The Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in our community. They also recognise those who welcome, collaborate with support, and improve the experience and outcomes for people with disability in their workplace, business and community.
The 2024 Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been given a contemporary and refreshed look to better incorporate contemporary understandings of disability and inclusion. The refreshed Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards has 6 Awards. In 2024, no overarching ‘winner’ or Chief Minister’s Award will be presented. All awards will have equal value, and each award will recognise one winner, and up to two commendations.
The 2024 awards were announced at a gala night at the National Ballroom at Hotel Realm on Friday 22nd November 2024. It was a night of celebration, amazing people, notable members of Canberra’s public and private sectors, beautiful food, positivity and a panel discussion from some of our past and 2024 Australian Paralympians.
There were 62 finalists across 6 award categories.
The 2024 winners are:
Leader In Inclusion
Winner: Ravi Krishnamurthy
Ravi Krishnamurthy has been a relentless force for change in the Canberra community for more than 20 years. His has actively advocated across legislative reform, improvement and equality in health services, creating meaningful change for his community.
Presented by: Mark Mulligan, Icon Water
A commendation was awarded to:
Jason Schmidt
Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices
Winner: Apollo Neurodiversity Program
The Apollo Neurodiversity Program offers neurodivergent individuals a career in ICT within the Australian Public Service. It provides professional development, support, and coaching for a year, fostering a diverse workforce dedicated to Australia’s prosperity and security.
Presented by: Joe Roff, John James Foundation
A commendation was awarded to: Embrace Disability Group
Excellence in Collaborating with People with Disability
Winner: Safer Me, Safer You
Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group, by Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, has set a benchmark for inclusive codesign. All with lived experience of disability the group is helping to codesign a future where people with disability, inclusive of all identities, experience social and sexual safety.
Presented By: Toby Keene, ACT Health
A commendation was awarded to:
Shift & Co
Excellence in Access and Inclusion
Winner: Netball ACT
Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program enabled people with disability to play netball in a mainstream competition, and enjoy the physical, psychological, and social benefits of the game. From weekly competition to competing in the Marie Little Shield Championship, the organisation exemplifies inclusivity in sport.
Presented By: Craig Fitzgerald, Aspen Medical
A commendation was awarded to: Canberra Community Law
Excellence in Innovation and Impact
Winner: Derek Brewer, Panache Driver Training
Derek Brewer is the founder of ‘Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program’ which supports neurodivergent learner drivers and other learner drivers with disability. The program is tailored to the individual. The judging panel praised the longevity of the program and its constant support and inclusive access for learner drivers. Through this program, Derek has made a lasting impact in providing essential skills to more than 600 drivers with disability.
Presented By: Mara Eversons, University of Canberra
A commendation was awarded to: Rebus Theatre
Sue Salthouse Award For
Championing Human Rights and Equality
Winner: Renée Heaton
Renée Heaton is a powerful, impactful advocate and leader who has led the ACT Disability Reference Group for almost four years. Her strategic advice guided the government in responding to the needs of people with disability during COVID-19 in an effort to ensure vital information, services and supports were accessible to all. The scale and impact of Renée’s passionate advocacy for equality, justice and inclusion of all Canberran’s with disability was deemed truly impressive by the judging panel and an outstanding champion of human rights and equality.
Presented By: Mark Huxley, ACT Education Directorate
A commendation was awarded to: Melinda McFadden
View all the photos from the night on the 2024 Inclusion Awards Photos page.
