Past winners and finalists

2017

Employer of the year Award

Winner — Compass Group, QLD
Finalist — ANZ Bank, VIC
Finalist — Family Chips, NSW

Community Excellence Award

Winner — Catia Malaquias, WA
Finalist — Julia Farr Youth, SA
Finalist — Cricket Australia’s National Inclusion Championships, VIC

Excellence in Innovation Award

Winner — AbilityMate, NSW
Finalist — University of Melbourne, VIC
Finalist — Northcott, NSW

Excellence in Education and Training Award

Winner — University of Sydney – Centre of Disability Studies, NSW
Finalist — Deborah Pearce, SA

Lesley Hall Leadership Award

Winner — Sue Salthouse, ACT

2016

Lesley Hall Leadership Award

Winner — Maurice Corcoran AM, SA

Employer of the year Award

Winner — Brisbane City Council, QLD
Finalist — G-Force Contracting, WA
Finalist — Griffith University, QLD
Finalist — Lifestart Co-operative Ltd, NSW

Excellence in Community Partnerships Award

Winner — The Dementia Friendly Kiama Project, Kiama Municipal Council, NSW
Finalist — Taste Creative and Bus Stop Films, NSW
Finalist — Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club and the Fremantle Dockers Foundation, WA
Finalist — Accessible Arts, The Deaf Arts Network, NSW

Excellence in Inclusive Community Design Award

Winner — Shire of Collie, WA
Finalist — Changing Places, Association for Children with a Disability, VIC
Finalist — V/Line, VIC
Finalist — RSL Victoria, VIC

Excellence in Inclusive Service Delivery Award

Winner — Determined2, SA
Winner — Nightlife Disability Services, VIC

Excellence in Technology Award

Winner — Dr Peter Puya Abolfathi, Healthcare Innovations Australia, NSW
Finalist — Sonokids Australia, QLD
Finalist — OrbIT – accessible gaming system, SA
Finalist — Rehabilitation Robots Development Partnership, VIC

Excellence in Education and Training Award

Winner — Tagai State College Student Support Services Team, QLD
Finalist —Dandelion Program, Department of Human Services, ACT

Excellence in Justice and Rights Protection Award

Winner — Kerri Cassidy, Chronic Cerebro Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) Australia, VIC
Winner — Kairsty Wilson, AED Legal Centre, VIC

2015

Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability

Winner — Keran Howe, Melbourne, VIC
Finalist — Maurice Gleeson, OAM, Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, Kooyong, VIC
Finalist — Trudy Ryall, Ashwood, VIC

Joint Ministers’ Award in Inclusive Development

Winner — Alexandra Kay, Scope Global Pty Ltd, Oakhurst, NSW

Emerging Leader in Disability Awareness

Winner — Connor McLeod, Oakhurst, NSW
Winner — Kate Swaffer, Burnside, SA
Finalist — Cashelle Dunn, Melbourne, VIC
Finalist — Chris Varney, Kew, VIC

Excellence in Choice and Control in Service Delivery

Winner — Mind Recovery College, Cheltenham, VIC
Finalist — Alex Miller, Western Health, Footscray, VIC
Finalist — Karen Thompson, Ballina, NSW

Excellence in Advocacy

Winner — Julie Phillips, Melbourne, VIC
Winner — Karen Williams, Queensland Public Interest Law Cleaning House, Kangaroo Point, QLD
Finalist — Greg Killeen, Banksmeadow, NSW
Finalist — Jo Ragen, Collaroy Beach, NSW
Finalist — Rebus Theatre, Kippax, ACT

Excellence in Accessible Technology

Winner — Peter Ford, Sydney, NSW
Winner — Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, North Rocks, NSW

