An ACT Government Website

About the awards

The Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in our community.

The awards also recognise those who welcome, support, and collaborate with people with disability. We know this improves the experience and outcomes for people with disability in the workplace, business and community.

Nominations for the 2026 Inclusion Awards are now open.

Who you can nominate

You can nominate:

  • individuals
  • teams
  • local businesses
  • community organisations.

Self-nominations are welcome.

Award categories

There are 6 award categories.

Each award will recognise one winner, and up to 2 finalists.

1. Leader in Inclusion

This award recognises a person with disability who is a leader in community. The nominee will have made a significant contribution to creating change that promotes the full and equal participation of all people in the ACT.

Find more information on our online nomination form.

Nominate now

2. Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices

This award recognises initiatives that deliver improved access or employment outcomes for people with disability. This includes creating positive employment experiences or opportunities.

Find more information on our online nomination form.

Nominate now

3. Excellence in Collaborating with People with Disability

This award recognises:

  • outstanding consultation and co-design
  • the creation of strong, equal partnerships with people with disability.

The nominee will have delivered improved outcomes, while boosting the diverse experiences, views and needs of people with disability.

Find more information on our online nomination form.

Nominate now

4. Excellence in Access and Inclusion

This award recognises an organisation or individual who enhanced the participation of people with disability through:

  • promoting the benefits of inclusion to the whole community
  • creating an environment that includes and values people with disability
  • improving access to information and environment, including social environment.

Find more information on our online nomination form.

Nominate now

5. Excellence in Innovation and Impact

This award recognises exceptional, creative and forward-thinking approaches that advance people with disability in their workplace, business and community.

Find more information on our online nomination form.

Nominate now

6. Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality

This award recognises excellence in the promotion of human rights for people with disability.

Find more information on our online nomination form.

Nominate now

How to nominate

When nominations are open you can nominate online.

  1. Give examples of how the nominee championed inclusion.
  2. Include contact details for your nominee and a referee.
  3. Submit your nomination before the close date.

Nominations open mid-year.

How we choose a winner

The judging panel includes:

  • people with disability
  • awards sponsors
  • ACT Inclusion Council members
  • members of the Canberra business community.

The 2026 Inclusion Awards winners will be announced at a gala dinner celebration on Wednesday 9 December. The gala night will be held in the National Ballroom of the Hotel Realm in Barton.

Past winners

2025 winners

Leader in Inclusion

  • Winner: Emma Myers

Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices

  • Winner: Raffy Sgroi

Excellence in Collaborating with People with Disability

  • Winner: Stellar Company and the Chamaeleon Collective
  • Commendation: Shift & Co

Excellence in Access and Inclusion

  • Winner: Tahlya O’Toole
  • Commendation: Hands On Studio
  • Commendation: Stages of Empathy by Rebus Theatre

Excellence in Innovation and Impact

  • Winner: Eloise Higgins

Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality

  • Winner: Ebe Ganon

2024 winners

Leader in Inclusion

  • Winner: Ravi Krishnamurthy
  • Commendation: Jason Schmidt

Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices

  • Winner: Apollo Neurodiversity Program
  • Commendation: Embrace Disability Group

Excellence in Collaborating with People with Disability

  • Winner: Safer Me, Safer You
  • Commendation: Shift & Co

Excellence in Access and Inclusion

  • Winner: Netball ACT
  • Commendation: Canberra Community Law

Excellence in Innovation and Impact

  • Winner: Derek Brewer, Panache Driver Training
  • Commendation: Rebus Theatre

Sue Salthouse Award for
Championing Human Rights and Equality

  • Winner: RenĂ©e Heaton
  • Commendation: Melinda McFadden

2023 winners

Chief Minister's Award for Excellence

  • WaterWombats Aquatic Disability Services

Emerging Young Leader

  • Daniel Bartholomaeus

Achievement in Inclusion

  • Lauren Cannell

Excellence in Making Inclusion Happen

  • Muhammad Rahman
  • Commendation: Wayne Herbert

Inclusion in Employment

  • Peter Snell - Eastlake Football Club
  • Commendation: Brate Group McDonalds

Inclusion in Education and Training

  • Rebus Theatre
  • Commendation: Derek Brewer - Panache Driver Training

Inclusion in Business

  • Inclusive Volunteering Pathway to Employment Program

Excellence in Innovation, Design, and Access

  • Handmade Market Canberra

Excellence in Inclusive Services and Disability Support

  • WaterWombats Squatic Disability Services
  • Commendation: Yellow Bridge

Excellence in Volunteer Support

  • Mijica Lus

Excellence in Support Work

  • Monia Rukavina

Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality

  • Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Need help?

To use the National Relay Service, call 13 36 77 (TTY Speak and Read, Type and Read or Type and Listen) and ask for (02) 6207 1086.

You'll need a TTY (also known as a teletypewriter) and a landline telephone connection.

ACT Office for Disability

Email
officefordisability@act.gov.au

Call
02 6207 1086

Post
Office for Disability
Health and Community Services Directorate
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601