award: Superyou Driving Service team
Excellence in Rights Promotion Award: John Holdcroft, Workpower
Excellence in Supporting Inclusion and Citizenship Award: Carmelisa Biddle, Interchange WA
Excellence in Regional Support Award: Deb Cording, Avivo
Excellence in Supporting Employment Outcomes: Will's World
Excellence in Leadership Award: Uvana Sewpersadh, LifeLift
See below a brief summary of the achievements of each award winner.
Conceived 14 years ago by NDS, the Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of disability support workers and the organisations they work for.
The importance of this contribution has been highlighted more than ever in recent years, with disability support workers playing an essential and valued role during COVID-19 to provide services and support to people with disability in our community.
NDS WA State Manager Coralie Flatters said "The Awards play an important role in building a sustainable, quality disability workforce, showcasing best practice in support work and promoting the sector as a great place for a rewarding career."
"The WA disability sector is experiencing significant workforce pressures - skilled, values driven workers are a primary safeguard to providing safe, quality services and meeting the needs of people with disability."
"The WA Disability Support Awards celebrate the significant contribution of individuals and teams who support people with disability to achieve their goals. They demonstrate the very real difference that people working this sector can make to the lives of people with disability and the communities we live in," Ms Flatters said.
Gold sponsors for this event were HESTA and Insurance Commission of WA. Our Silver Sponsor was Arch Recruitment, and our Photobooth Sponsor was Resolute Insurance Brokers.
Disability Services Minister Hon. Don Punch MLA said: "The McGowan Government is proud to support the WA Disability Support Awards, which recognise the very best of the best and shine a well-deserved light on the commitment to excellence demonstrated by all the nominees across seven award categories."
"Congratulations to this year's winners - your work is integral to building an inclusive and equitable society, and you should be immensely proud of your commitment to supporting people with disability to achieve their goals and live their life on their terms."
