Meet our InspireAbility Nominees

Chris Silcock

Chris is our son. He lives with cerebral palsy.is He lives an independent and vibrant life. Until a few years ago….Covid gave the excuse for being unmotivated, tired and withdrawn . Slowly but surely friends dropped of and Chris was living a lonely existence . Six months ago his sight started to deteriorate. Communication ceased, impossible to ask or say anything he might need. Six weeks ago a brain tumour was discovered, neurosurgery was the only option, he went through seven hours of surgery and four days of ICU. Doctors and nurses became great allies of Chris as they observed his great determination to recover. The lost determination and motivation had returned in spades. He had relearnt to use his legs, he uses weights each morning and does his physio exercises,after this it’s time for ten minutes of meditation before breakfast where he’s learning new skills in the kitchen. To open the top of the milk container is like climbing another person’s Everest. He had contacted lost friends and been open to understanding the choices they had to make regarding him. He has been strong and humble whilst apologising for something out of his control. Our son is a man made of gold, like an Oscar statue. He has been given the gift of life and has grabbed it with both hands

Nominated By: Vicky Silcock

Mahmoud Hossein

My older brother was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy from an early age.He went through so many struggles growing up .He is one of 3 siblings who has this illness, myself included.Growing up was very hard for mahmood as he had to navigate life with a disability from such an early age.Through all the hardships he endured he managed to guide me and my brother to deal with our situation.So we can live our best lives ,same way he is! He was fortunate enough to find the love of his life and get married.Now he is a soon to be father.Definitely such an inspiration to all that a disability does not stop you from living a happy life

Nominated By: Sarah Houssein

Angel Thai

Angel was diagnosed with Autism by the age of 2. She has ID, ADHD, Non-verbal and has had many challenges throughout her life. ANGEL IS NOW 15 years old. Most recently she started having seizures and was diagnosed with Chiari 1 malformation where her brain deviating into the spinal canal. She has been in and out of hospital and is on many medications. She is overall a happy, and adorable young girl. She is a visual learner and is creative with her drawings and play dough. She enjoys music and loves to dance to music. Despite all the challenges Angel continues to teach me how life is so unpredictable, to live in the moment because yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't promised. Be grateful for what we do have.

Nominated By: Kim Nguyen

Marina Zaman

Marina is my 25y.o. daughter with severe uncontrolled epilepsy, anxiety and PTSD since she was 9y.o. She couldn't finish school because of her sickness. Few years ago she joined a Fusion theatre in Dandenong, which is for people with disabilities. She is a very talented person. She wrote songs and poems for their performances. Last year she got a role in a short film for e-safety website. This year she was chosen for a role in the ad for Workways company. Working in Fusion theatre with people with different disabilities changed her life. She got friends, also she found her purpose of life!

Nominated By: Laila Zaman

Seth Nixon

Seth has autism and has really struggled at school he was severely bullied .Seth has recently started at high school and is trying very hard to learn he can type very fast now and has learnt to read at home .Seth wants to be an actor when hes older in movies hes favourite is Marvel spiderman.I am very proud of Seth as he has had to ring a ambulance for me and spoke very well on the phone and got me help when I was so sick he has a big heart.Seth has a little nephew who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and he is so kind and helpful to him I attached a photo of them both thank you.

Nominated By: Michelle Long

Dahlia Mikha

My daughter has been a sufferer of Wilson’s disease for 23 years (she cannot speak and uses an aid to walk). Despite her restricted mobility, she goes to the gym four days per week, she got herself out of a wheelchair even though doctors said it was impossible, she’s completed three University degrees and a masters in art, she also self published her memoir in 2015. However, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2020. Even after harsh chemotherapy and a mastectomy she’s returned to the gym. Her determination is admirable but her positivity and cheeky smile are infectious. She’s always helping others, donates regularly to charity and sponsors a boy in the Phillipines.

Dahlia Mikha

Kymon Kalivas

My brother Kymon has overcome many challenges in life - from being diagnosed with nonverbal ASD at the age of 3 to a late diagnosis of Epilepsy in his early 20s. He inspires everyone he comes into contact with, and is an advocate for AAC (specifically facilitated communication) and accessibility within the arts and music industry.

Nominated By: Roxanne Kalivas

Matthew Crabtree

Matthew was born at 31 weeks via emergency c-section (after his twin brother passed away at 24wks in utero). Matthew suffered scepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, respiratory issues, hearing loss in left ear and spent the next month on cpap in Nicu. We weren't entirely sure of what the prognosis will be long term, although we had hopes for the best, we braced for the worst. When Matthew failed to reach his milestones, and we were told he is displaying signs of Autism and sensory processing disorder, and that his fine and gross motor skills were almost nonexistent when he was unable to walk or crawl, he then developed sleep apnea, and required surgery at age two. Matthew spent many months of rehab and myotherapy, as well as electrotherapy to stimulate his leg muscles, at the age of 24 months, he took his first step. The next few years seemed like a blur, between attending, speech appointments, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, pediatrics appointments, psychology appointments, swimming and social groups, Matthew required full time care, to wash, to dress, to eat, to sleep and to toilet, and to cope with the changing world around him. We bought Matthew a therapy dog to help Matthew with his anxiety and the instant bond was irreplaceable. As Matthew grew, so did his needs, it became more and more difficult to regulate his emotions and frustrations of not being able to do things for himself, and this resulted in Matthew requiring sensory brushing every 90 min, and within 6 months we saw an amazing improvement. Matthew attended half days at mainstream school and had supports in place to assist him, however after a couple of years, he was really unhappy, and as he could not independently toilet, the anxiety returned. We later found a school that would cater to his needs and this seemed to have a positive effect. Matthew started to thrive, before Covid hit, and then the next two years were once again a rollercoaster, Matthew spent a lot of time on therapy and learning through play, and through this he discovered a love for the military, WW2 and anything history and army related. He was then determined to join the Army Cadets when he turned 13yrs old, and worked really hard over the last 4 years to overcome many obstacles, the main being his self-care. The love for the military then became an obsession, as Matthew loves routine and structure, the rigidity of the system and how the tanks and weapons work - are his passion. His fascination doesn't stop there, he loves building Lego, watching things come to life. He will build, knock down and then rebuild over and over. This determination makes him extremely good in Maths, solving complex problems, as there is only ever one answer - unlike stories which may have multiple endings which Matthew doesn't cope with very well, as he struggles with the unknown. Today Matthew has learnt that it's ok to be different and unique, and he has achieved an exceptional level at school beyond his peers, he has been accepted to join the army cadets, he has played tennis in a team, joined the local soccer team, he continues to swim and he has even learnt how to ride a bike recently. Matthew has also had a break through in self-care and toileting last year, which enabled him to attend his first school camp independently, which he thoroughly loved. He continues with his allied health therapies, and is becoming more and more confident and independent each day. I am so proud of my son, who has overcome so much.

Nominated By: Diana Golis

Kadek Artayana

Kadek Artayana is a man living with blindness who inspires everyday people (abled and disabled alike), every day. He is from a background of severe poverty and has endured chronic cycles of traumatic events over his lifetime, that any regular human being would not survive. At the age of 10 and 20, he endured physical traumas to the left and then right eye, whilst going out of his way to serve and protect other vulnerable people within his community before himself. The culmination of these events took him to the edge, but he chose life and started again at the age of 30 with absolutely nothing and nobody at his side, not even support services. This is only the tip of the iceberg in understanding the severity of what this honourable, humble and kind hearted human being has survived. Despite everything he continues to go out of his way to serve and protect other vulnerable people within his community despite the challenges that this may bring up for himself, never seeking any recognition. 

Nominated By: Alison Warkcup

Caoimhe McCooey

Caoimhe is 19 years old. She has Down Syndrome, autism and several major health challenges, including coeliac disease and diabetes. Last year she was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer and stricture. This followed two years of lockdown and covid, in which both her grand-parents died. She has not been well enough to attend post-school training which has left her isolated and lonely. She has very good reasons to give up on life and feel angry and depressed. But not our Caoimhe. She has dealt with all this by giving back. Twice a week she turns up outside her local Woolworth's in Glen Huntley, Melbourne, with her microphone and busks to raise money for charities. To date, she has raised close to $7,000 for a collection of charities including Red Cross, Dementia Australia, and for those impacted by the recent earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria. Even when she is feeling unwell (which is often) she turns up to sing. So many people tell her she brightens their day. She has become quite a fixture. Her dedication to social justice is phenomenal. She researches her charities and decides who she wants to support. She is interested in politics and what is happening in the world. She cares deeply about people without always knowing how to express it. Performing gives her a voice and a purpose. Knowing that she is doing good work has kept her going in her darkest moments and she is an inspiration to us all.

Jessica Hooper

"I met Jessi 18 month ago. She is a motivated 22yo young woman who will not say no to any opportunity that comes her way. I had the pleasure of attending youth parliament with Jessi June last year. Jessi not only had a ball, but she made lasting relationships and left a lasting impression on all involved in the program. Jessi confidently shared her views in parliament on a variety of issues that weren’t only relevant to youth with a disability, but youth as a whole. I have watched her blossom in this short period of time from a shy/timid young women into a progressively confident young woman. Jessi is currently a DSR inclusive sport facilitator. She is well known to Glen Eira City council and has contributed as their young citizen of the year 2022. She is an aspiring/passionate artist, having sold many of her paintings as well as Christmas cards at CSCH. Jessi also teaches art there currently. If you think that’s one busy girl there, I’ll stop you. Jessi is also an aspiring Paralympian. We are currently at Melbourne airport about to board a flight to Tassie for a Boccia competition where Jessi has been personally invited to try out for the Australian Paralympic team for the next Paralympics in Paris next year!"

Jennifer Johnstone

"Jennifer has been mistreated and abused by doctors and her disabilities are more severe than they should have been because she was given the wrong surgical procedure. No accountability is taken and she has literally had to beg for help and still is to this very day. Jennifer has been told that she would never walk again 3 times and have succeeded in walking again. Doctors wrote her off and she proved them wrong. These are only a couple of things that she is dealing with. She has been dragged through court for 3 years without legal representation because she could not afford a lawyer due to being on a disability pension, unable to work and paying a mortgage solely on her own. Jennifer will soon be homeless as she has not been able to find another suitable house for her disabilities as a rental or purchase that she can afford. Due to so many people are applying for the same homes they chose abled bodied people over the disabled every time. Especially if you require a wheelchair inside the house like she does. She was very lucky to get the home she have but now she is facing losing it all for 53k. She is heartbroken and devastated with no support from family and have lost all of her friends that she had before she became disabled. Jennifer was a business owner before her accident and now has lost almost everything including friends and family. But she continues to fight daily life to best of her capabilities. She is currently She is currently striving to get back on her own feet one day at a time. Jennifer has been diagnosed with Paraplegia, Brain Injury and L2 fracture. Her children have cut her completely off from their lives. But she fights and moves forward in life daily. She lives by herself and provides for herself."

