Awards Ceremony 2009
In the evening of Monday 23 November 2009 more than 240 guests attended the 2009 National Disability Awards Ceremony in the Great Hall at Parliament House, Canberra.
Fifteen award finalists attended the ceremony, and six outstanding recipients across five award categories were announced during the evening. Two people received the Minister's Lifelong Achievement Award in recognition of their outstanding commitment to improving the lives of people with disability.
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Ageing the Hon Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Employment Participation Senator the Hon Mark Arbib and IDPwD Patron Ms Thèrèse Rein presented recipients with their awards.
Special guest and key note speaker Prime Minister Kevin Rudd attended the ceremony, announcing an inquiry into the feasibility of new approaches for funding and delivering long-term disability care and support.
Other guests included families and friends of the finalists, National People with Disabilities and Carer Council members, Members of Parliament and representatives from the disability sector.
Comedian and disability advocate Ms Stella Young, and Olympic gold-medalist and National Disability Awards and IDPwD Ambassador Mr Kurt Fearnley were Masters of Ceremonies for the evening. The Chameleons, a local Canberra group, entertained guests with music ranging from traditional swing to contemporary jazz.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd addressing attendees of the 2009 National Disability Awards
The Chameleons performing in the Great Hall of Parliament House
IDPwD Patron and Ambassador Ms Thèrèse Rein and Tina Zeleznik, recipient of the Business Award
Minister Elliot and Michael Taggart, recipient of the Local Government Award
Senator Arbib and Dudley Affort, recipient of the Disability Rights Young Leader Award
IDPwD Ambassador Kurt Fearnley at the National Disability Awards
Minister Macklin and Sue Gordon, recipient of the Minister's Lifelong Achievement Award
Minister Macklin and Robert Strike, recipient of the Minister's Lifelong Achievement Award
Parliamentary Secretary Shorten and Melissa Noonan, recipient of the Social Inclusion Award
