Inspirational Wyndham locals promoting the rights and participation of people with disability will be recognised by the ninth annual Victorian Disability Awards.

Member for Werribee ,Tim Pallas MP today encouraged locals to apply for the Awards, which celebrate hardworking individuals and groups helping to build a fairer, more inclusive Victoria.

Nominations are open to individuals and groups – including people with disability, family members, volunteers and people working in the sector – in seven categories:

• Emerging leader award
• Excellence in creating inclusive communities
• Excellence in employment outcomes
• Excellence in promoting heath, housing and wellbeing
• Excellence in promoting rights, fairness and safety
• Volunteer award
• Lifetime achievement honour roll.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan will also select the winner of the Minister’s Award for Outstanding Leadership.

Last year’s winners include Dorothy Armstrong, awarded for promoting the rights of women with disability in the criminal justice system, Great Ocean Stays for creating accessible holiday accommodation in Ocean Grove, and Edward (Woody) Marriott for his tireless volunteer advocacy with groups such as Disabled Scouts.

Nominations are open until Sunday 14 April, and can be made at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/disabilityawards

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in August.

Quotes attributable to Tim Pallas MP

“The Victorian Disability Awards honour locals in Wyndham who provide outstanding support, leadership, advocacy, service and education to ensure Victorians with disability can contribute to our society.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is building an inclusive community where everyone can reach their full potential, and these awards recognise people who are helping to make this happen.”