Robyn Horton

Robyn is living with reoccurring complex PTSD and yet everyday she tries to do something to help others. Be it by a friendly gesture, a helpful suggestion or actually helping someone in need. Robyn continues to try and find her inner joy in times when her PTSD feels overwhelming. She dresses in bright clothes, puts her best foot forward and leads by example. She lives with a lot of physical pain as well that is unnoticeable to the naked eye and pushes through the hard times. Robyn engages in art making, nature walking and finding ways to be part of the broader community. I wish her all the best as a nominee.

Nominated By: Jess McCreath

Austin Messemaker

I am the Support Coordinator for the Messemaker children. There are 3 children - Leah (10), Spencer (8) & Austin (DOB: 9.5.21). All 3 children are on the NDIS. Austin's parents are Jacquelyn and Ben Messemaker. Austin was born with Cerebral Palsy, and it presents as mixed type truncal hypotonia with peripheral hypertonia. He has a quadriplegia presentation. Austin has prominent adenoidal tissue, rhinitis and multifactorial sleep disordered breathing, as well as cortical vision impairment and hearing loss. Austin is peg fed due to delayed gastric emptying and GORD. He has Bulbar dysfunction, multifactorial global development delay, macrocephaly and severe separation anxiety. Austin has a large list of Assistive Technology required on a day-to-day basis, and attends therapies almost daily. He is unable to walk, crawl or sit independently, and requires constant supervision and care. His parents have reached crisis point trying to ensure Austin gets every support possible to live his best life. This has meant huge sacrifices - physical, emotional, relational and financial, for the entire family. It has also meant the older children are not able to get the full support they need, and that they are at risk of unintentional parental neglect. Despite this, the family rallies around to provide the best possible support for Austin. Since I met the family, Austin has continued to fight for a life his family were told he would never have. Now, thanks to the relentless determination, love and commitment of his family, Austin can utilise a special AT walker and move around the floor. Austin has recently been able to cope with tiny amounts of pureed food. Austin is able to sit aided for small periods of time. Despite all of his challenges, Austin is a truly delightful baby boy. His favourite book is 5 Little Ducks, and he laughs and smiles often. Austin's current NDIS plan is completely insufficient for his needs, and puts further financial stress on his already struggling family. His father works all day, and must come home and take over caring for the children due to his mother's significant back injury. Since Jacquelyn's injury in February (Ruptured discs from lifting and carrying Austin) she is unable to carry or lift him at all. She has had two recent hospital admissions of her own due to her injury. Support has been exhausted from informal and NDIS supports, and the family are in significant crisis - financially, physically and emotionally. Quality of life cannot be quantified by what we can attain in our life. It must be quantified by what we bring and contribute to others, despite our challenges. If this is the measure, Austin is a true inspiration. He is adored by his family, and continues to tolerate intensive therapies almost daily with patience and fortitude. I have been a Support Coordinator for several years now, and I work predominantly with complex high needs NDIS participants, but I can say I know of no more deserving candidate or family for this award, than Austin's. I urge you to seriously consider Austin and his family for this award.

Nominated By: Elke M

Brandon Lee

Brandon spent his primary and secondary years at school in non verbal classes, low functioning classes with no education. Brandon’s behaviours became violent, he was not heard and this was the only way he knew how to communicate his needs. By the age 16 he had gained no skills, no education given at school, unregulated all the time, behaviours were extreme he was dying on the inside. He was removed from school and with one on one Brandon began to gain some speech, communicate, read, maths and become active. While he is unable to cycle independently he rides a tandem and rides near 10,000km a year. Brandon’s behaviors' have drastically reduced. Brandon wants a adults to know with the right support anything is achievable, if you have an adult with no agenda and allows you to be heard, watches those non verbal cues and pays attention you too can be amazing.

Nominated By:

Fay Baikie

Fay deserves praise for her individual journey towards self-healing. Fay always inspires herself to contribute to the larger community in which she lives by championing the causes of others. Fay is a skilled motivator who adores her two dogs and occasionally speaks for the local dog park community. Fays is a tenacious and dependable person. It is important to appreciate and pay attention to Fay's voice.

Nominated By: Carli Cen

Serina Maddocks

I have never been good at talking about my achievements or story. Around 7 years ago i became extremely unwell. In and out of hospitals and bedridden for a year but what felt like forever. Struggling with PTSD, anxiety,depression, autoamune disease and heart conditions, the doctors and everyone told me my life was over that i couldn't work or have a normal life i was put on disability payments and NDIS. I felt like i couldn't leave the house because i couldn't trust my own body i wasnt even aloud to shower alone. Most days going to the kitchen i was at risk of falling down flights of stairs. Fast forward to when i finally trusted the help of others and my own perseverance and making better life choices i was able to prove them wrong. And if it wasnt for NDIS this wouldn't have been possible. Im far from all the way better i still struggle. But i really wanted to pay it forward with what i could and i thought what better way to do this than become a support worker myself and help and inspire others to get better. I finished a year of studies and familiarised myself with how the ndis works so i could help others have a better understanding of their rights. Then disaster stuck with my 28 yr old brother he was hospitalised with the idea that he wouldn't be aloud into the community again. And none of my family where capable or willing to take on this big task of becoming his legal gardian. So with no idea what i was doing i took on that job too. He spent 6 months in hospital before i was finally able to get him SILs housing and behavioural plans so that people were able to feel safe around him. This all was a big struggle for me. But we made it. And it hasnt stopped there iv spent countless hours on hospital floors trying to calm him, 1000s of meetings phone calls and damage control situations everyday its only recently people have recognised the pressure, stress and time that gose into being a legal gardian or support worker for high needs and the mental and physical toll that comes with it ontop of your own personal struggles.. but i wouldn't change any of it. My brother is safe and living as best life he can. And iv helped many other people overcome so much being a support worker. And it wouldn't have happened if i didn't have support myself.

Tristen Cobb

Tristen was born with no detectable heart beat and was pronounced dead on arrival. Due to the lack of oxygen to Tristen brain he was diagnosed with Dystonia the comes under the cerebral palsy umbrella. Tristen was placed on a bed of ice bringing his core body temperature down to 33 degres. This prevents further brain damage. At two weeks of age Tristen was discharged from hospital, within 12 houses later Tristen was then back in emergency. It wasn’t until a further 24 hours later that the drs realised that Tristen had a perforated bowel. Due to it being Christmas Eve Tristen required a stoma. This required surgery and and implanting a stoma. This stoma was reversed at the age of 12 weeks requiring surgery again. Tristen had a hearing test at years of age and it was discovered that he had a severe hearing loss requiring bilateral hearing aids. Tristen had sleep apnea and needed to have his tonsils and adenoids removed as his oxygen levels dropped to 44 percent when he slept. The lack of oxygen can lead to brain decay. Two days before Tristen’s 5th birthday Tristen was in the family pool in the front yard although there were 5 adults in the area Tristen jumped into the pool without anyone seeing him do this. Tristen was unable to come to the surface due to a condition called childhood tic disorder and was therefore found on the bottom of the pool. He had drowned and inhaled water CPR was administered and Tristen came back to life due the CPR. Tristen has since had 2 more surgeries since this event. He is now 8 years of age and he loves life. He loves to play soccer. He is loved by his teachers and friends. He is tenacious and driven he is intrinsically motivated. He simply sees that they his body works is different from others but he does not see himself as broken or disadvantaged in any way. He kind and compassionate he makes a wonderful friend he is my best friend and my hero.

Nominated By: Tamara Cobb

Emily Dale

Emily is a young lady with a degenerative condition who has spent significant time in hospitals. Her conditions are complex, uncommon and debilitating. These conditions have meant that Emily has been robbed of many opportunities that we all take for granted. Emily has shown significant resilience through all she has been through. She is also a very strong self advocate, speaking up when people and the system let her down. Additionally, Emily is passionate about educating people and sharing knowledge to ensure that other people in situations like hers, are aware of supports, services and their rights. Emily has volunteered on numerous occasions to speak to my staff and to other sufferers. She inspires others by showing that although these conditions are devastating, that with positivity, grit and humility, you can live your best life.

Nominated By: Amber

Juan Harris

Juan currently has lost 87% of his vision on the right eye and some memory loss. He goes thru life's challenges and faces them with courage daily. He pushes himself and exerts effort to go about his daily life and get things done like chores and errands. Though, he does have 2 support workers form the NDIS that comes to him twice a week to assist, majority of the time he is by himself in his home working to get things done. Juan is striving to accept the pain of having to lose vision on his right eye daily. But he keeps pushing to be better despite his disability.

Nominated By: Vincent Ramos

Samson Hailu

Samson is an active member of his community participating in disability advocacy working for VALID and other organisations in the past. Currently Samson is studying HR Management to better support individuals with disabilities working in the and out of the sector. Samson supports people with disabilities who want to start their own business; connecting them to stakeholders and providing ongoing support to encourage them to "reach for the stars" (as he likes to say). Samson is also running a music group, connecting like-minded individuals to share their love for music and producing. Samson is a huge inspiration for all people with disabilities but especially for those with cerebral palsy. Samson has never let his disability limit him in what he wants to do and achieve. Samson has such a passion for disability advocacy.

Mahmoud Murad

Mahmoud is a refugee with lived experience. Since he got to Australia, he supported the new migrants' community and created a website to translate important news and settlement tips. He is a social advocate for people with disability and establishing leader of the Arabic Disability Forum and Syrian community network (DUBARAH), Mahmoud is engaged with University of Sydney's research about people with disability from CALD community.

Nominated By: Hasan Hawatmeh

Tony Meli

"Tony is a 55year old deaf blind man living his best life. Happily married to his beloved wife, Angie, proud Father and step-father of 5. He adores his grandchildren, a cold beer, and spending time working in his yard and with timber; his passion in life. Tony is a self sufficient, independent, intellectual and witty man. He loves a good laugh! He is unbelievably strong; not only physically but mentally. Tony relies on tactile/hand over hand auslan interpreters to communicate with the world. This is more isolating than most people will ever understand yet Tony has an amazingly positive outlook on life. Can you imagine living in a world of silent darkness? Tony spends most of his time building ornate timber furniture, fruit bowls, chopping and grazing boards. Watching him safely an competently use his complex machinery is mind blowing! His woodwork skills would give a lot of carpenters a run for their money! Tony would love to be considered for this award to purchase a new piece of machinery he has had his eye on for quite a while now - but is very much unaffordable.

