July 2002

Service to people with a disability acknowledged

The Department of Human Services’ Grampians Disability Services Division has honoured committees and boards of management of agencies in the Region.

More than 70 people—representing the boards and committees of agencies whose primary business and efforts are directed to people with a disability and their families—were guests at an Appreciation and Recognition dinner.

The dinner acknowledged the important role committee and board members play by devoting their time, passion and energy—in a job that often goes unrecognised—to assist non-government agencies conduct their business.

The event also gave boards and committees the chance to network and draw on each other’s experiences and successes.

The Department’s Disability Services Division Executive Director Arthur Rogers and Grampians Region Community Care, Disability and Housing Manager Wendy Middleton presented certificates to board and committee presidents recognising the contribution and commitment made by their agencies.

Agencies also nominated current members who have given outstanding service to their organisations.

Individual plaques were presented to these people as a reminder of their efforts to improve services for people with a disability.

Plaque recipients were John McDougall of Ararat and District Disabled Persons Association (McGregor House); Joe Ballinger, McCallum Disability Services; Ben Bentley, Woodbine; Col Thomas, Karkana Support Services; Judy Mason, Brian Dixon, Geoffrey Murdoch, Rural Community Opportunities; John Mildren, Pinarc Support Services and Jason Hosemans, Stawell Intertwine Services.