The 2024 Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards were given a contemporary and refreshed look to better incorporate contemporary understandings of disability and inclusion. The refreshed Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards has 6 Awards and the nominees, winners and commendations were:
1 – Leader in InclusionRecognises a person with disability who is a leader in community. The nominee will have made a significant personal contribution to creating change that promotes the full and equal participation of all people in the ACT. The finalists were: Liam Adams Carol Jennings John Brookes Jason Schmidt Sam Nugent Lauren Cannell Ravi Krishnamurthy Holly Diggle Malik Haroon Munir Sara Stanley Luka Musicki Sarah McCluskey | Billy Cart Behaviour Tess Yvanovich Patricia Falcetta | Social Living Solutions Andrew Pfeiffer Andrew Shim
The winner was: Ravi Krishnamurthy Ravi Krishnamurthy has been a relentless force for change in the Canberra community for more than 20 years. His has actively advocated across legislative reform, improvement and equality in health services, creating meaningful change for his community. A commendation was awarded to: Jason Schmidt |
2 – Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment PracticesRecognises initiatives that deliver improved access or employment outcomes for people with disability by creating positive open employment experiences or opportunities. The finalists were: Avneesh Gupta Nexus Human Services Shift & Co Feros Care Forward to the Future The Apollo Neurodiversity Program Luka Musicki Embrace Disability Group Canberra Business Chamber’s Skills & Inclusion Program Sarah McCluskey | Billy Cart Behaviour
The winner was: The Apollo Neurodiversity Program The Apollo Neurodiversity Program offers neurodivergent individuals a career in ICT within the Australian Public Service. It provides professional development, support, and coaching for a year, fostering a diverse workforce dedicated to Australia’s prosperity and security. A commendation was awarded to: Embrace Disability Group |
3 – Excellence in Collaborating with People with DisabilityRecognises outstanding consultation and co-design efforts and the creation of strong, equal partnerships with people with disability. The nominee will have delivered improved outcomes, while amplifying the diverse experiences, views and needs of people with disability. The finalists were: Avneesh Gupta Wellcare Australia Ravi Krishnamurthy Sara Stanley Shift & Co. Forward to the Future Safer Me Safer You Luka Musicki Sarah McCluskey | Billy Cart Behaviour Marija Lemic Andrew Pfeiffer Australian Autism Alliance John Brookes
The winner was: Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group, by Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, has set a benchmark for inclusive codesign. All with lived experience of disability the group is helping to codesign a future where people with disability, inclusive of all identities, experience social and sexual safety. A commendation was awarded to: Shift & Co |
4 – Excellence in Access and InclusionRecognises an organisation or individual who took action to enhance the full and
The finalists were: Junior All Abilities Touch Football Carol Jennings Avneesh Gupta Cassandra Hanbridge Vendra Begonja Fatima Moulic Sam Nugent Amy Hosie Netball ACT ACT Education Directorate’s Inclusion Principal’s Advisory Group Jaimie Horrobin Ravi Krishnamurthy Malik Haroon Munir John Brookes Rowing ACT Shift & Co Forward to the Future Feros Care Luka Musicki Ryan Johnson Annette Melia Gillian Sinclair Emily Lindsley Clare Newman Sarah McCluskey St Vincent de Paul’s Compeer Program Jodie McGurgan ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Association Canberra Community Law Beth Nasser and Sadie Penny: National Folk Festival ACT Electoral Commission. Community Home Australia Australian Autism Alliance Sara Stanley Hands On Studio
The winner was: Netball ACT Netball ACT the 2024 All Abilities Netball program enabled people with disability to play netball in a mainstream competition, and enjoy the physical, psychological, and social benefits of the game. From weekly competition to competing in the Marie Little Shield Championship, the organisation exemplifies inclusivity in sport. A commendation was awarded to: Canberra Community Law |
5 – Excellence in Innovation and ImpactRecognises exceptional, creative and forward-thinking approaches that advance The finalists were: Liam Adams Carol Jennings Ian Bennett | Dice for Diversity Avneesh Gupta Derek Brewer | Panache Driver Training Ruth O’Brien Netball ACT The Folk House at Havelock Housing Warehouse Circus Ravi Krishnamurthy Holly Diggle Shift & Co Shane Schembri Luka Musicki Annette Melia Sarah McCluskey Maria Edwards Missing School Inc Patricia Falcetta Rebus Theatre Australian Autism Alliance
The winner was: Derek Brewer Derek Brewer is the founder of ‘Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program’ which supports neurodivergent learner drivers and other learner drivers with disability. The program is tailored to the individual. A commendation was awarded to: Rebus Theatre |
6 – Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Humans Rights and EqualityRecognises excellence in the promotion and fulfillment of human rights for people The finalists were: Lauren Cannell Melinda McFadden Ravi Krishnamurthy Molly and Maple Book Project Team Malik Haroon Munir Sara Stanley Luka Musicki Sarah McCluskey Renée Heaton Australian Autism Alliance
The winner was: Renée Heaton Renée Heaton is a powerful, impactful advocate and leader who has led the ACT Disability Reference Group for almost four years. Her strategic advice guided the government in responding to the needs of people with disability during COVID-19 in an effort to ensure vital information, services and supports were accessible to all. A commendation was awarded to: Melinda McFadden |