Nominated By: Candi Sione

Tracey Booth

I would like to nominate myself for this award because NDIS has transformed my life one thousand fold. I have suffered from mental illness, caused by complex trauma, for decades. I also have had severe osteoarthritis since around the age of 30. For many years I was forced to live in SRF accommodation, I had no other option. Nowadays I live in SIL housing and I've never been happier.

Bella Scheppers Rowe

My 14yr old granddaughter who has been with me since she was 5mths old . Born with FASD & diagnosed with ADHD and ID , ODD, Behaviour Issues, Anxiety, Essential Tremor. She has had a lot of challenges in her life and I can stay she has overcome many of the above which I am very proud of her.. Her hardest challenge began when she was 10 . She woke up one morning like she had a stroke down left side and had abnormal walk & kept falling over . So after many appointments with dr and specialist & hospital stays she was diagnosed with FND.. Functional Neurology .. So this means she can’t walk long distance with out assistance of her wheelchair. She had to give up playing her normal sports eg football basketball & now plays all abilities football & baseball & still struggles, but nothing will stop her and she has so much strength and determination. I just found new therapy for her in Wollongong & it’s a new technology through ROBOFIT.. I have flown her to Wollongong to start with ROBOFIT & it’s a week block of 2 hr sessions each day .. Bella is completely exhausted after each day , but she gets up the next morning with smile on her face to start a new day .. Bella is inspiration to her peers at school as she never gives up ..

Nominated By: Jenny Cheshire

Nathanael Foster

His name is nathanael growing up he had real life challenges with his gender of being different and picked on for it. Nathanael has faced homelessness which resulted in substance abuse which coursed his metal health to deteriorate he made several attempts to commit suicide has been admitted to hospital too many times and been severely attacked while boarding with people. Since he has been with the ndis and has had support it has made him feel like life is worth living he is currently in a sil house and his improvement is getting better every day. He is an inspiration to me and the challenges he has faced I'm so proud of him.

Nominated By: Mary Foster

Harry Dudley

"Harry is a remarkable 14-year-old boy who has overcome significant challenges to become an inspiration to his small-town community. Living with Spina Bifida, Harry has become a powerful voice advocating for accessibility and inclusivity for disabled youth. His tireless efforts over six months secured several disabled car parks for Bright Prep-12 College, making it more accessible for future generations. But Harry's advocacy doesn't stop there. As a member of the Resilient Alpine Youth Squad, Harry works alongside other young people to create opportunities for building resilience and proving that young people are agents of change in overcoming future challenges. Harry's passion and determination extend beyond advocacy work. He excels in wheelchair tennis, competing year-round and training most days of the week, showcasing his unwavering commitment to achieving his goals. And his willingness to volunteer his time and expertise to help organise and run a Colour Fun Run to raise awareness for mental health, using his wheelchair to move equipment and showing off his impressive technological skills in setting up the live music gear, Harry has left a lasting impression on everyone who worked with him. Harry's perseverance, passion, and dedication are a true inspiration to us all. Despite facing significant barriers, he has proven that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a willingness to help others."

Nominated By: Lara May

Ayba Palhke

My daughter Ayba has asd apd dyslexia odd executive functioning disorder. And her dedication and hard work has over come many obstacles from not reading and and didn't want to join into sports to be achieving great awards getting into all sports has been selected to go to creative generation this year has managed to go to states for little athletics last year. Is always trying to achieve that next level up its been a struggle with not having the funding needed to support her but it gave me more knowledge skills in order to get her to these great achievements even getting A's in school as I still support her on anything she needs there are always things I can't buy for her to help regulate her intense behaviors' at times but we are resilent and will get through it like dv stuff loosing car in floods as we have each other.

Julie Smith

Glenn Jones

Left leg amputee and chariot left foot badly damaged left shoulder after a work related accident but for the last 10 YEARS has been a volunteer and great mentor for the local Aboriginal community in the Midwest of WA

Nominated By: Carla Jones

Connor Dempster

"Connor Dempster, a year 4 student at Holy Trinity Lutheran College in Horsham, is a young but remarkable individual who is determined to share his story of living with autism and ADHD. Despite his young age, Connor has shown an incredible amount of bravery and resilience by taking every opportunity he can to raise awareness and help others understand what it is like to live with these conditions. One of the ways that Connor has chosen to share his journey with autism and ADHD is by giving an oral presentation to his classmates. In doing so, he has helped them to understand what he experiences and how they can better support him. This is an impressive act of self-advocacy, especially for someone so young. Recently, Connor went even further by setting up and managing a sensory tent at the Annual Horsham Show. The tent was designed to provide a safe and calming space for children like him with autism and ADHD. In doing so, he not only raised awareness about these conditions but also created a tangible solution to help those who share his experiences. When asked about his experience, Connor said that ""being brave is feeling scared and doing it anyway."" This statement demonstrates his incredible courage and determination to make a positive impact on the world around him. His efforts are a true inspiration to both his peers and the wider community of Horsham. Connor's story is an example of how one person, regardless of age, can make a significant difference in the world. By sharing his journey with autism and ADHD, he is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society. His actions demonstrate that with courage and determination, anything is possible, and that everyone has the power to make a positive change."

Nominated By: Bart Turgoo

Keeley Johnson

"Keeley, an inspiring young lady diagnosed with Autism and a mild Intellectual Disability and ndis recipient created an organisation called Keeleys Cause to support children with similar diagnoses of low socioeconomic families with iPads across Australia after her own personal journey with the inability to learn current taught curriculums without the use of technology Keeley wants to ensure no child with a disability is left behind and receives an education tailored to their individual needs to enhance education and employment outcomes and to fulfil their dreams of becoming someone someday despite their disability Such a selfless giving person with a huge heart and passion for others"

Nominated By: Sharon Murphy

Julie Morris

"Julie Morris is the most amazing, inspiring person that I have ever met, and I have the privilege of calling her friend. I have known her for 33 years and she has always had the sunniest disposition, a smile on her face and the most positive attitude towards life in general. When I met Julie, she had been divorced after a lonely, loveless and mentally abusive marriage. Julie raised two little girls 4 and 5 on her own as her ex-husband wanted nothing to do with them. She struggled bringing up her children with only a single mother's pension to help her and struggling with societies stigma of being a single mum. Low self-esteem and hating who she was Julie picked herself up and decided to return to work not only for her sake but her children. She wanted to teach and instill good morals and standards. With hope and love in her heart Julie applied for a position that she never thought she would get, as a funeral arranger for Le Pines funerals. This suited Julie's personality perfectly as she comforted and nurtured her relationship with her clients. This was a turning point for Julie as she soon fell in love with her work colleague and with his help learnt to trust again. A year later they married. After a blissful year of marriage and in the space of hours Julie became ill. She couldn't even pick up a knife. She was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid arthritis. Her body was turning on herself. As time went on Julie also developed Osteo arthritis and was prone to spontaneous fractures in her hips and feet. This meant that she could be walking, and her bones would crack. Julie was suffering immense pain and had been put on high doses of pain medication, just to get through the day. This combined with other trials such as cortisone and gold injections took a toll on Julie physically but never mentally. Her motto was ""I'm not going to let the bastard beat me"". Julie always lived in the hope that new and better drugs would be developed and she would be cured. She never for a minute gave up on hope, life , friends or family. Feeling sorry for herself was not an option. Negativity in her life was also never tolerated. Julie went through numerous visits to hospital, 17 surgeries on her feet, an amputation to her toe, sometimes literally at deaths door, going through the white light. All the years of unbearable pain and tribulations, doctors advice to cease work, Julie was still working until she could work no more. To this day Julie, now in a wheelchair, walker, walking stick depending on the day and circumstances still laughs, smiles and seizes the day as if there is no tomorrow always with the hope of a cure. If a stranger walked up to her they would never know that she was in agonizing pain and that life has dealt her some terrible blows. Julie is loving, caring, happy and an inspiration to anyone that meets her. Her love and goodness shines through everyday. In the 33 years of knowing Julie I have never heard her complain, or resent life or the situation she finds herself in. Today after 32 years of marriage with an extraordinary man who has now become her carer, Julie still instills love compassion and hope to anyone that she meets. She is and always will be an inspiration. She is my hero."

Nominated By: Mara Amedeo

Lachlan Hunter

"Lachlan is a charismatic autistic/ADHD 10-year-old. Lachlan has been repeatedly let down by the education system and the supports around him. Lachlan suffers extreme ptsd. There is absolutely no need for a child at his age to experience the kinds of things he has been put through. Regardless. Lachlan has maintained a strong internal resilience despite the challenges he faces with his disabilities. Lachlan's sense of justice developed at a young age. He is mindful and considerate of those less fortunate than himself. And Lachlan is certainly not afraid to tell people what he thinks! Lachlan is our inspiration. His family. Because of him we have had to accept our own flaws. He holds everyone around him accountable. As his mum, raising him has been like looking in a mirror. He exposed my own vulnerability, and he brought awareness to my own disabilities and the need for me to address my own childhood trauma. And together, we walk side by side, travelling and learning about the world through the lens of two neurodivergent humans. Lachlan deserves this more than anyone else I could think of. He needs to be recognised for his bravery and to be encouraged that his fighting spirit will always shine in the face of adversity. I want Lachlan to know how much people love him, wherever he goes. And that even if he realises it or not, has been the driving force of change in so many different settings. Please consider our little soldier. He has an amazing spirit. And he really does deserve that recognition."

