2LT Local News

Applications sought for Lithgow Ability Awards

Sep 26, 2018

LITHGOW, Central West, NSW, Australia – Nominations have opened for the Lithgow Ability Awards which showcase the many outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in the Lithgow region making positive contributions towards social inclusion.

The awards offer a major opportunity to celebrate those in the local community who are providing inspiration, showing leadership and enhancing the lives of people with a disability.

This year there are 10 award categories in the areas of volunteering, fundraising, community projects, leadership, sports and employment.

Nominations close on 26 October 2018 with the awards ceremony to be held during Social Inclusion week in November.

“Nomination forms are available online through Council’s website, at Council’s libraries and Council. I urge you to get behind this fantastic occasion and nominate a community member, organisation or business deserving of the award,” newly-elected Mayor of Lithgow Ray Thompson said Thursday.

“Last year Council held its first ever Lithgow Ability Awards which celebrated the contributions, achievements and success that improve the lives of people with a disability. It was a great success with approximately 60 people celebrating the great achievements within our community.”

Lithgow City Council in a statement published Thursday said it is committed to enabling all people to participate in every part of community life. This commitment is outlined in Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which it says can be accessed via the Council website

Last year’s winners included:

– Daniel Smith – Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lithgow Ability Mastery Award

– Luci Crowe – The Young Community Spirit Award

– Jacinta Sargent – Leadership Award

– Ebony Brown – Writer Award

– Sue Murdoch – Community Leader Award

– Mitchell Northey – Volunteer of the Year Award

– Three Tree Lodge – Employer of the Year 

– Ability Links – Health and Wellbeing Award

– TAFE Western Lithgow – Accessibility Award

2017 finalists included: Jenny Creevey, Emily Schmitzer, Ethan Shepherd, Blake Rust, Jordan Schmitzer, Lithgow Croquet Club, Me3 and Kirinari, Lithgow Community Choir, PCYC Lithgow, Stan Stait, Kristyne Smith, Leanne Walding, Kylee Harding and Lithgow Library.