Western Australia’s disability support workers were celebrated last Saturday at the 2025 WA Disability Support Awards held at Crown Perth.
The Department of Communities (Communities) continues to be a proud sponsor of the event hosted by National Disability Services WA (NDS).
These annual awards recognise nominees and winners who have provided the highest standard of support to increase the quality of life and inclusion of people with disability.
The awards were given across nine categories and included guest speakers Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley, NDS WA State Manager Frances Buchanan and Communities’ Deputy Director General, Disability Dr Mhairi Cowden.
Dr Cowden also presented the Excellence in Disability Support Work Award on behalf of Communities to joint winners Kirstin Barton and Kyleigh Skeffington.
“It was a great honour to present the award to Kirstin and Kyleigh, and to learn about the important role they play in Erin’s life as disability support workers,” said Mhairi.
“I’m told Erin has gained confidence and independence, she has been overcoming her phobias, and she is communicating more. These are the benefits of excellence in high quality support grounded in empathy and a person-centred approach.”
“A big congratulations to all the nominees, and winners. A strong, skilled and passionate workforce is what we need here in WA, and it was amazing to see that passion on display on Saturday night.”
This year NDS received 122 nominations across nine categories. Each category winner received a cash prize of $2000 and a trophy. The winners were:
- Allied Health Professionals Award - CliniKids Clinical Team
- Excellence in Regional and Remote Support Award - Workpower Kalgoorlie and Eastern Goldfields Education Support Centre
- Excellence in Rights Promotion Award - Jonelle Fraser, Owner, Director, Aurora Learning
- Outstanding Leader - Cassandra Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, Down Syndrome WA
- Excellence in Innovation Award- U & A Homecare
- Inclusive Communities Award - WA All Abilities Football Association
- Emerging Leader - Nikki Schwagermann, Family Support Coordinator, Down Syndrome WA
- Excellence in Supporting Employment Outcomes Award - Nigel Matthews, Mentor, Inclusion WA
- Excellence in Disability Support Work Award - Kirstin Barton and Kyleigh Skeffington (private support workers).
The awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the sector, recognising the individuals and services who are empowering people with disability and building a more inclusive Western Australia. Visit the NDS website for more information and a group photo of the winners.
Driven by the State Disability Strategy and in partnership with the disability sector, the Department continues its commitment to building inclusive communities which support and empower people with disability.
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