2026 International Day of People with Disability Awards Ceremony
Description
Celebrate inclusion, achievement and community.
Join us for the 2026 International Day of People with Disability Awards as we celebrate the people, businesses, sporting clubs, community organisations, carers and volunteers making Ballarat a more inclusive and accessible place to live. The awards recognise outstanding contributions across a range of categories and provide an opportunity to acknowledge those creating positive change in our community. Whether you're a finalist, nominee, supporter or community member, everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating this year's recipients.
Nominations open: Monday 7 September 2026, 9.00am
Nominations close: Monday 16 November 2026, 11.59pm
Visit our webpage for more detail and information: https://mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/international-day-people-disability-awards-2026
Awards Ceremony Details
When: Thursday 3 December 2026 at 11.00am
Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange, 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Bookings are essential.
Please note we will have a Sensory Quiet Space available, sensory toys, Auslan interpreters, Phonak Portable Hearing Loop, live captions on screen, and support available on the day for any accessibility needs. Support workers, family and friends are welcome to attend this event, please ensure they have tickets booked.
Photography and video will be taken at this event for promotional reasons, we will have pink round stickers available for you to wear. This will let the photographer know you do not want to be photographed or videoed.
For further information please contact Meg Lawton Community Inclusion Officer at IDPWDawards@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Agenda
- 10:30 am
Guests Arrive
- 11:00 am - 11:15 am
Welcome and Ceremony Opens
- 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Awards Presented and Nominees Acknowledged
- 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
Closing Reflections and Statements
- 12:15 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch and Connection
Accessibility Information for the Ballarat Mining Exchange
Entrance
The Ballarat Mining Exchange is wheelchair accessible from the east side of Lydiard Street North footpath via a slight incline (some assistance may be needed).
Access Throughout
The Mining Exchange is ground level only.
Wheelchair access is through the front doors.
There is a large iron gate and two internal automatic glass doors that provide easy access for wheelchairs.
Toilets
The accessible toilet is identified as a unisex accessible toilet LH facility & parent room and has both braille and raised tactile lettering on the sign.
There is an accessible toilet within the facility.
Parking
There is a single designated accessible parking space located in Lydiard St North approximately 100 metres from the Ballarat Mining Exchange beside Police Lane.
In addition, four accessible parking spaces can be found near the Regent Cinema on the opposite side of Lydiard St North.
Drop off may be possible in a large loading zone directly in front of the entrance to the Ballarat Mining Exchange, with a steep bitumen ramp (assistance will be needed) up to the footpath.
The taxi drop off area is located on the same side of the street just past the loading zone, towards Sturt St.
There is no fixed seating so wheelchairs can be accommodated easily, along with sufficient circulation room.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals, including assistance dogs as defined by the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), are welcome.
2026 Award Categories
Accessible Arts and Culture Award - Sponsored by McCallum Disability Services
Honours a person with a disability who uses their creative talents to express themselves, connect with others, and challenge perceptions of disability.
Accessible Sports Award - Sponsored by Nurse Next Door
This award recognises an individual, club or group that has promoted inclusion and access in sport and recreation for people with disabilities in the City of Ballarat.
Young Leader Award - Sponsored by Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Recognises a young person (aged 25 or under) with a disability who is making a difference through leadership, advocacy or community involvement.
Accessibility Advocate Award Sponsored by Lifely
Celebrates a person with lived experience of disability who has driven real change in accessibility and inclusion through advocacy and action.
Accessibility Ally Award Sponsored by Ballarat Community Health
Acknowledges someone without lived experience who has actively supported the rights, voices and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Accessible Venue Award Sponsored by Driving Miss Daisy
Recognises a venue that is highly accessible for people living with disability
Accessible Organisation Award Sponsored by Healio Care
This award recognises a local business or not-for-profit organisation that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to making its venue, services, or products accessible to people with disabilities.
Outstanding Carer or Volunteer Award Sponsored by Victorian Home and Community Care
Recognises a carer or volunteer who has made an outstanding impact to supporting people with disability and creating a more inclusive community.
FAQs
- What are the International Day of People with Disability Awards?
The International Day of People with Disability Awards celebrate people, businesses, sporting clubs, community organisations, carers and volunteers who are helping create a more inclusive and accessible Ballarat.
- Who can be nominated?
Nominees must be living, working, studying or regularly visiting, or connected to the City of Ballarat local government area. This can include people based outside of Ballarat but are regularly connected to Ballarat.
Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for an award category can be nominated.
- What do winners receive?
Each award winner will receive a $250, and finalist will receive a $125, thanks to the generous support of our award sponsors.
- Can someone be nominated for more than one award?
No. Each person or organisation can only be nominated for one award category. Please choose the category that best reflects their contribution.
- Can I nominate more than one person or organisation?
Yes. You can submit multiple nominations.
- How do I nominate?
Submit your nomination at: https://mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/international-day-people-disability-awards-2026
By completing the online nomination form
By completing a paper nomination form and returning to the City of Ballarat
By audio recording (as long as you address the questions)
By video submission (as long as you address the questions)
- Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Self-nominations are welcome
- If I won last year, can I be nominated again?
Previous award winners from 2025 are not eligible for nomination in the same category.
- Can I get help with my nomination?
Contact us if you would like assistance or have any questions about the nomination process!
Contact Information
Name
Meg Lawton - Community Inclusion Officer (Access and Inclusion)
Phone
0353205500
Email
Last Year's Ceremony!
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
