Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan welcomed the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to support people with a disability by entering into an agreement on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Read More

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan has called on the local community to nominate individuals, teams and businesses that have made a difference to the lives of people with disability for the 2013 Victorian Disability Sector Awards.

Mr Ryan said there were many examples throughout Gippsland where people had shown passion and a real commitment to improving the lives of some of the most disadvantaged members of the community.

“For example, the George Gray Centre provides an Adult Training Support Service in Maffra as well as day programs in Sale for approximately 70 adults with a disability living within the Wellington Shire,” Mr Ryan said.

“The George Gray Centre has been providing programs based on individual needs, with focus on enhancing personal development, increasing independence and promoting community inclusion.”

Mr Ryan said nominations for the 2013 Victorian Disability Sector Awards can be made across nine different award categories that recognise excellence in service, advocacy and personal and community support for people with disability.

Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said that the awards provided a chance to recognise the wide range of ways individuals and businesses support people with disability.

“These awards are an important opportunity to publicly acknowledge the innovation and commitment of individuals and organisations that provide services and support to people with disability,” Ms Wooldridge said.

The Victorian Disability Sector Awards are a partnership between National Disability Services (NDS), Disability Professionals Victoria (DPV) and the Victorian Coalition Government.

Nominations for the awards close on 13 March and winners will be announced at the Victorian Disability Sector Awards ceremony on 19 June 2013.

For more information about the Victorian Disability Sector Awards visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-service-providers/disability/disability-recognition-awards/victorian-disability-sector-awards.

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870 ben.bulmer@minstaff.vic.gov.au Read More

The 2012 Victorian Disability Sector Awards are currently open and Gippsland residents are being encouraged to nominate a member of the community or organisations who demonstrate excellence in service and a commitment to the development of people with a disability. Read More