Winners of the inaugural National Disability Awards were announced across eight categories at a gala dinner in Melbourne on Monday 11 December.  

In a ceremony hosted by National Disability Services and attended by more than 400 people from across Australia, the awards celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups and organisations who are working to create an inclusive Australia where people with disability are valued, respected and can contribute to the community.  

The winners of the 2023 National Disability Awards are:  

Excellence in Service Quality 

• Melba Support Services   

Excellence in Innovation 

• Scope’s National Communication Access Symbol Initiative   

Excellence in Disability Support Work 

• John Holdcroft   

Excellence in Allied Health 

• CliniKids –Telethon Kids Institute   

Excellence in Regional and Remote Support 

• Advocacy WA Incorporated   

Outstanding Leader of the Year 

• Nathan Despott   

Inclusive Communities Award 

• Autism in Cricket   

Media Award 

• Better Homes and Gardens — Aruma’s Summerland Farm   

The 2023 National Disability Awards Honour Roll gives details of all nominees, finalists and winners.  

NDS CEO Laurie Leigh said “It was an honour to host the inaugural National Disability Awards, to hear about and shine the spotlight on the excellence, passion, vision and commitment at the heart of the disability services sector. I congratulate all nominees, finalists and winners for their important work and contributions.”  

“The awards are a new initiative of NDS to showcase the difference that people working in this sector make to the lives of people with disability and the communities we live in.”  

They also highlight the sector as a place of innovation and as a place for a rewarding and successful career with a wide variety of meaningful jobs for people with the right values and approach.” 

The National Disability Awards would not be possible without our valued sponsors:  

Congratulations to all nominees, finalists and winners.