Excellence in Community Accessibility

Winner — Jessica May, Canberra City, ACT
Winner — Kidney Health Australia Big Red Kidney Bus Holiday Dialysis Project, South Melbourne, VIC
Winner — MJD Foundation Ltd, Alyangula, NT
Winner — My Choice Matters (incorporating My Learning Matters), Surry Hills, NSW
Winner — Parks Victoria, Melbourne VIC
Finalist — Fishers with Disabilities Association Incorporated, Woodvale, WA
Finalist — Sam Almaliki, Cricket Australia, Jolimont, VIC
Finalist — Western Australian Motor Industry Foundation Inc, Joondalup, WA
Finalist — Wynyard Yacht Club Inc, Wynyard, TAS

2014

Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability

Winner — Bill Bradley, Hornsby, NSW
Finalist — Tricia Malowney, Ringwood, Vic.
Finalist — Jill Wishart, Brighton, SA

Emerging Leaders Award in Disability

Winner — Jordanna Smith, Sutherland, NSW
Finalist — Brandon Ah Tong, Melbourne, Vic.
Finalist — William Johns, Bankstown, NSW

Improving Inclusive and Accessible Communities Award

Winner — Rebecca Ho/Touched by Olivia, Drummoyne, NSW
Finalist — Jervis Bay Wild, Huskisson, NSW
Finalist — Opera Australia, Southbank, Vic.

Improving Advocacy and Rights Promotion Award

Winner — First Peoples Disability Network, Redfern, NSW, (National)
Finalist — Self Advocacy Resource Unit, Melbourne, Vic.
Finalist — The Umbrella Network, Rockhampton, Qld

Improving Employment Opportunities Award

Winner — John McDonald, Browns Plains, Qld
Winner — Saronbell, North Gosford, NSW
Finalist — Australia Post, Melbourne, Vic., National

Improving Personal and Community Support Award

Winner — Technology Assisting Disability WA (TADWA), Bassendean, WA
Finalist — Cerebral Palsy Support Network, Preston, Vic.
Finalist — Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc., North-Central Vic.

Improving Education Outcomes Award

Winner — Everyone, Everyday Project Team, Disability ACT, Community Services Directorate, ACT Government, Canberra, ACT
Winner — Stirling Community Early Learning Centre, Stirling, SA

Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Award

Winner — Vicdeaf (SLC VIC)/Emergency Management Victoria, East Melbourne, Vic.
Finalist — Julian Trollor and his team at the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (known as 3DN), University of New South Wales, Australia
Finalist — Living Safer Sexual Lives: Respectful Relationships, Bendigo, Vic.

2013

Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Achievement

Winner – Vale Lesley Hall 1954 – 2013

Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability

Winner – Ann Procter, Duffy, ACT
Winner – John Moxon, Northmead NSW
Finalist – Sue Salthouse, Chisholm, ACT

Emerging Leaders Award in Disability

Winner – Huy Nguyen, Canberra, ACT
Finalist – Drisana Levitzke-Gray, Balga, WA
Finalist – Sam Brabham OAM, Fitzroy, VIC

Excellence in Accessible Communities Award

Winner – Western Desert Dialysis, Alice Springs, NT
Finalist – Merrigong Theatre Company, Wollongong, NSW
Finalist – Beatty Park Swim School Angelfish Program, City of Vincent, North Perth, WA

Excellence in Improving Social Participation Award

Winner – Penrith City Council, Penrith, NSW
Finalist ‒ The Adelaide Festival, Adelaide, SA
Finalist ‒ Vital Statistix and Gaelle Mellis, Port Adelaide, SA

Excellence in Advocacy and Rights Promotion Award

Winner ‒ Robert Pask, Bentleigh East, VIC
Finalist – Kairsty Wilson, Melbourne, VIC
Finalist – Professor Christine Bigby, Melbourne, VIC

Excellence in Improving Employment Opportunities

Winner – ABLE- Westpac Group Employee Action Group for Access Ability (ABLE), National
Finalist – Key Employment, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Finalist – ANZ, National

Excellence in Improving Personal and Community Support Award

Winner – Hear For You, National
Finalist – Damon Taylor, Terranora, NSW
Finalist – Spinal Injuries Association, Wolloongabba, QLD

