International Day of People with Disability Awards

Celebrating inclusion, creativity, leadership and advocacy in Ballarat

The awards are part of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022–2026, which outlines a vision for a community where people with disabilities are included, respected, and empowered to participate in all aspects of life.  

Each year The City of Ballarat, in partnership with La Trobe Community Health, VHCC, Sports Central and the Ballarat Working Together Group, organise an Awards Ceremony in the local community. This year the community are invited to nominate for the 2025 International Day of People with Disability Awards.

These awards recognise individuals and organisations who are making Ballarat more inclusive, accessible and vibrant for people with disabilities.

You can nominate yourself or someone else. Each person can only be nominated for one award, but you can nominate as many people as you like. 

Nominations open: Tuesday, 1 October at 9am
Nominations close: Sunday, 16 November at 11.59pm
Awards Ceremony: Wednesday, 3 December at 10am
Location: Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility
RSVP to the Awards Ceremony: International Day for People with Disability Awards Ceremony

Nominees must be:

Living, working, studying or regularly visiting, or connected to the City of Ballarat local government area.

We welcome nominations from all backgrounds, communities and experiences. If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their contribution to inclusion and accessibility, we want to hear from you. 

Accessible Organisation Award – Shane Everard and Matt Mattson Award
This award recognises a local business or not-for-profit organisation that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to making its venue, services, or products accessible to people with disabilities.

Accessible Sport Award  
This award recognises an individual or group that has promoted inclusion and access in sport and recreation for people with disabilities in the City of Ballarat.

Art and Creativity Award
Honours a person with a disability who uses their creative talents to express themselves, connect with others, and challenge perceptions of disability.

Young Leader Award
Recognises a young person (aged 25 or under) with a disability who is making a difference through leadership, advocacy or community involvement.

Accessibility Advocate of the Year
Celebrates a person with lived experience of disability who has driven real change in accessibility and inclusion through advocacy and action.

Accessibility Ally Award
Acknowledges someone without lived experience who has actively supported the rights, voices and inclusion of people with disabilities. 

You can submit your nomination in a format that works best for you:

• Online form
• Video
• Audio
• Paper-based application

All submissions must address the award criteria for the category you are nominating in. You’ll be asked to describe the nominee’s achievements, impact, and why they deserve to be recognised.

Need help with your nomination? 
We are here to support you.  

To request a word document or paper based version of the form , contact:
Meg Lawton, Community Inclusion Officer (Access and Inclusion)
Email: meglawton@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0429 437 552

The awards are part of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022–2026, which outlines a vision for a community where people with disabilities are included, respected, and empowered to participate fully in all aspects of life.

By recognising the achievements of individuals and organisations, these awards help:

• Promote disability pride and leadership
• Celebrate inclusive practices across sectors
• Encourage community-wide conversations about accessibility
• Inspire others to take action toward a more inclusive Ballarat

For more information or support with your nomination, please contact:

Meg Lawton, Community Inclusion Officer (Access and Inclusion)
Email: meglawton@ballarat.vic.gov.au