NDS would like to acknowledge and congratulate all nominees, finalists and winners in the 2017 WA Disability Support Awards. 

This year's awards drew 130 nominations, and winners were announced at a gala dinner held at Crown Perth on Saturday April 29, in front of sell-out crowd of 750 guests.

Hosted by NDS and the Disability Services Commission, the awards honour disability support workers who provide the highest standard of support to increase the quality of life and inclusion of people with disability.

This year's winners:

• Excellence in Advocacy and Rights Promotion Award – Chris Black and Nadia Bamasri, Partners in Recovery Perth North Team, Black Swan Health
• Excellence in Personal and Community Support Award – Team Brian (Thelmar Vigar, David Cox, Patrick Boyle, Karen Hammond and Stephen Upton)
• Excellence in Improving Participation Award – Andrea Holden 
• Excellence in Improving Employment Opportunities Award – Ahmed Selim, atWork Australia
• Excellence in Regional Support Award – Julie Carton, Lifestyle Solutions
• Excellence in Leadership Award – Bernadette Williams, Ability Centre
• Overall Award for Excellence – Chris Black and Nadia Bamasri, Partners in Recovery Perth North Team, Black Swan Health 

NDS WA State Manager Julie Waylen said the awards set an important benchmark for excellence, and recognise the positive impact support workers can have on the lives of people with disability.

"Working in the disability sector is more than just a job; it’s a great career choice for those looking for meaningful challenges and those who want to have a real and profound impact on the lives of people with disability and their families," she said.

"It's about giving support that recognises the person, respects their dignity and enables them to live a good life."

NDA acknowledges and thanks gold sponsors of the 2017 Disability Support Awards: HESTA, Intelife, Mosaic Community Care and RAC.