Nominated By: Natalie Hunter

Milos Bolic

Milos has been running ello care and is always putting this clients before him self and his family. Milos is always making sure his clients are happy and have what they need.if his clients need anything he makes sure it happens. Milos has help one client get there diabetes under control where before the client came to ello care the clients sugars were 32.1 and now they are 8.2's. Milos works after office hours just to look after his clients

Nominated By: Dylan Thomas

Alice Theunens

I am a 70 year old double amputee..lost my legs due to negligence of an army doctor while serving in the army.. because I wasn't believed when presenting with pain I struggled on ...had many operations finally losing my first leg in 1992....I was a sole parent of a 12 year old at the time....it wasn't easy but I did it...in the year 2000 i lost my second leg.....in 2003 my mother got very ill and was in and out of hospital they wanted to put her in a nursing home but I wouldn't allow it....I kept her home with me and even though towards the end in 2005 it was getting very hard as she needed to be showrred dressed fed etc ....but I'm proud to say I kept her home right till the end....being in a wheelchair as I cannot have artificial limbs prosthesis it was very hard doing all this as she struggled to walk with her walker....but I went behind her in my wheelchair and whenever she fell she landed on my lap in the chair....this was very challenging but I'm proud to say I did it all because I loved my mother so very much...I live all alone I cook I clean I shop and I drive a hand controlled van from my wheelchair....I do most things myself but do have NDIS to help whenever I need...life can be a challenge at times but have learnt to live with most things...I have been through about 35 operations in my life but bounce back every time....I'm pretty proud of getting on with my life and doing all I can

Kathryn Jane Doyle

Kathryn (Kate-preferred name) was born with digeorge syndrome. DiGeorge is a chromosomal disorder that results in poor development of several bodily systems. There is also delayed development with behavioural and emotional problems. Kate was not diagnosed with digeorge syndrome until very much later on in her life and struggled immensely with learning difficulties at school. Even as an adult Kate still struggles with learning difficulties and sometimes basic tasks and activities. Kate was abused as a child which initially started the root case of her depression. Another major difficult time for Kate in her life was when her son was born, he was also diagnosed with digeorge syndrome, and 3 months after he was born, her little boy passed away as a result of having a hole in his heart. Not long after that Kate started feeling unwell mentally. She started having panic attacks and she just knew that something wasn't right. Not long after Kate was diagnosed with bipolar syndrome. After her son passed away Kate went back into childcare work but found that it was too upsetting working with children, as it reminded her of her son and as a result it made her very anxious and depressed even more. But not long after everything started becoming too much for Kate. The trauma of her childhood abuse, the struggles with digeorge, both physically and mentally, losing her child, dealing with bipolar, and then finally her marriage ending. Everything became too much for Kate and as a result she was having continuous psychotic episodes, depression and anxiety and up in a care unit for 4 years. At the care unit Kate was told that she had Parkinson's disease and was told that she could never drive, work or live on her own. This led to Kate feeling more worse and Kate spiralled into more psychotic episodes and depression. One day after 4 years, Kate was told at the care unit that she was midiagnosed and did not have Parkinson's at all, and that the initial problem was that her medication that she was given was causing all the symptoms of Parkinson's. Kate was extremely mortified by this misdiagnosis and very disappointed that the medication was not managed and assessed properly. Kate was extremely happy once she was out of the care unit and back in the real world. Kate met a gentleman and they started a relationship which started off well but after some time Kate came to realise the things were not what they seemed. Kate started living in a caravan park with this gentleman and was in a very abusive relationship both mentally and physically. This man had isolated Kate from all her family and friends and took control of her life. It hadn't taken very long for this man to realise to recognise that Kate had both physical and intellectual disabilities, and he was unfortunately a predator who took advantage of women with disabilities, especially those who had money. Kate was regularly abused both physically and mentally. This man took it upon himself to play doctors and took Kate's medication away from her and told her she didn't need to take any medication for her bipolar. Kate was not feeling well, went downhill, and had started to regular get seizures. Kate knew something was not right. One day she caught this man putting something into her food. He had been drugging her the whole time. That's why Kate was not feeling well at all and was constantly having seizures. This man was a horrible person who did awful things to her and other women with disabilities in the past and even killed animals. After Kate saw him drugging her food, she finally made her escape one day and ran out of the house and got some help. As a result of this horrible experience with this man, Kate still suffers from seizures time to time. Kate has an upcoming court case this year with this man. She's being very brave and not only trying to get Justice for herself but also for other woman that have been taken advantage of buy this man.Kate is doing her very best to build her confidence and live independently. Kate lives on her own, is renting a property and is trying to rebuild her life. Kate is always trying to apply for jobs but unfortunately has not been very successful in that department. Kate is in the process of doing a children's short story writing course. She seems to be enjoying that a lot. She is trying to overcome her intellectual disabilities and setting herself a goal to finish this course. It is Kate's life long dream to be able to write a children's short story and have it published. I have been Kate's disability support worker for 1 year and 2 months now. I have found Kate to be an extremely strong, determined woman who has struggled with many unfortunate events in her life. Yet despite all of this she still wakes up every day trying to see the positive in her life. I am very proud of Kate for never giving up, and I hope that Kate can be an inspiration to many others who have gone thru similar misfortunes in their life. Kate is a remarkable soul.

Nominated By: Tegan Ibrahim

Robyn

I have seen Robyn grow in confidence and self worth through her art. Creativity seems to have brought out the best in her and help conquer her mental health issues.

Nominated By: Penny A

James Tuft

James Tuft is non-verbal person with an intellectual disability. He lives in supported accommodation and commits his free time working in the Moruya’s community accessibility garden. James has been part of building a sustainable food system and his contribution has provided education around environmental initiatives working away from eco-ablism, and inaccessible sustainable food systems for persons with a disability who are twice as likely to struggle with poverty. You can often see James working with community, showing volunteers how to key sign. As everyone gets busy gardening, networking, and discussing issues within community, you often hear James being cheeky with his Simpson Nelsons “ha-ha” reminding us to take time out in not being so serious.

Nominated By: Nicole Dawson

Lachlan Humphrey

"Lachlan is an 11 year old boy woth ASD/ADHD and now PTSD. Lachlan attended a camp where he was assaulted over 5 days by fellow campers. Since the camp he has had to overcome many different hurdles. Panic attacks, nightmares, injuries, self harm/suicide attempts. All through this he has stayed strong in the battle to ensure that he told his story to all that he could to ensure that the camp was fixed before it could happen to anyone else. He has had an advocate help him along the way to report to commissioners and human rights authorities. He told his story to the Herald Sun who printed his story in February this year."

Nominated By: Tanya Humphrey

Cassandra Hayes

Cass is a sexual abuse survivor, who has a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. This has prevented her from living a life that she deserves, as she feels unworthy and self harm weekly she feels is her only way out. Cass has had an intense stay of 4 months in a psychiatric ward and is now homeless, as her housemate of 2 years cannot handle the frequent visits from emergency services to the home. So far Cass has been unsuccessful in gaining housing in her plan and is really struggling to stay alive due to so many stresses in her life. I have supported Cass for the past 6 months and have supported her to get through every day as best she can. In the past 2 weeks with intense support from myself she has not self harmed once, despite the constant urge to. I am so proud of her, as she has faced her toughest fears and has been trying new techniques and strategies with me to prevent her urges and try new ways to cope in her darkest moments. Cass deserves a place she can finally call home and I will continue to fight the battle with her until this is achieved

Nominated By: Melissa Johnston

Angie Summers

Life full of hardships, single mother, unwavering spirit

Nominated By: Noah Kemp

Jonathan Thompson

"“I must be dreaming!” These were the words Jonathan uttered when he heard he was a recipient in the Frankston City Council Artist Project Grant.He just couldn’t believe he had been chosen. He was on cloud nine for days! His initial dream to have his own solo exhibition had finally come true thanks to the generosity of the Council. Jonathan was born on February 20th 1980, with ACC, a rare congenital abnormality in which there is complete absence of the Corpus Callosum. This is the area of the brain that joins both hemispheres.The Corpus Callosum is important for processing & integrating sensory, motor & cognitive information. Due to his disability Jonathan faces many challenges including ADD, OCD, skeletal defects, poor motor coordination, low muscle tone, gross & fine motor problems ,depth of perception, autism like behaviours, as well as many other issues. We were told when he was an infant that he would never walk or talk! Despite his obvious challenges Jonathan loves life.He has a passionate interest in people & their lives & tries to express himself through his unique creative processes. He has been interested in art from an early age, always keen to try something different & experiment with various materials & mediums. Originally he would collect Barbie dolls & dress them in elaborate costumes that he made from scraps of material & masking tape! Jonathan’s turning point came when he joined Arts Access Get Out program over 20 years ago. Through this he has been incredibly fortunate to be involved with many amazingly talented artists who have encouraged & inspired him to develop his own creative style. Thanks to the NDIS he was able to secure funding for a mentor & develop his plan for a solo exhibition. It was at the start of COVID that Jonathan was introduced to hi current mentor Mark. Jonathan had reached a stage where he was prolifically making models but not sure how to proceed from there. The majority of which are made from aluminium foil & meticulously wrapped in masking tape. Recognising a similarity in how they both created works, Mark introduced Jonathan to the idea of casting his works in bronze & other metals. Mark has been incredibly supportive of Jonathan & encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone & try new techniques 2022 marked a milestone for Jonathan’s artistic career, as he was shortlisted for the Tom Bass prize in Sydney & had his own exhibition at Frankston Arts Centre. He currently has two of his sculptures in the Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition in Yinnar & was awarded the Ngarga Warendj encouragement award. Jonathan never stops dreaming His desire now is to create a large public sculpture in the community. He says he wants to be a famous artist Maybe he will!"

Nominated By: Anne Thompson

Trudy O'shea

Trudy runs Peninsula Cat Rescue, a not for profit volunteer run shelter for abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens. Trudy is a self-less, caring and wonderful person who always puts everyone (and every feline!) first. She is an inspiring person who has managed to overcome so many obstacles and yet still finds a way to ensure that everyone else's needs are met. Trudy is an intelligent, articulate and strong-willed person who faces challenges everyday head on.

Nominated By: Kristine Bowey

Brodie Lunn

Brodie is 24 He is non speaking and has high support needs Brodie has challenging behaviour and requires 1:1 supports Brodie has a lawn mowing business and two days a week he mows up to 7 lawns a day He has flown the world including America England Paris Singapore Bali As well as extensively travelled Australia Brodie can independently ride a quad bike and a small motorcycle He loves roller coasters and went to Disney land in LA and Paris Brodie is evidence high support needs don’t mean a lack of ability Just need to right support to accomplish anything

Nominated By: Zoe Sandell

Jessica Grant

"Where do I begin? Jess was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at just 2 years old. It affected every single joint and is still considered to be one of the worst cases in Australia. Her deformities means she cannot perform many tasks we take for granted but she doesn’t let it stop her! She’s just finishing up a teaching degree, it’s been tough with balancing pain management and surgeries for joint replacements, but she’s finally on the home stretch. She loves to act and has just spent the last 6 months performing in 3 different shows, playing the lead in one. Despite her fatigue and constant soreness, she just keeps going. I am her career and I couldn’t find a more inspiring person. She never lets it get her down and throws herself into anything and everything. She also has an amazing voice and uses it to busk. She spent her entire childhood and most of her teen years in a wheelchair (she is 37 now) and after hard work and determination, multiple joint replacements, and horrible medications, she can walk. This means she takes every chance she can to be mobile, even dancing in musicals! She also does so so much for others. Would give them her last anything just to make sure they would be ok. She goes out of her way to be nice and whilst she doesn’t ask for anything in return, I have seen her bullied, hurt, picked on, heart broken and constantly just left by herself but she keeps caring and helping. She is just simply amazing and truly deserving of even a tiny bit of recognition."

