This year’s award winners were presented with their awards at the annual annecto AGM and Showcase, held at the Victorian Arts Centre, in Melbourne on Friday 21st October.
Mallee Sports Assembly were awarded the Craig Goesch Scholarship for their passion and commitment to drive real change for people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). The organisation has a specially designed woodworkclass held in Mildura for people who have acquired brain injuries. The class helps people to develop a sense of purpose, socialise with other participants and form long standing friendships.
The winner of the annual annecto Inclusion Award went to Justin Nix of Equitable Access Solutions. Justin spends a great deal of time linking people to one another to improve housing outcomes and accessibility for people with disabilities. He is instrumental in establishing innovative housing models through his role with the TAC Residential Independence Program and has gone on to develop various housing solutions for people with disability across Victoria.
There was an honourable mention to Parks Victoria and AMAZE for their joint project on the Brimbank Park which was designed to be inclusive for children with autism and children with disabilities. Both organisations do a range of work toward inclusion.
The 2016 Ron Cahill Award, rewards a person dedicated to improving the lives of people with disability. Made possible by the Cahill family in honour and memory of Ron Cahill, who’s own commitment and dedication to people with a disability was remarkable.
This year’s Ron Cahill Award went to Joanne LaRocca, a Workforce Coordinator with annecto, who goes above and beyond and recently raised funds for, and organised a ‘disco for all’ to be held at the Yarraville Club.
The annecto Awards are an opportunity to show our appreciation to organisations and people who strive to make other people’s lives healthier, happier and more inclusive.
Congratulations to all our Award winners for 2016 and thank you for all your work.
See the 2015 Award winners here.
To stay in touch with the annual annecto Awards and be notified when nominations open for 2017, email marketing@annecto.org.au.