Well, the National Disability Leadership Organisaton’s Brisbane Disability Staff Recognition Awards 2022 Gala Night was a huge success with the best of the best of disability sector staff and providers celebrated and a massive $27,000 raised for our charity, RizeUp!

The sold out event, sponsored by the amazing Holistic Horizons, at the Plaza Terrace Room at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre attracted 398 guests from throughout the disability service sector and 170 nominations with 29 finalists in the seven main categories.

Check out the full list of winners on our website here – www.developingauscommunities.com.au/news/congratulations-to-the-2022-brisbane-disability-staff-recognition-award-winners

Then, of course, there was the coveted Best Expo Display award, voted on by fellow exhibitors and visitors which went to Aspire Hub.

But most important, the NDLO raised a fantastic $27,000 for this year’s chosen charity, RizeUp.

These funds came from very generous donations from Aspire Hub and Let’s Connect Support Services who each donated $5,000 to the cause.

And then there was the auction of Holistic Horizon participant Benjamin Hynes’ beautiful Brisbane City artwork which raised a whopping $2,000. Ben, 30, has autism and doesn’t speak much but his colourful artwork speaks volumes. His stunning piece of the Brisbane landscape was snapped up by a lucky guest of the Gala and all of the proceeds were donated to charity. Thank you Ben, and the team at Holistic Horizons – your donation was very generous. Read more about the talented Ben here.

RizeUp works in partnership with specialist domestic violence services across Australia.

While team members don’t work directly with clients, they are an add-value for services that work at the frontline with families impacted by domestic and family violence.

Did you know that one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them, and that 61% of women had children in their care when the violence occurred?

Please donate now so help break the cycle of abuse:  www.mycause.com.au/page/277157/developing-australian-communities-supporting-rizeup

Developing Australian Communities is sincerely grateful to all donors, nominees and their respective organisations, guests, the judges and, of course, our amazing Gala naming sponsors, Holistic Horizons!

It was wonderful to see all our sponsors, their guests and participants having such a great time.

The night was full of entertainment, fun and, most importantly, celebrated the crème de la crème of the disability sector while raising money for such a vital project.

Don’t forget, we have Sydney’s awards coming up to make sure you spread the word to your colleagues and networks to get those nominations in for the Sydney Disability Staff Recognition Awards 2022 on July 1.

Perth nominations, for the rescheduled expo in August, are also still open so there’s still time!