Nominations open for 2022 Fraser Coast Ability Awards
Nominations for the 2022 Fraser Coast Ability Awards are now open.
The awards recognise those living with a disability, individuals, groups and organisations who contribute to improving the lives of people with disabilities, Cr Zane O’Keefe said.
“These awards highlight that everybody has a role to play in creating an inclusive, accessible community for all,” he said.
“It is important to nominate people and organisations for these awards - being recognised for their valuable contribution helps people feel more engaged and connected with their community.”
Nomination forms are available on the Council website at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/ability-awards and can be submitted online before 22 August, 2022.
The 2022 award categories are:
- Community Spirit Award
- Young Community Spirit Award
- Individual Achievement Award
- Sport and Recreation Award
- Community Champion Award
- Educational Provider Award
- Community Organisation Award
- Employment Provider Award
- Hall of Fame
The Fraser Coast Ability Awards have been a powerful motivator for the Fraser Coast Wheelchair Basketball Club.
At the awards ceremony last year, the club was presented with the Community Organisation Award, its founder and coach Michael Oxley was recipient of the Community Champion Award and player Emerald Wilmhurst received the Sport and Recreation Award.
“The awards certainly helped the club,” Mr Oxley said.
“They lifted the spirits of members and we have been able to attract more players and sponsors.
“The recognition that comes with the awards showed that the club is successful and credible.
“It was also very rewarding for club members, lifting self-confidence and their confidence in wheelchair basketball.
“Personally, it was very humbling but rewarding to see what I had been doing was recognised and appreciated by the community.”
Mr Oxley, as coach, believes the awards were instrumental in Emerald Wilmhurst’s selection in the Australian Under 25 Womens squad and Queensland Seniors Womens’ team.
“The awards gave her confidence and a commitment to training that has helped her achieve big things,” he said.
“Being part of a wheelchair basketball team gives people with and without a disability an opportunity to play together, as the wheelchair is just a piece of sporting equipment.”
The organisation runs a weekly competition and have representative teams that cater for men, women, mixed, masters and juniors.
They have advocated for improved access and facilities, and have successfully advocated for accessible parking, ambulant toilet handrails and improved pathways at Maryborough Basketball Stadium and for basketball equipment at Maryborough Recreation Centre.
Michael, a member of the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Sport and Recreation Association since 2003, has helped many people with a disability work towards their sports, fitness, health and mobility goals.
Cr O’Keefe said the annual awards ceremony was a great opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate each other’s achievements.
“At the awards ceremony there is a sense of belonging, friendship and fun. It is a real party atmosphere,” he said.
The 2022 Fraser Coast Ability Awards ceremony will be held on 8 September 2022 from 11.30am to 2.30pm at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.