The annual ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in our community and recognises those who welcome, collaborate with, support, and improve the experience and outcomes for people with disability in our workplaces, businesses and across community.
In 2025 we received 35 nominations and the winners and commendations were announced at a gala dinner on Wednesday 10 December at the Hotel Realm in Barton.
View photos of the winners here
The 2025 nominees and winners are:
1. Leader in Inclusion – recognises a person with disability who is a leader in community – and the nominees are:
- Carol Jennings
- Ebe Ganon
- Emma Myers
- Robyn Davis
- Taryn Lee
The Winner is: Emma Myers
Emma is a screenwriter, actor, disability advocate now based in Canberra as the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia’s Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery journalist.
Emma brought public attention to systemic failures that disproportionally expose people with disability to the dangers of natural disasters with her piece for Powerd Media called “Left Behind – the deadly gaps in emergency preparedness for Australians with disability.” Emma was named as a Finalists for the Walkley Foundation’s 2025 Mid-Year Media Prizes for this powerful article.
Emma’s commitment to inclusion and advocacy for people with disability, however, far exceeds the requirements of her employment as a political reporter. As a co-creator and co-writer of Australian comedy television series Latecomers, Emma is passionate about highlighting the intersection of womanhood, sexuality and disability – heralding an important shift in how people with disability are depicted on screen.
2. Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices – recognises initiatives that deliver improved access or employment outcomes for people with disability by creating positive open employment experiences or opportunities – and the nominees are:
- Raffy Sgroi
- Embrace Disability Group
- Vocational Ventures project
The winner is: Raffy Sgroi
As Founder of consultancy firm Sage Advice and CEO of Car Mechanical Services, Raffy Sgroi demonstrates exceptional leadership in creating accessible and inclusive workplaces for people with disability and neurodiverse people across her multiple businesses and for her more than 30 Sage Advice clients.
Raffy has implemented groundbreaking workplace modifications, adaptive technologies, and developed an innovative program called Transforming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – which has been adopted by over 30 businesses. Raffy has not only fully embraced inclusive practices in her workplaces but also passionately advocated for her clients to adopt a range of inclusive strategies and protocols, as well as flexible recruitment and onboarding processes.
3. Excellence in Collaborating with people with Disability – recognises 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 – and the nominees are:
- Tamara Black
- Stellar Company and the Chamaeleon Collective
- Shift&Co
- AbilitySeer
- WWDACT Policy Advisory Committee
The Winner is – Stellar Company and the Chamaeleon Collective
The Chamaeleon Collective is an inclusive dance company providing professional dance opportunities for dancers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Established in 2020 by The Stellar Company and named after the constellation and reptile – both constant and adaptable, the Chamaeleon Collective champion excellence in inclusive dance practice and strive to push the boundaries of professionally produced and presented inclusive arts practice.
Liz Lea and the team have worked collaboratively over the years to expand their inclusive and innovative projects and have developed new ways to engage, learn new skills and deliver pathways to earn a living wage.
A Highly Commended certificate was awarded to Shift&Co
Shift&Co is a social enterprise offering a range of inclusive programs which empower neurodivergent youth and adults to build skills, express creativity, and access community, cultural, and social life – without barriers. Shift&Co embrace a client led approach, ensuring each of their programs is co-designed by clients, families, and staff – and sessions are all tailored to the unique needs and interests of each participant.
4. Excellence in Access and Inclusion – recognises an organisation or individual who took action to enhance the full and effective participation of people with disability – and the nominees are:
- Mijica Rose Lus
- Community Home Australia
- Arun Palakkattu Vincent
- 24CARE Transport
- OzHarvest NEST Program
- Stages of Empathy
- Shift&Co
- Royal Military College golf club
- Tahlya O’Toole
- Tools for Training and Trust initiative
- Vendra Begonja and Extend Yourself
- Hands On Studio
- Eat Speak Learn
- Dylan Grubb and EQUIPD Gym
The Winner is Tahlya O’Toole
Tahlya is a values-driven, community-focused leader in the disability sector who exemplifies inclusive service delivery through her role as Managing Director of Enabled Disability Services. Tahlya ensures genuine inclusion is achieved by exceeding industry minimums through proactive, culturally safe, and person-centred service delivery – along with bold advocacy and the development of an awareness campaign about non-verbal Autism titled “Value Beyond Words.”
A Highly Commended certificate was awarded to Hands On Studio
Operating from two locations Hands On Studio offers a welcoming, supportive environment for artists of all ages and abilities to discover and develop their unique creative voices. Hands On Studio is a leading example of inclusive arts practice using a person-centred approach that prioritises accessibility, equity, and cultural participation. Hands On Studio Artists regularly exhibit their works at many of Canberra’s leading galleries and also deliver disability inclusion workshops to school age students, public servants and the private sector.
A Highly Commended certificate was awarded to Stages of Empathy by Rebus Theatre
This deeply impactful and thought-provoking program delivered by the talented cast from Rebus Theatre, combines theatre-making, lived experience storytelling, and professional development to transform how people think about access and inclusion. The interactive performance program has toured to more than 50 organisations nationwide – from disability service providers to local councils, arts companies, and health organisations – and by the end of the year will have reached more than 2,000 audience members.
5. Excellence in Innovation and Impact – recognises exceptional, creative and forward-thinking approaches that advance, empower and welcome people with disability in their workplace, business and community – and the nominees are:
- Courtney Rouland
- Eloise Higgins
- Katie Hancock
- Jason Schmidt
- Derek Brewer
- Eat Speak Learn
- Edventure Care
- TesseractApps
The Winner is Eloise Higgins
Eloise has consistently enhanced the inclusion of people with disability across the ACT community through her role as Manager of Canberra’s STEM-learning studio Daydream Machine. At just 18 years old, Eloise is responsible for coordinating a team of 10 staff, many of whom are neurodivergent. Eloise has also taken the initiative to personally tutor neurodivergent students in mathematics, mentor two young people outside her formal role, and support families by helping them better understand and celebrate their children’s strengths.
6. Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Humans Rights and Equality – recognises excellence in the promotion and fulfillment of human rights for people with disability.
The Winner is Ebe Ganon
As a neurodivergent Canberran and Board Chair of Children and Young People with Disability Australia, Ebe Ganon has amplified the voices of people with disability in policy discussions both nationally and internationally. Representing young Canberrans at the 2025 United Nations Conference of State Parties in New York, Ebe delivered presentations on AI and inclusive education to international delegates, showcasing Canberra’s leadership in disability innovation. Ebe has also delivered training on neuro-affirming workplaces and clinical practices to more than 100 Canberra Health Services staff. Additionally, through a partnership with Women with Disabilities ACT, Ebe designed and delivered innovative tertiary education self-advocacy workshops for people with disability pursuing higher education – equipping participants with practical skills to navigate the many barriers within university systems.
Easy Read Program
View the the 2025 Easy Read Program here.
WATCH THE LIVE STREAM HERE
Past winners
View the winners from the 2024 Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards: