Media Release
WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF MINISTER
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2008 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards. I am very proud that the profile of the awards, now in its fourth year, continues to grow.
It is appropriate that these awards are held as a lead up to the UN International Day of People with a Disability.
This is a day when we can all acknowledge the achievements of people with a disability. It’s a day when we can improve awareness of the challenges facing those with disabilities, and remind ourselves of the benefits of creating a truly inclusive society.
That will come about when people with a disability are involved in every aspect of our political, social, economic and cultural life.
These awards are an important public acknowledgement of the outstanding achievements of businesses, organisations and individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to including people with a disability in their workplace, business or community.
Sometimes, even small changes or gestures can make a huge difference for people with disabilities and help create an inclusive, supportive environment.
It is gratifying that the nominations received exemplify the high quality and innovative work being carried out across the city and the region. I congratulate all nominees and those that had the foresight to nominate them.
I congratulate also our principal partners Koomarri and MAXimusSolutions Australia for their commitment to inclusion, as well as to our category sponsors Drake Medox, Spotless Services Australia and the Technical Aid for the Disabled ACT. Thank you also to a new supporting partner the House With No Steps, as well as to the media partners – The Canberra Times, Capital Magazine, B2B in Canberra and City News for their support.
It is the vision of the ACT Government that all people with disabilities achieve what they want to achieve, live how they choose to live, and are valued as full and equal members of the ACT community.
These awards demonstrate to people with disabilities that they are valued and respected and that long-standing community perceptions of disability are finally being challenged.
Jon Stanhope