Excellence in Improving Education Outcomes Award

Winner –Down Syndrome Victoria, Fitzroy, VIC
Finalist – Growing Towards Wellness, Bunbury, WA
Finalist – St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Lochinvar, NSW

Excellence in Improving Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Award

Winner – Susan Race, St Albans, VIC
Finalist – Naomi Snell, Bayswater Nth, VIC
Finalist – MND Aware, Gladesville, NSW

Yooralla Media Award of Distinction

Winner – The Project, Network Ten

View the Media Release by Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, 26 November 2013 or view the 2013 Awards photo gallery.

2012

2012 Prime Minister’s Outstanding Achievement Award

Winner – Dr Rhonda Galbally, AO, Richmond, VIC.

Minister’s Award for Excellence in Disability Reform

Winner – Michael Small, Sandy Bay, Tas.
Winner – Samantha Jenkinson, Karrinyup, WA.

Emerging Leaders Award

Winner – Gerard O’Dwyer, Guildford, NSW
Finalist – Samantha Parsonage, Allambie Heights, NSW
Finalist – Audrey O’Connor, Denistone, NSW

Excellence in Accessible Communities Award

Winner – Safe Futures, Eastern Region, Vic
Finalist – Andrew Fulton, North Rocks, NSW
Finalist – Warringah Council, Dee Why, NSW

Excellence in Improving Social Participation

Winner – The Captioning Studio, Adelaide, SA
Winner – Australian Communication Exchange, Stones Corner, Qld
Finalist – The Other Film Festival, South Melbourne, Vic
Finalist – Alison Richardson, Parramatta, NSW

Excellence in Advocacy & Rights Promotion Award

Winner – Communication Rights Australia, Moorabbin, Vic
Finalist – Speak Out, Reach Out, Sydney, NSW
Finalist – Joy Clarke, Irymple, Vic

Excellence in Improving Employment Opportunities Award

Winner – Telstra Corporation, National
Finalist – Australian Dairy Buffalo Co. Millaa Millaa, Qld
Finalist – McDonalds, Erina, NSW

Excellence in Improving Personal and Community Support Award

Winner – Mary D’Elia, Hobart, Tas
Finalist – Scope Communication Resource Centre, Box Hill, Vic
Finalist – Australian Foundation for Disability, (AFFORD) Sydney, NSW

Excellence in Improving Education Outcomes Award

Winner – Geoffrey Warren, Clifton Hill, Vic
Finalist – RIDBC Renwick Centre (Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children/The University of Newcastle), NSW
Finalist – Angelo Gavrielatos, Southbank, Vic

Excellence in Improving Health Outcomes Award

Winner – Family Planning Qld, Fortitute Valley, Qld
Finalist – The Machado Joseph Disease Foundation, Groote Eylandt, NT
Finalist – Dr Michael Adams, Belair, SA

Yooralla Media Award

Yooralla Media Award of Distinction Winner – The Project, Network Ten, Vic

View the Media Release by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, 28 November 2012 or view the 2012 Awards photo gallery.

2011

Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award

Winner – Frank Hall-Bentick
Finalist – Marelle Thornton AM
Finalist – Michael Simpson, Enfield, NSW

Young Disability Challenge Award

Winner – Katrina Lancaster
Finalist – Elisha Bramhall
Finalist – Peter Hall

Business Award

Winner – Alcoa Aluminium Smelter – Point Henry
Finalist – Woolworths Ltd
Finalist – Ai-Media

Local Government Award

Winner – Mandurah City Council
Finalist – Lismore City Council
Finalist – City of Canada Bay Council

Social Inclusion Award

Winner – Technical Aid to the Disabled (ACT) Incorporated
Finalist – BRACE Education Training Employment
Finalist – Personalised Lifestyle Assistance

Inclusive and Accessible Communities Award

Winner – Housing Choices Australia
Finalist – Travability
Finalist – Touched By Olivia Foundation

Health and Wellbeing Award

Winner – Parks Victoria
Finalist – Growing Towards Wellness Pty Ltd
Finalist – City of Bayswater

Yooralla Media Award for Excellence

Winner – Nance Haxton
Finalist – Koren Helbig
Finalist – Max Futcher

Prime Minister’s Special Award

Mr John Walsh AM

View the Media Release by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, 22 November 2011 or view the 2011 Awards photo gallery.

