4/9/02
A woman whose love of horses led to her teaching riding for the disabled in Port Hedland, a company that renovated gardens and a young woman who fought to have access improved in her local cinema were among those honoured today for their selfless commitment to Western Australians with disabilities.
Disability Services Minister Sheila McHale presented this year's Disability Services Commission Making a Difference Awards to 27 recipients at a ceremony at Parliament House.
Ms McHale said the awards acknowledged those who had made a substantial contribution to the community through their dedication in helping people with disabilities.
"Today's recipients number among those in our community who not only take a strongly positive approach to life but who provide a helping hand for those in need of assistance over and above the call of duty," she said.
Among the award winners were those who have for decades volunteered their time and skills to benefit others, businesses and organisations.
Others set out to make a difference in the way people with disabilities are included in society, such as Amy Vaninetti, aged 18, who asked her local cinema to improve access and seating for people with disabilities.
When her request was refused, Ms Vaninetti took the cinema to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. When that failed, undeterred by either her age or disability, Amy took her case to the Federal Magistrate's Court last year and won.
"Ms Vaninetti is an outstanding example of those who are prepared to make a difference to the way we treat others in our community, despite the difficulties they face in doing so," Ms McHale said.
The Minister said the award winners demonstrated all that was good in society.
"Their contributions have helped make a difference to our community, making it a stronger, better and more inclusive place to live," she said.
Recipients of the Disability Services Commission's Making a Difference awards for 2002 include:
Minister's office: 9213 6900