Nominated By: Richard Mohr

Alex Richter

"Alex is a positive young man who is living with Spinal Cord Injury, sustained in a mountain biking accident. Alex is currently studying a double degree at University, and has taken part in our first ever internship for people with SCI at Royal Rehab - Sargood on Collaroy. Alex has used his time with us to develop exciting programs and improvements for his peers with a wide range of injury levels. Of particular note is how he worked with our OT, Dave Simpson, to design a way to fly a drone using chin/mouth controls only. This positive attitude to not just personally strive, but see benefits for others in the work he is doing, is a testament to his selfless and never-give-up attitude! This was recognised when Dr David Putrino (Director of Rehabilitation Innovation for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York), visited Royal Rehab and Sargood in March, seeing first-hand the innovation and positivity Alex has. Alex also appeared in a recent episode of The Project on Channel 10, and this same attitude can be seen and was commented on by the presenters. You can view the segment here: https://10play.com.au/theproject/articles/new-trial-gives-hope-to-people-with-spinal-cord-injuries/tpa230413sjprn. I am nominating Alex Richter for this award, because his infectious enthusiasm, friendliness, selflessness, unapploigetic drive to be innovative and try new things that lead to independence for (not only him, but others with disability), should be recognised publicly."

Nominated By: James Dakin

Dorian Sutton

"Dorian was born with Autism, ADHD and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and has complex physical and mental health challenges. In his early 20s he became very sick and was hospitalised for developing T1 diabetes and other auto-immune health complications. Dorian has survived a great deal of hardships and setbacks, including poverty, homelessness, trauma, and gender transition, and doesn't take anything for granted. He is filled with determination to live his best life, and fights hard to achieve his goals. Dorian is quick with a smile, always eager to encourage and uplift those around him. He is committed to advocacy and social inclusion, and volunteers with community groups whenever he can. With the help of the NDIS he is learning to drive and is thrilled about the freedom this will bring. He recently finished writing a novel, and hopes to have it published soon. He loves poetry and art of all kinds and is always eager to share. Dorian aspires to encourage everyone they meet to live their authentic truth, be the best version of themselves, and to make the world a kinder place."

Nominated By: Kyle Evans

Jared Guiste

Jared has up and down issues with health most of his life,however he is great full for his life, being type1 diabetic and a lung problem,his body muscle mass is failing hence walking and standing is not easy he wears braces on his leks to try to be normal, however the braces cause the diabetic wound ulcers continuall, henc this could take 7 months with continuous dressings to heal,so keeping the jobs he loves is sometimes hard, he recently also has had an eye removed wich also did not hel his mental health,he will be an amputee, in the future,dew to the muscle function failing, however he still strives to have what he can as far as being normal, like us im so proud of him sometimes he wants to give up, but there is still that compassion for lifr, i no there are people worse off, but it saddens me to see him when he gets more bad news, as i said he keeps on going.

Nominated By: Sharon Guiste

Nadia Semmens

Nadia had a stroke and was told she wouldn’t walk or talk again by the Doctors. She even had part of her frontal lobe removed. Over the 6 months I’ve been supporting her, I’ve been in awe of how much progress she has done. She walks, talks and she inspires me how determined she is with improving herself on a daily basis by always doing her exercises and then some more. Nadia has goals that she has achieved on a weekly + monthly & yearly basis. I find she inspires other people who have had strokes to exercise more and push themselves as they’ve seen how much progress Nadia has made. I’m even encouraging her to start a YouTube channel so she can inspire more people who have had a stroke that there is hope & it’s not going to happen overnight but there is constant progress.

Nominated By: Helen Buchanan

Shenee Geerin

We nearly lost our beautiful girl just on 20 years ago in a high speed MVA the day we were moving to Queensland. She had multiple life threatening injuries including ABI and never complains and always put others first. Shenee has raised lots of money for kids with cancer with Respite formally the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund and being the National Winner for 4 years running taking her mind off her own problems. After this Shenee wanted to collect collect new pyjamas and wanted to take them personally to the kids at Royal Brisbane children's Hospital. She has changed many peoples lives. Now a few of Shenee's injury's over time have got that bad she is waiting to have major surgery including a jaw replaced and the foot they nearly amputated after the accident fused because now she has bone on bone and is very painful when she walks and now needs a wheel chair. She had a cornea transplant last year and the surgeon is very very happy with the progress. Shenee has been is constant pain and in recent years because her injuries have got worse suffers from chronic pain 24/7. Her dad and I are so proud of our brave girl because she has finally agreed to let support workers to take her out which is a huge achievement. Shenee is a living, selfless beautiful girl who always puts others before herself and has definitely overcome adversity.

Nominated By: Lea Geerin

Ramsey Jackson

"Ramsey is 19 months old, fun, loving, happy an inspiring. Ramsey was born with myelomeningocele Spina Biffida, Chiarli malformation type 2 an Hydrocephalus. His had open spinal Surgury, three brain surgurys an is shunted. Ramsey just loves to play an be included. His rolling for independance an a more accessible community for people with spinal injuries that are also mobility aid dependent."

Nominated By: Mikka Price

Fiona Denmark

Fiona is legally blind but manages her own business which inspires and coaches people to be the best they can no matter what obstacles that face. Fiona roles models and coaches that you can achieve your dreams and live a fulfilled life if you have focus, are resilient, set goals, and follow strategies. Fiona is an inspirational speaker and coach.

Nominated By: Travis Walton

Matthew Blakemore

Matthew has created the life that he wants that brings him achievement, independence and confidence through his work, advocacy, travel and sports interests. Matthew is positive in his identity as a young person who is Autistic and has an intellectual disability and constantly challenges himself to grow and learn as a person. Matthew works full time with a stone mason company, weekend night shifts with McDonalds and qualified for NSW State level athletics for shot put and discus. In 2022 he was funded by AFDO (Australian Federation of Disability organisations) to speak at the NDIS Job Summit at Parliament House. He is passionate that other young people have opportunities to gain work in their areas of interests. Matthew recently travelled to the UK and Malta as a solo traveller and enjoys experiencing new places and people. Matthew believes that by living a good life he shows his colleagues and friendship group one example of what they too can do and achieve with the supports they require.

Nominated By: Monique Blakemore

Kirra Wright

"Kirra is a young female who has cerbral palsy, auditory process delay,left encephalomalacia from brain AVM, spasticity and left side heminophia. Kirra is an incredibly brave and resilient young teenager who goes out of her way, to help other before herself. Kirra is engaged in para athletics,and holds several Australian records and hopes to qualify for Paris next year. Kirra is constantly helping her friends and complete strangers, regardless of her own struggles. Kirra although she struggles daily with learning difficulties and epilepsy seizures, she attends a mainstream school and has had several leadership positions, she hopes to one day become a paramedic so she can help others. Kirra's attitude is never give up no matter what!"

Nominated By: Kylie Portelli

Tara Kane

Ten years and first cycle breaker of mental health illness related early departures out of generations of illness she has set out and achieved a stabilised life with leaving her mark for the next person that may not realise you can face changes.. like her own replant in our family tree demanding survival over submission to things that can’t be changed and unfortunately just something we either go through or don’t in our walks of life

Nathan Slachter

Nathan has battled with many challenges over the years since he was born. He lost his twin sister at 9 months old due to medical malpractice then after missing many milestones was diagnosed at 2 years with cerebral palsy and underwent many multilevel surgeries throughout childhood and many hours of therapy. His father sadly and suddenly passed away when Nathan was only 10 and he has always struggled with the fact he wasn’t able to say goodbye, this has caused much mental and emotional trauma. Since then he had a difficult time being brought up solely by his mum which created more challenges for them both especially while continuing to undo surgeries and therapies to in hopes to prevent future declined. At only 18 while still attending year 12 he was forced to leave home due to the toxic relationship with his mum and took only the clothes on his back. He has battled couch surfing, living in many dangerous situations, in social housing in Melbourne CBD and somehow managing a huge move to QLD entirely on his own again with very little. He continued to face even more challenges as the NDIS was rolled out and he had to navigate it entirely alone with no informal supports. He then met myself and we were soon married, I fought long and hard by his side to get him all the equipment he has so desperately needed all his life and to get him into more safe and suitable housing through SDA and still continue to fight for these things to this day. Over the years, and especially since covid restrictions took place 2 weeks after our wedding in 2020, he has experienced extreme decline in functional capacity both physically but also mentally and emotionally but he continues to fight everyday to be as independent as possible and be the best husband and cat dad he so desires to be. He wishes to help others going through the tough challenges he faced for many years and give back to his community where he can.

Nominated By: Kerryanne Slachter

Jack Jones

"I met JJ at 15 years of age, at his most vulnerable and when he wouldn't ,/ couldn't even get out of bed or leave his bedroom! Due to a complicated life of being bullied by all that didn't understand him & would not accept him including teachers that should know / be taught better! JJ has complex issues that used to result in violence to loved ones if he felt misunderstood, this was often due to his Autism, Sever anxiety and depression with paranoia panics as an added bonus + suicidal ideation a that he used to act on frequently and lead to self harming behaviours. It took a long time just to get him motivated and ""looking outside the box"" to get him to laugh, joke, talk and eventually get out and about. He wasn't properly funded when I 1st met him so that was a 2 year journey to get right and acquire the relevant services and therapies for evidence he needed. Due to bad past experiences with specialists and his overall feelings of not trusting others , this was one hell of a journey itself! JJ now has acquired the equilvalent to his year 20 certificate (he couldn't remain at school due to the ongoing treatment he was receiving, mainly from education staff!) He has a driving licence a d loves the freedom this comes with and he's learnt not to drive in anger but used the vehicle as a therapeutic tool to get out and feel the freedom of the road before his feelings get to that level of rage and anger. A self realisation also taught by me that he could never do before and all believed he'd never be able to learn. He works in a paid role (only part time - 3 days avweek, 5 hours each day is all he has the capacity for). He has his forklift licence that he arranged and attended all alone (due to his level of social anxiety and fear factor nobody thought he'd ever do this!). He has also attained his boat / jet ski licence and regularly goes out in deep waters alone on his own jet ski that he bought himself and now, being a little fed up with the monotony that driving a car can bring (for someone who lives on the ASD Spectrum as well as having ADHD, ODD, OCD etc) he has now booked a motorcycle licence and bought himself a motorbike. He is currently and just turned in March, 20 and he has grown and developed so much, especially where it comes to controlling his temper and maniacal outbursts that he didn't need me anymore in his life due to all personal and NDIS goals being attained / maintained. His parents and all others are very proud and they should be, as am I! I have really ""shot myself in the foot"" and done myself on of a decent wage for not being needed by him anymore but that is the idea of the NDIS is it not? To permit others via empowered choice & dignity of risk plus all other rights and standards to evolve and to not need others to do all for them?! Good on him. Obviously, due to conditions and diagnosed labels JJ will never be fully cured but he has learnt the coping skills to function in society and he accesses the community independently to have a haircut, do his banking, go to the movies etc, all of which were huge barriers from 25 - 18 years approx. He is truly a grand success!"