2010

Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award

Winner – Mary Guy
Finalist – Frank Hall-Bentick

Young Disability Challenge Award

Winner – Laura Miller
Finalist – Timothy Sharp

Business Award – Large Business

Winner – Coles
Finalist – ANZ
Finalist – Haigh’s Chocolates

Business Award – Small Business

Winner – D.C.T Associates Pty Ltd
Finalist – Mandurah Taxis

Local Government Award

Winner – Ian Chill & Cairns Regional Council
Finalist – Penrith City Council
Finalist – City of Playford

Social Inclusion Award – School focus

Winner – Dianne McRoberts
Finalist – Sandra Newbery & Cranleigh School

Social Inclusion Award – Community Group focus

Winner – Sheila King
Finalist – Restless Dance Theatre
Finalist – Jenine Davis & Scouting for All

Accessible Housing Award

Winner – Angela Roennfeldt
Finalist – Community Housing Limited
Finalist – Landcom

TAC Yooralla Media Award for Excellence

Winner – Nic Falconer
Finalist – Natasha Mitchell

View the Media Release by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, 23 November 2010 or view the 2010 Awards photo gallery.

2009

Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award

Winner – Sue Gordon
Winner – Robert Strike
Finalist – Patricia Davies

Disability Rights Young Leader Award

Winner – Dudley Afford
Finalist – Amanda Wait
Finalist – Sereako Treloggen

Business Award

Winner – Tina Zeleznik
Finalist – Suzanne Colbert
Finalist – Steven Farrugia

Local Government Award

Winner – Michael Taggart
Finalist – Jackie Greenow
Finalist – Dr John MacPherson

Social Inclusion Award

Winner – Melissa Noonan
Finalist – Ann Slater
Finalist – Caroline Conlon

View the Media Release by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, 23 November 2009.

2008

Community Contribution Award

Winner – Bill Bradley
Finalist – Greg Killeen
Finalist – Mark Bagshaw
Finalist – Bobbie Blackson

Young Community Contribution Award

Winner – Sarah Cullen
Finalist – Sam Broughton
Finalist – Ping Lian Yeak

Inclusion Award

Winner – Katherine Fisher
Finalist – Sarah Barton
Finalist – Alan Robertson
Finalist – Pat Rix

Go Getter Award

Winner– Amethyst Barnbrook
Finalist – Glenn Corbett

Personal Achievement Award

Winner – Anne McDonald
Finalist – Janice Daisley

View the Media Release by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, 11 November 2008.

2007

Community Contribution Award

Winner – Keith Hayes
Finalist – Andrew Buchanan
Finalist – Stephen Brown
Finalist – Melissa Ryan

Young Community Contribution Award

Winner – Michael Curran
Finalist – Dawson Ko
Finalist – Chris Van Ingen
Finalist – James Vantol
Finalist – Sean Webber
Finalist – Joshua Yates

Inclusion Award

Winner – Dawn Brooks
Finalist – Philip French
Finalist – Peter Persson
Finalist – Richard Stubbs

Go Getter Award

Winner – Darren Lomman
Finalist – Alicia Hemmings
Finalist – Jayme Paris

Personal Achievement Award

Winner – Joel Satherley
Finalist – Michael Evans
Finalist – Kristian Kupsch
Finalist – Mike Rowney
Finalist – Carolyn Campbell-McLean
Finalist – Glynis Thyer

View the Media Release by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, 4 December 2007.