A celebration of the significant achievements and contributions made to the lives of people living with a disability took place at the Tasmanian Disability Festival Awards Gala Night on Friday night.
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Held at the Country Club Casino on Friday, the inaugural event was initially intended to be held last year, but was pushed back due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Attendees dressed to impress for the gala evening, which included dinner, drinks, live entertainment and a guest speaker, as well as the announcement of the winners across the 12 categories.
Festival co-director Dan Ryan said the night was a historic event that celebrated organisations and individuals who support and provide services to those with a disability.
"In the inaugural year of the Tasmanian Disability Festival Awards, we are extremely pleased to be able to recognise some of the wonderful contributions that are being made to the disability sector by both organisations and individuals alike," Mr Ryan said.
"We received some fantastic nominations from right across the state, which is a great reflection of both the passion and the capability within Tasmania's disability community.
"Some awards have a disability category or aspect that is celebrated, which is great, but we really wanted to create an event that is purely centred around the disability sector."
The first festival of its kind in Tasmania, the event was a landmark night to create conversations about disability, and how the community can help.
"Around one in four Tasmanians live with a disability, making this the highest ratio in the country, so it's important to talk about inclusive and accessibility."
The two major awards of the night were the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Tasmanian Disability Festival Scholarship.
"The scholarship is where we will contribute $2000 to the winner, which is NOSS Tasmania, to ensure that they can continue to do the work that they do," Mr Ryan said.
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Brian Dunham, a member of the Riverside Lions Club and a carer of a resident at disability services provider St Michaels Association, was named the winner of the first Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Brian has been involved in lots of different roles across various organisations and has met people from all walks of life in the disability sector," Mr Ryan said.
"He is a very highly regarded member of this community and we are celebrating the incredible dedication he has shown over the years."
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Nikita McGuire
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