Nominated By: Dean Michaels

Jessica Tiata

Jess has overcome so much in the past few years. From being homeless, to having eye surgery leaving her temporarily blind, she soldiered on, with a smile on her face ALWAYS! Her positivity is infectious, We are so proud of where she is today and so privileged to be part of her journey to true independence.

Nominated By: Leah Day

Kayla Marie Farrell

My client is a remarkable young lady who's has major challenges her whole life starting with two dislocated hips at 9months of age and spent 12 days in traction followed closely by a diagnosis of brain damage due to a stroke in the womb. Then at a very young age Kayla was diagnosed with cerable palsy. Kayla doesn't allow her conditions and disabilities to affect her attitude or quality of life. She is the strongest person I have ever met and just accepts her challenges better than anyone I have ever seen. Kayla is non verbal and often wheelchair bound, she can walk with 100% assistance and she is an absolute inspiration to anyone who meets her. I believe Kayla deserves this recognition to show her that her positive attitude and fight for life is nothing short of admirable. Kayla lives with her mother Kim and has been unable to get some of the things she desperately needs such as a electric wheelchair which would enhance Kayla's life in volumes as she would be able to begin a social life and become more independent of her workers and mum. Kayla absolutely deserves to win such a prestigious award for her efforts to educate other people with disabilities about how life is what you make it and no challenge can't be overcome with a little perseverance.

Nominated By: Dannee Wilson

Jessica Perry

I am Jessica's support coordinator. After reading the information about this award, i truly believe that my client Jess is the perfect applicant, ever since meeting her she has shown strength and resilience knock back after knock back. She is a single mum of two boys and lives with a psychical disability that leaves her in constant pain everyday as well as BDP which is just as crippling. Jess is selfless and puts everyone before herself, she tries to better herself daily with trying to further her education and daily situation as much as she can. When times get rough which they are for her right now she still tries to hold her head up high. she is a true inspiration to all. Please consider her for this award.

Nominated By: Gemma Bird

Riley Ahlers

"I would like to nominate my son riley Riley was born with a genetic disorder and is on the spectrum,he couldn’t speak for the first 5 years of his life and had seizures as a baby, he had speech , OT and physio every week until he started school. Riley was bullied through primary school until he changed schools in grade 5 to a special school where he was more accepted!! Sadly Riley’s dad also had the same genetic disorder and passed away from it when Riley was 11!! Riley has had to endure a lot through the years he always has aimed high and he loves the arts singing, acting and music!!when Riley was 14 he got up at a local club and sung with a band there I was in total disbelief here is my little boy who could not speak for the first 5 years of his life up on stage singing and he was good I sat there and cried! Since then Riley’s music has gone ahead in leaps and bounds he struggles through anxiety and other issues daily but is singing and performing in local pubs and clubs, he has completed a cert 4 in music and currently attending collarts studying music, it’s a struggle but he will get there with support! Riley has written a beautiful song for his dad who passed away and just released it! Riley is currently working on an album to release! Riley has taken part in quite a few musicals !! Riley is now 19 and is currently trying to get housing through ndis as he tried living in Melbourne alone but it failed he needs support to has applied for sil or sda living with the help of his OT!! I wanted to nominate him as it gives people hope to see that no child can and should never be held back because they have a disability I have always encouraged Riley to have a go at anything he wanted to do! He has gone from a little boy who couldn’t talk to now singing and creating wonderful things every day! His dad would be as proud as I am of him!!I really wanted to upload his song he wrote but it’s to big but can send it through email or you can find it on Spotify riley ahlers -where angels fly"

Nominated By: Kim Poole

Mel Eggins

Mel’s courage, perseverance, tenacity and determination to push through barriers never ceases to amaze me. Mel, an autistic 20 year old, has faced an uphill battle of chronic physical and mental illness throughout her life, including severe depression, anxiety, anorexia nervosa, CPTSD from bullying, bipolar and a rare autoimmune condition that heightened in the senior years of high school. The rare autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy causes Mel severe fatigue, reduced cognitive function, poor focus and concentration, inflammation in many areas of her body causing joint pain, several digestive issues, headaches, and psychosis. Mel suffered severe psychosis in 2020, during the height of COVID and her final year of school, causing a major disruption to her HSC. COVID made it impossible to investigate the underlying cause of Mel’s decline in physical and mental health, let alone treat it. As the threat of COVID eased, investigations began, and Mel’s rare autoimmune condition was finally diagnosed. Treatment unfortunately means suppressing the immune system, which leaves Mel susceptible to all viruses. One of the many treatments Mel tried led to a Golden Staph infection and sepsis, almost taking her from us. However, Mel’s determination to push through barriers placed in her way saw Mel fight this, and begin the university course that she had always strived for in 2022. Throughout her struggles, Mel has continued to help and advocate for others by writing a blog for the Butterfly Foundation, raising awareness of autism via her social media accounts, volunteering at the Animal Welfare League, and by helping other ice-skaters with disabilities at our Inclusive Skating sessions.

Nominated By: Janelle Eggins

Carl Cronau

Carl had a stroke at ten and that inspired him to become a nurse. He was working in Intensive Care when at 29 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He continued to study to improve his ICU knowledge and being a husband and dad to three children he continued to work until about ten years ago when he found himself a patient in ICU being looked after by the the he helped to train. He was then forced into early retirement due to Parkinson’s. He was fitted with a Duodopa pump which continuously pumps medication into his stomach. Research told him that the best way to slow Parkinson’s seems to be exercise so he stated running. He runs or walks roughly 4-5km most days, participating in the Park Run on Saturdays, of which he has almost done 200, he completed the fun run as part of the Commonwealth Games and the Gold Coast Marathon fun run each year. With the help of NDIS he has purchased a treadmill so he can exercise on wet days and when it is too hot. He also has done regular exercise and dance classes and even though the Parkinson’s is taking its toll he has now taken up boxing. For a few years he also coordinated the Parkinson’s support group in his home town. He has got so much strength and courage.

Nominated By: Valma Cronau

Misty Pahlke

She is so amazing and resilient we recently went through another dv thing and she has been holding me up and helping her sister so much when misty was 3 years old I found out she was 3 quarters def since then we had operations extra learning and she has amazed me in so many ways of how talented she is and how smart she is we have been through alot together and she still inspires me that there is hope for good people out there I would be lost without her even at her challenging times she is more mature and has a good heart and thinks of others before herself.

Nominated By: Julie Smith

Dylan Thomas

Dylan is always the first to put this hand up to help local chairtys such as red cross/ st vincent de poor/ may more. Dylan also volunteers on air at koori radio 93.7fm in sydney hosting afternoons with dj shark and giving people with a disability a voice on air and showing peoole with a disability that they can do anything they put there minds and hearts to. Dylan is a hero to people with a disability.

Nominated By: Jess Thomas

Keira Taylor

She's a single mother with 4 children with austim and ADHD she manages it all on her own raised them by herself she struggles sometimes but I think she deserves to be appreciated and thus would be a beautiful way of showing her how much we all see what she goes through and let her know we are here . She works so hard for her children. To try meet their needs if anyone deserves this it's her thank you.

Nominated By: Sandra Taylor

Chelsea Lohrey

When I was growing up my parents noticed things about me that didn’t sit right with them, I couldn’t tie my shoe laces or ride a bike till I was well into primary school, I was diagnosed ADD at 8 years, my parents felt that there was something else going on, especially as I got older and social issues reared it’s head. However doctors and teachers refused to acknowledge that there was a problem, because of this I was not diagnosed with autism until after I had reached adulthood, I am only now accessing supports that should have been made available years ago, I will most likely never work a full time job.

Giuseppina Wright

She worked in aged care for about 12 years and always put others first. She was diagnosed with ms a year and a half ago and has declined however still always puts others in front and does what she can. She is a mother of 2 young boys who she fights for everyday

Nominated By: Michelle Leave

Jamie Lee Johnston

Jamie lee aka jam jam has cerebral palsy and epilepsy jam has level 5 cerebral palsy she can’t walk or talk but that dose not stop her from she’s a very happy girl with a huge smile everyday ! She has coke so far with using her eye gaze communication device and learning to hold her head up on her own Jamie will light up anyone’s life that meets her

Nominated By: Kristy Brill

Michael Whalan

"Michael was born 1st September 2005. Diagnosed with Autism at age 2 along with sensory processing disorder, speech delay he did not speak until he was 8 years old. Always a larger child he was diagnosed with a rare Overgrowth Disorder which saw him growing much faster than regular kids. By 16 months of age Michael who we called Mikky, was extremely obsessed with music. Dad being a musician helped fuel his obsession we saw that he was able to babble in tune, and tap out beats in time. He never played with toys and would hold a microphone for hours instead. At age 5 he began to sing, in tune, in time with the music. He was pitch perfect. Rapidly growing we decided to home school him at age 6 to prevent any kind of bullying, just like he had experienced the street and in shopping centres. At age 8 he began to speak but also started performing regularly with his father at Markets and various sporting clubs . Age 10 he was still rapidly growing and genetic testing failed to provide any answers but standing at almost 5ft 6 his mobility became difficult and he was in constant pain. He started showing an interest in guitar and with some guidance from Dad to learn the chords he taught himself to play far beyond his peers. Now at age 17, he stands at 6ft6, performs weekly in a Duo with his Dad ""Mikky & The Other Guy"". He also plays lead guitar and adds Vocals in 6 piece band "" RiverShed"" , as well as partnering with 2 more female vocalists to form Duos. He has the potential as a Savant to go a long way, and despite his disability he never complains about the complexities of his Overgrowth Disorder or his Austism, or the fact he suffers pain from growing so fast causing his ankles to fuse and his calves to be tightened as his bones grow much faster. Mikky enjoys inspiring others with disability and is a regular Entertainer for an organisation called Crossroads which brings a social outlet to disabled persons through friendship and music."

