2023 National Disability Award nominees

We were well-represented at the 2023 National Disability Awards – a new initiative of National Disability Services (NDS) – to celebrate the outstanding contributions of individual workers and teams who support people with disability to achieve their goals.

If you’ve seen our recent editions of #TeamPossible news, you may be familiar with Cairns housemate, Gavin, overcoming his fear of riding in a vehicle.

With the support of his team (Team Spinos), after 18 months of being homebound, Gavin has made visits to the beach, grocery stores, restaurants, hairdressers, and community events.

Gavin’s reasons for withdrawing from his community remain elusive, despite extensive medical efforts.

However, during this time, Team Spinos, worked tirelessly in collaboration with Gavin and his support networks to fulfil his NDIS goals of being part of his community and being supported with activities he enjoys.

These person-centred and collaborative efforts were reflected inside the home as well.

Gavin moved into his current home in April 2022. Understanding the need for Gavin to feel safe and comfortable in his new environment, each team member played an active role in making the transition as smooth as possible.

This included personalising Gavin’s room to his preferences and arranging special ‘welcome’ meals to celebrate his arrival. The positive energy and genuine care they exuded during this period undoubtedly contributed to Gavin’s successful adjustment.

Dedication is a quality shared by fellow nominee Lisa du-Bont, who has supported housemates, including John, in their Sunshine Coast home for 18 years.

Throughout that time, Lisa has supported John and knows his likes and dislikes better than most. John’s sister, Sue, said that John’s life wouldn’t be the same without her.

“Lisa knows John better than probably anyone: his likes and dislikes, his idiosyncrasies and most importantly what makes him happy,” she said.

Site Supervisor Tina Sweeney said Lisa works closely with behavioural specialists to help improve the lives of people and knows clients “better than anyone”.

Joining Lisa and Team Spinos in the nominations was Site Manager Kedar Dastane, who was recognised for his contribution to supporting people with disability with skills development and meaningful, rewarding work.

Despite having oversight of two commercial businesses – an accredited food packaging plant and a boutique art studio – and nearly 90 supported employees, Kedar knows each person’s full name, background, interests, support needs, goals and, importantly, how to achieve them, with a proven track record of success.

Brenton Bennett is one of Kedar’s success stories. Brenton set a goal of being a forklift driver and, with Kedar’s support, gained his licence.

He always makes time to talk to people and is very polite. He brings out the best in me

Brenton’s family said Kedar’s consideration and understanding of employees empowered Brenton to upskill in forklifting.

“Brenton set a goal of being a forklift driver, and with Kedar’s support, he gained his licence and became a basic forklift driver, but it did not stop there,” they said.

“Kedar encouraged and supported Brenton to develop further forklift competency, with more advanced knowledge and confidence to unload vehicles, set up safety exclusion zones, and practice safety awareness. This landed Brenton a spot on the Site Safety Improvement Committee.”

Congratulations Lisa, Kedar and Team Spinos (Cheryl Briant, Erika Boreham, Maria Baddley, Saroj Pradhan, Theresa Williams, Claudia Provenzano, Rajan Dadwal, Georgia Harris, Ploiphatson Webber, and Helen Gavera) for your incredible achievements.