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Title : AWARDS RECOGNISE EXCELLENCE IN INCLUSION
Minister : Bill Wood MLA
Wednesday 3 December 2003
UN International Day of People with a Disability
AWARDS RECOGNISE EXCELLENCE IN INCLUSION
The ACT's most inclusive organisations were recognised tonight,
with the premier award, the Award for Excellence in Inclusion, going
to Capital Careers.
Disability, Housing and Community Services Minister Bill Wood officiated
at the inaugural ACT Inclusion Awards, which recognise businesses,
organisations and individuals that 'opened their doors' to people
with disabilities.
"Capital Careers actively recruit and source employment for
people with a disability," Mr Wood said.
"Capital Careers supplied a diverse range of highly specialised
equipment for their employees, created work experience placements,
established training and development initiatives, even subsidised
training for people with disabilities.
"More than 30 nominations were received for the Awards, exceeding
all expectations in their first year.
"I congratulate not only the winners, but the many nominees
as well. They have each clearly demonstrated a commitment to making
their business, service or product more welcoming for those people
who have a disability," Mr Wood said.
Craig Wallace, President of Disabled People's Initiative (DPI)
ACT said, "We were delighted that there were more than 30 nominations
for the Awards. This was an outstanding result given that it was
the first time this has been done in the ACT."
Other award winners in major categories were the Curtin Milkbar,
the Canberra Theatre Centre and the ACT Planning and Land Authority.
A number of commendations were also presented.
The Awards are a partnership between the ACT Government and community
sector organisations, including Disabled Peoples Initiative (DPI)
ACT, which hosted the gala ceremony at the AIS Arena.
Business, community and government organisations also demonstrated
support for the initiative, with sponsors including Canberra Cabs,
Koomarri Association, RPR Consulting, Canberra City News, Business
ACT and the Children's Resource Centre. The full list of Award winners
is attached.
2003 ACT INCLUSION AWARDS
General Information
The Awards celebrate the UN International Day of People with a
Disability and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of business,
organisations and individuals that have demonstrated a clear commitment
to include people with a disability in their workplace, business
or community.
Presentation of the Awards occurred at a Gala Dinner at the AIS
Arena. Almost 400 guests were part of the evening, which featured
an address by the inspirational Warren Macdonald. Warren is an adventurer
and climber who is a double amputee.
Guests were also privileged to witness a performance from pianist
James Kearney, believed to be the first deaf graduate from the Canberra
School of Music.
Maxine McKew, journalist and ABC TV presenter, was the Master of
Ceremonies.
WINNERS
Capital Careers: ACT Excellence in Inclusion Award
Capital Careers has developed multiple initiatives to assist people
with disabilities to access the training programs provided. A high
percentage of staff with disabilities are employed by Capital Careers.
Curtin Milkbar: Inclusion in Small Business Award
Curtin Milkbar is accessible to all members of the community.
Physical access to the Milkbar, assistance with table service and
food preparation, and modified arrangements for taking orders ensures
Curtin Milkbar welcomes people with a disability.
Commended:
Software Improvements, Carlo's of Watson, Tenfit.
Inclusion in Medium-Large Business Award: No winner in this category
Commended: Vikings Group
ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA): Access to ACT Government
Award
ACTPLA have undertaken significant policy and planning on the access
needs of people with disabilities in the ACT in line with legislation.
Their ACT Interim Access and Mobility Planning Guidelines is a first
for Australia. They have gone to considerable effort to include
and value the contribution of people with a range of disabilities
into the work environment, and the whole community.
Commended: Alison McGregor, Principal, Weston Creek Primary School
Canberra Theatre Centre: Inclusion in ACT Tourism Award
The Canberra Theatre Centre provides physical access services and
hearing loop facilities allowing people with disabilities to enjoy
theatrical performances. In 2004 the Theatre will introduce audio
description services and Auslan interpreting for major performances,
including Playtime performances for children.
Commended: Go Bush Tours
Media Contact: Andrew Rhodes Phone: 6205 0300(w) 0412 821 274(m)
Bill Wood MLA
MINISTER FOR URBAN SERVICES MINISTER FOR DISABILITY, HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES
MINISTER FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES MINISTER FOR ARTS AND
HERITAGE
MEMBER FOR BRINDABELLA
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