Nominated By: Marianne Whalan

Harper-Seiarra Cram

Harper is our 12yo pocket rocket who brings joy and laughter to our family, with her fantastically funny with one liners and Weird AL impersonations her resilience and determination shines through every task she completes. Harper was born with a rare physical disability of X-Linked hypophosphatemic Ricketts. Harper is a champion through her chronic pain and is quite a bit shorter then her peers often being mistaken for someone a lot younger. Harper also has Autism and ADHD and lives with anxiety. Harper has spent a lot of time travelling to medical appointments and was one of the first children to take part in a leading study to trial groundbreaking medication for her Ricketts. She has paved the way for others like herself and we have just celebrated the success of her medication meeting approval of the PBS! Harper uses her disability to her strengths and when successful with becoming school captain in 2022 she led with compassion and reassured her peers she understood standing out and feeling out of place all at once and promised to represent all the kids that didn't have a friend to sit with or were bullied as it was something she knew well. Harper when bullied or singled out will come back with a compliment to her attacker, she changes the narrative and reduced tension. Harper spent the first five years of her life in her wheelchair due to muscle weakness and bone deformity, she still has a chair and will use it when her legs need a break she also has a cool knee scooter she will zip around with when out shopping with us to give her legs a break. Harper has an infectious personality which bursts out of her! She is friendly to everyone and kind and will have the pathologists laughing or singing as they take her blood during her ongoing medical visits. Harper is a mentor at Boambee East community centre and assists in the holiday ART programs, she has a natural flair and finds using art as a creative outlet and distraction when her pain is overwhelming. Harper has overcome so many medical hurdles using laughter, her collapsed lung at 5 was so scary for her parents but she kept smiling and reassuring us that if she spoke in The Grinch voice it would all be okay. Harper has fortnightly injections and starts laughing as soon as the needle comes close, she will recite her favourite movie lines to distract herself and make her nurse laugh! I nominate Harper as an inspiration and champion, she is living with daily chronic pain and sees things in her own unique Harper way. This shines through her ability to see outside the box and understand how the world around her operates. Harper has compassion for people she loves when they are in pain and will joke to help lift sprits.

Nominated By: Raquel-Lee Cram

Donna Barlow

I love to help people as I was brought up in children's homes. I like making things I have an assistant dog. I have volunteer since 2004.

Samara Lamb-Miller

"Born at just 31 weeks, Samara has fought for every step in her life. At 4 weeks she was diagnosed with Trisomy 21. But this was just the beginning. Despite being born in Australia, she was not a citizen by birth, so her fight started with the fight to be accepted by her country of birth. Along the way she was hit with more diagnoses, including laryngatracheabronchiamalacia, a hearing loss, autism, cerebral palsy, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, obstructive sleep apnoea, dysphasia, bronchiectasis, Graves Disease, and Hashimotos. She has had pneumonia more times than we can count. Every lesson in life has been a struggle. And yet she never hesitates to give it her all. Her love of animals has seen her complete 3 junior zoo keeper courses in the last year alone! Samara was the inspiration behind our charity group Aroha Angels, which has supplied equipment free of charge to many other children, who have been denied funding due to many reasons, including being born to parents who are not Australia. Her inspiration has helped hundreds of children across the country with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment they would otherwise have not had."

Nominated By: Carolyn Lamb-Miller

Zayn Jasat

Zayn has a rare condition, he lives in a brace everyday but he embraces everyday he's signing , dancing , he helps his friend in a wheelchair in the playground so he can be a normal child too .

Nominated By: Megan Whyham

Samuel Thomas

"Sam’s Spares is a Registered Not for Profit Incorporated Association that saves unwanted e-waste from landfill. It is run by Samuel Thomas a 19-year-old man with a passion for community, environment and electronics. Sam repairs and refurbishes computers, laptops, mobile phones, gaming systems and other electronics and gifts them freely to community members in need. All items are distributed through Sam’s Peer – Partner network of Not for Profit Organisations & Charities. Sam is Autistic and has Tourette Syndrome and strives to overthrow the stigmas and limitations put upon his Neurodivergent community. Proving that anyone with a passion and purpose can succeed."

Nominated By: Diane Lloyd

Jasmine Harris

She has been doing uni and getting through uni and she is a joyful person

Jax Brown

I’ve known Jax and we have been friends for about 14 years or so. We met through a mutual love of wildlife and through our volunteering and wildlife rescue work. We became firm friends and we laugh so much when we are together, you know the kind of belly ache laugh, where you have tears in your eyes. Jax is one of the kindest, most authentic, genuine and generous people I know. Jax has a heart of gold and does so much for other people. I would love for Jax to get some acknowledgment for all he’s done and does for me, others and for all of the countless animals/wildlife he has rescued and saved too. Jax is a truly inspirational industry professional and also a participant. Jax supports a number of mutual participants and I find that with Jax's support our mutual participants thrive and their capacity to live more fulfilling lives. Jax also volunteers countless hours advocating for people with Autism and Mental Health. He certainly does not work a simple 9-5 day. Jax is always available to go the extra mile and always prepared to assist someone in need. I strongly feel the need to nominate Jax for all his contributions to the sector and it would be amazing if Jax could be considered for the award. Jax is continually advocating that no matter what challenges anyone is going through, you can find a way through to the other side with great supports and the belief to succeed. Jax is living proof of that and I am honoured to know Jax and the amazing support he contributes so selflessly to the industry. Advocates for people with autism and mental health issues. and will always go above and beyond regardless of how long it takes or the resources it will cost him.

Nominated By: Bernadette Crisp

Sarah Zammit

My daughter Sarah who turned 10 today! From the minute she was born she needed Cpr for 3 mins as she had no heart beat. The following day we met with the genetic team who diagnosed Sarah with Kabuki syndrome. She was born with so many health problems, heart, mouth, and had to wear a t bar brace from one week of age for 5 months. Sarah has taught me dispite all her problems to find joy in the smallest of things, music, dancing, bubbles and balloons. She is everyone’s sunshine and makes the world a better world. If anyone should win it’s her. Her grandma had a stroke 2 years ago and Sarah loves to give her big cuddles in her wheelchair.

Nominated By:

Kyanna Woods

My friend was in a car accident about 7 years ago that left her in a coma for almost a year when she woke she had to learn to eat, walk, talk all over again the hospital told her she would never walk again but she has proven them wrong. She is slowly starting to walk again.

Nominated By: Tammy Kumar

Normal Bottle

He had a 3 stoke but he coming back strong

Jordan Marshall

Jordan came to me through the foster care system at 10 weeks of age he was neglected, severely under weight and malnourished with global developmental delay. In 2008 I took legal guardianship of Jordan as he couldn't return to his birth parents due to his complex needs. Jordan is highly disabled and faces many daily challenges but takes it all in his stride. He is fully dependent in all area but still smiles and is happy regardless of his challenges. He lost his brother (my biological son) whom he was very close too in 2015 to suicide and the only father he'd ever known walked away in 2018 ceasing all contact. Given that Jordan cannot verbally communicate I was truly concerned how he was dealing with these losses (especially his brother). He often takes his brother Jake's photo from the coffee table and holds it. I'm so proud of Jordan who is now 16 and regardless of his many challenges and losses continues to be one of the most beautiful people I've ever known. He's truly a champion!

Nominated By: Lee-Anne Van Den Broek

Kyle Grant

My son is 11 yrs old he is autistic, non verbal adhd and has epilepsy. He has daily struggles. But he taught me so much. He loves life and brings joy to anyone meets with his cheeky smile. He never stops and keeps me on my toes

Nominated By: Jenni Grant

Kaiden Brown

Hi my son has autism and odd he’s come a long way since starting all his therapy but in the last month he’s worked really hard in learning to control his eating and to try no foods he doesn’t know when he’s full so will eat not stop 🛑 but they last 3 months he hasn’t put 5-6 kgs on a month and there for his weight has started to stabilise, I’m so proud of the hard work he’s done to get to this stage.

Nominated By: Lisa Brown

Verite Temple

For 25 years my wife was subjected to various familial abuse, which has led to her having a plethora of chronic illnesses and disabilities. She was not formally diagnosed with ADHD nor ASD 2 until her 30s, due to the lack of love and support at home. Regardless of how much she struggles each day, not only with those diagnoses but with her physical, she is fighting to become an Art Therapist to help others like her. She is currently undertaking 3 university courses to fast track her goal, as she only ever sees others in need and not herself. She amazes me and most of the people she knows. Because instead of giving up and letting her disabilities rule her, she rules them. She is their queen, and mine. I would love for her to have some recognition that she cannot brush off. She is my inspiration and I love her for her tenacity and resilience

Nominated By: Mykl Temple

Jaymii Lee Savage

"Jaymii has Autism.and intellectual disability and in 2020 was also diagnosed with life threatening epilepsy.. Jaymii loves 2D Animation and has had many srt backs with no path for Animation at school She does her own animated stories with her workers so she can attend further education in 2024 for her path in animating...her epilepsy has made it harder for to attend many school leaver providers as of her life threatening epilepsy but she keeps going daily aiming for a future she sees as an Animator She is 18 this year with many changes coming at her soo fast she needs support workers to help her with understanding prompts bit the ART is all hers... Lo9king forward to the life jaymii creates with everything g against her"

Nominated By: Cheryl Stephens

Beau Bain

My partner Beau has been in a wheelchair his whole life he's overcome alot of challenges and has never let the answer "No" stop him. He's proved many people wrong from being an ses volunteer in his teen years and having a few black belts in martial arts he was also an instructor at one point. Now he works with people from all walks of life

Nominated By: Jessica Bain

Mia Gyaneshwar

I have known Mia for approximately 10 years. When I first met Mia she was quiet and reserved and very unsure of herself. Over the time I have known her I have seen her overcome hurdle after hurdle. She has gained employment in early childhood services where she has blossomed, she has become a fully qualified girl guide leader when no one thought she was capable, she has learned to look after herself in every way from cooking to taking and organising transport, she is part of a competitive dance team and has just defied all odds against her. She has become a wonderful and recognised part of the community and deserves recognition for how far she has come

Nominated By: Cathryn Harrison

Shelby Jansen

Shelby has always lived with a rare disease(s) and not known it. She was facing chronic illness hurdles worsening over the years, and never let that stop her, only changed her path. She was diagnosed at age 26 eventually, with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome following a severe set of complications that caused her to be bedridden for almost 2 years and lose many of her passions as well as independant abilities and career. In her lifetime she has, despite her struggles, built her own business, advocated for others, been heavily involved in music and the arts, performed as a bass player in bands across Australia and abroad, rescued and reared abandoned baby birds, been open and honest about her own disabilities, she has walked and swam for charity even when she was in recovery herself, and even living with debilitating pain and unpredictable symptoms she wakes up every day optimistic. She has inspired other people with disabilities to attend her concerts, other women to pick up a guitar or pursue their goals in their careers as a neurodiversity mentor, and had been outspoken in the fight to have autism and EDS in women diagnosed accurately and earlier. She is currently studying to be a lab technician, ideally to work in bioinformatics or molecular genomic diagnostics in order to help identify and treat patients with hypermobile EDS in the next generation - from the sidelines. She doesn't like to be center of attention and never responds to accolades.

