COVID-19 changed the way we celebrated this year, with organisations across the state hosting small localised gatherings for their nominees coming together to watch the announcements daily live on Facebook. We would like to sincerely thank organisations for embracing this year's Awards and for their efforts in making it so special for this year's nominees. We were honoured to have announcements made by The Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia and the Honourable Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Environment and Disability Services and our valued event sponsors. NDS is very proud to host these important Awards that recognise excellence, quality and professionalism in supporting people with disability in Western Australia. NDS State Manager, Julie Waylen said "The WA Disability Support Awards celebrate the significant contribution of individuals and teams who support people with disability to achieve their goals. They demonstrate the very real difference that people working this sector can make to the lives of people with disability and the communities we live in.' This year's winners are: • Excellence in Advocacy and Rights Promotion Award – Mark White, Interchange WA • Excellence in Improving Employment Opportunities Award – Margaret Lawlor, Down Syndrome Western Australia • Excellence in Innovation Award – joint winners Autism in Cricket Project, Autism Association of Western Australia and Monique Ziegelaar, VisAbility • Excellence in Regional Support Award – Kevin Smith, Far North Community Services • Excellence in Home and Family Support Award – Serena Elms, One2One • Excellence in Supporting Social Inclusion Award – Jay Minogue, Mosaic Community Care • Excellence in Leadership Award – Robyn Frost, atWork Australia Further information about finalist and winners stories can be viewed on the DSWAwards Facebook page. Winners names have been published in today’s edition of The West Australian newspaper. Since the inception of these Awards, more than 1400 nominations have been received. This outstanding number of nominations demonstrates the passion and dedication at the heart of the disability services sector and its focus on people with disability and their quality of life. "The Awards build on the long-term commitment of the WA disability services sector to offer solutions and courageously develop creative strategies with an unwavering commitment to deliver better outcomes for people with disability," Julie said. "Over the past 12 years, the Awards have celebrated this remarkable approach in its finest form." The 2020 Disability Support Awards are hosted by National Disability Services in partnership with Department of Communities. We also acknowledge and thank our Gold sponsors for their significant support - atWork Australia, HESTA, Insurance Commission of Western Australia and Therapy Focus.

For any enquiries, please contact Julie Waylen, State Manager WA, 08 9208 9805, submit enquiry/feedback