Celebrating access and inclusion in the Tweed
31 May 2018
Nominations open for Tweed Shire Access and Inclusion Awards 2018
World champion triathlete Bill Chaffey highlighted the recent Commonwealth Games as a positive example of access and inclusion at an event, while speaking at the official launch of the sixth annual Tweed Shire Access and Inclusion Awards.
This year’s nomination launch was held earlier this week at Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre, a Facility which is a previous winner of two major access and inclusion awards.
Speaking at the launch, Chaffey – who is the awards’ patron - reflected on his experience at this year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, which he said were a great example of inclusion and one of his best sporting experiences.
“I hope my profile as an athlete will gain the attention of the community and make people think about making a nomination,” he said.
Council’s Community Development Officer, Ageing and Disability, Karen Collins, said she encouraged people to nominate to show the community who is doing a great job for access and inclusion in the Tweed Shire.
“The awards have grown since they started in 2013 with more of the community becoming aware that being included is a basic right no matter who you are,” Ms Collins said.
“Access means you can go where you want to in the community and inclusion means when you go out you feel welcome and are treated with respect. Everyone is responsible for making this happen. Your nomination sends a message that access and inclusion is important for the whole community.”
Councillor Warren Polglase, who is also a member of Council’s Equal Access Advisory Committee, was also at the launch event.
“These awards are an important event that has grown in prestige since they started in 2013. They have really made a difference in the way the community thinks about being inclusive,” Cr Polglase said.
Businesses, organisations, community groups and individuals can be nominated for an award. To be eligible for nomination the nominee must:
· provide services and/or operate a business in the Tweed Shire local government area
· show they have taken action to improve access and inclusion particularly for people with a disability, or with challenges related to ageing
· show their efforts to improve access and inclusion are above and beyond what would be expected as a usual part of their job or organisation
To make a nomination, go to www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/AccessInclusionAwards. For more information or other ways to fill out the nomination form call Council on (02) 6670 2400.
Nominations are open until Friday 28 September 2018. The winners of the Access and Inclusion Awards will be announced at an event at Seagulls Club at Tweed Heads West on 3 December, which is International Day of People with Disability.
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Caption: At the launch of the 2018 Access and Inclusion Awards were (from left, back): Equal Access Advisory Committee members Nate Quinell and Wendy Gilbett (chair EAAC), Cr Chris Cherry, Suzy Hudson (EAAC), 2017 Tweed Shire Access and Inclusion Award winner Bev Larsson, Chris Vannucci (EAAC), Cr Warren Polglase and Drew Stevenson, from the Pottsville Beach Community Centre. Front: Tweed Shire Access and Inclusion Awards patron Bill Chaffey, Una Cowdroy (EAAC), Council’s Director Community and Natural Resources, Tracey Stinson and Community Development Officer, Ageing and Disability, Karen Collins.