Nominated By: Dan Jackson

Melissa Slattery

Melissa has been through that much in the last few years losing her brother and sister and losing her dad on her birthday but now sadly she is struggling with the biggest demon in her life being 36 and being blind were she won't have the opportunity to watch her 4 beautiful kids grow up as well as being blind due to GLAUCOMA SHE IS ALSO HOMELESS WITH NO SUPPORT

Nominated By: Luke Renton

Cody Wallace

Our 17 year old son Cody was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour and hydrocephalus at 23 months of age. Since then he has undergone 11 brain surgeries, countless emergency admissions, more MRI, CT scans, blood tests than we can count. He has numerous subsequent diagnoses, epilepsy, hypothalamus dysfunction, hypothalamic hypothyroidism and an acquired brain injury to name a few. Cody has gone from a person requiring 24/7 care to now working in supported employment at Amstel Club Cranbourne on a Wednesday afternoon working in the Every 1 Cafe at Amstel Club for people with disabilities and learning at the Every 1 Academy along side the head chef at Ranfurleigh golf club. This is a true credit to his fight, strength and determination. He truly is an inspiration to all who meat him!

Nominated By: Tracy Wallace

Güler Altunbas

"Güler Altunbas now lives with and in a kind and happy relationship with her non-abusive husband. Since early childhood including as an adult Güler has been assaulted, abused & endured heinous acts throughout her life. Her lived experience with mental health concerns post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, nightmares, suicidality and dissociations as well as, physical disability informs her projects and artworks. Her artworks focus, on human rights and associated social and political issues. • Her professional career span includes various roles. Employed for twenty years in the not-for-profit sector as Youth Worker; Community Development Worker; Mediator and Creative Writing Facilitator. She worked for over ten years in Community Radio Broadcasting in roles such as; National Training Manager; Station Manager; Producer; Broadcaster and Trainer. • Recently, she worked as a Co producer and presenter of podcasts that are disability led for people with disabilities. The YouTube channel Your life your voice is a series of interviews of self-advocates and other professionals in the disability sector not only to empower, inspire and educate as well as viewers & listeners to reach their full potential. 2021 YourLifeyourVoice Promotion 2022 Episode 8 - COVID -19 Flu and Winter Campaign PREPARE, BE SAFE AND VACCINATE • Currently, Güler is an art teacher with almost ten years of facilitating weekly art workshops face to face and online (during Covid restrictions) with people who have a lived experience of mental health concerns and disability. • Güler Altunbas is a Melbourne based Multidisciplinary Artist, practicing in numerous media forms: painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, filming and digital artwork. • Güler is interested in spirituality and art and how the two can co-exist. She says that ""there are many nuances not just black and white. My philosophy is to embrace the mind/body/spirit connection and micro and macro view when creating artworks."" • Güler has an extensive history as Advocate and Campaigner against violence against women and children and successfully brings her personal lived experience and art practice to public attention. Altunbas' public speaking events and collaborations for instance, 'And I Rise' prevention of violence against women & gender equity cohealth (2019-21), White Ribbon: Walk Against Family Violence (2018, 2017); Health Cares about Family Violence Forum/Sunshine Hospital (2018); Launch of Memorial Garden for Victims of Violence/City of Moreland (2017); and Submission to the Royal Commission into Family Violence (2015/2016). In each case she has been invited as Guest Speaker, Witness, Advocate, Spokesperson, and Artist. She created a website acknowledging and commemorating a Shrine & memorial for survivors and victims of family, gender-based & private violence. https://shrineforus.weebly.com/acknowledgement.html • Güler initiated a collaboration project with Australia’s’ leading community health organization, cohealth. She was commissioned to create a public bronze sculpture. It encapsulates the reality of gender-based violence in our communities, entitled Question Why? 2016 in situ, Collingwood site. • In 2020, Güler was a member of the cohealth ‘And I Rise' leadership workshops looking at gender-based violence. She was commissioned to create artworks for their publication that looks at hope and healing for the future. And I Rise series 2020 https://www.guleraltunbas.com/illustrations.html • During 2021, Güler exhibited at two solo exhibitions, which were projects about her lived experience of gender-based violence held at The Linden Art Gallery Project Space called Chrysalis: Recognition and Restitution. https://www.guleraltunbas.com/self-portraits.html • & second solo exhibition including her lived experience of mental health issues was held at The Dax Centre Gallery Human First? Interviews. This oral history project was filmed and digital portraits of 10 deaf & disabled artists’, arts practice took place during the Covid restrictions. https://www.guleraltunbas.com/human-first.html • Her recent commission for North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is part of a nation-wide group of Primary Health Networks (PHNs). ‘The Art Bomb Project’ had a brief for the artwork to stimulate discussion about suicide a) the painting titled We too, find strength in being vulnerable b) a short video about her painting to broaden & reduce stigma. https://nwmphn.org.au/qrartbomb/"

Nominated By: Adam Knapper

Carli Renehan

Carli crushed her disc in her lower back requiring surgery ,surgery failed and disc collapsed again partially crushing spinal cord surgery failed again this time crushing spinal cord more removed rest of disc inserted hardware told carli she won't walk again she told them get stuffed I'm walking and can manage a few steps now this has been a journey 4 years in the making and is on going but Instead of carli moping around and saying poor me her attitude is just keep attacking she is a true inspiration carli also suffers from ptsd ,anxiety,and several other issues I can't remember

Nominated By: Ashton Bunting

Coen Yost

Coen is an 11 year old boy with Spina bifida, hydrocephalus, scoliosis and many other issues. He can not walk and is in a wheelchair. Coen has never let his disability define him. Last year Coen has scoliosis surgery to insert rods in his back, which was meant to be a 2 week stay in hospital. This turned into 3 month interstate ( he lives in Tassie and had to go to melb) he developed MRSA infection and ended up having 4 surgeries. He was with his mum, but away from all his family and friends for three months. He has had over 40 operations in his short life with his latest being this year having both hips operated on and having casts in place . Coen never complains about anything and endures a lot of pain and discomfort. He is always eager to return to school and see his mates. He is the bravest and strongest person I know. To go through all he does and still have a smile on his face. He never says " why me" and even in his hospital bed after surgery, calls people telling them that he loves them and asks how their day is and prays for them when he is the one who needs the support the most. He is a true inspiration and deserves to be recognised and awarded for his bravery, kindness and generous heart. There is so much more to this story that I could go on forever. I would just like to shout his amazing was from the mountains. He's such a small boy with a big story.

Nominated By: Troy Verwimp

Adele Costello

She is always there for our family and for our family friends

Nominated By: Harry Costello

Aria Harris

"Hi! My name is Aria, and I am 6 years old. I suffer from epilepsy, and have cerebral palsy and a severe form of anxiety from a condition called ‘In hospital Trauma’ which occurs from being in and out of hospitals so frequently at such a young age. It sure can be an overwhelming place when you don’t understand what’s going on! See, I was born at 35 weeks with a very rare illness called Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS). This means that I was born with a small jaw, club feet and a cleft palate which impacted my ability to breathe, eat and later, speak properly. My mum and dad stayed by my side during my care at the Royal Children’s NICU. It was a very scary time, but none of us gave up. At 13 weeks of age, I had surgery on my jaw to help it move forward and stop my tongue from falling back obstructing my airways. Unfortunately though I suffered from a stroke during this surgery, caused by a very small hole in my heart that hadn’t been found before then. At 18 months I had my first seizure. My temperature shot up to 40 degrees very suddenly and mum had to call an ambulance as I became nonresponsive and was shaking. This has happened numerous times since - the doctors confirmed it as epilepsy. They explained my EEG results show a pattern of someone who has had a brain injury, so it’s likely derived from my stroke. The seizures are a part of my daily life now. It’s challenging to live with them as I don’t know when they are coming, and am often unresponsive during them so I can’t ask for help when I need it. My cerebral palsey makes it hard for me to run and play with my friends but I am awaiting my new wheel chair to help but I still participate in Auskick and Milo cricket as I'm determined to show I can achieve anything and have so much fun. My mum tells me I can do anything and I believe she is right, she's my biggest advocate ! My seizure assistance dog is in training and I can't wait to meet my new best friend. I still have many tests at the children's hospital to help my hips, spine and so much more but my team are amazing. It can be a scary journey but I have so much support from my family, medical team and my little community in East Gippsland who helped me raise the money for my new assistance dog."

Nominated By: Alisha Harris

Caedon Edmunds

Caedon has ASD level 3 and was diagnosed at 5. He has had an extremely rocky education process. It started in prep where he was discriminated against, long story that ended up on today tonight and the front page of out local paper. So caedons schooling was on and off mainstream/ homeschool until year 9. He changed schools/towns at the request of drs/ therapists and got no where. So in year 9 we homeschooled. This was the turning point for Caedon. Cutting a long story short he graduated yr 12 in 2022 with 2 academic awards and the confidence to approach life differently. He is now studying cert 3 in individual support and certs 3 & 4 in fitness. To train himself to run his own business working as a support worker for youth in need. He wants to encourage more young people like himself to get out there and succeed. This is a struggle for him as his social skills have been very limited but with the help of support workers and therapists he feels like he can make a difference. And thats not including the the mention of how supportive and caring this young man is. I am his mother and I am a little biased, but I am sure his therapists and support workers would agree.

Nominated By: Christina Edmunds

Allan Cox

My client is so inspiring he caught a disease while working when he was in his 30s which made him deaf / blind. only his hearing loss was acknowledged a hurdle he has had to overcome but he doesn’t let it get him down . He’s had many struggles in his life but he’s always so happy and resilient and does not let his disabilities hold him Back. He’s willing to try anything once and lives his life to the fullest, he’s so lovely to work with and so inspiring he’s a senior but still so full of joy and happiness he deserves this as he’s had a hard life and deserves some happiness

Nominated By: Sam Upton