The Autism SA Recognition Awards ‘07
Our second Awards Presentation Dinner held on Saturday 19 May at the Sunnybrae Function Centre was a great success. The Guest of Honour was our Patron, Her Excellency Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC, CVO, MBE, Governor of South Australia, who assisted in handing out the Awards that were presented. This was her last function as our Patron and we thank her for her support and wish her all the best in the future. Special thanks to The Honorable Ian Hunter MLC who represented the Minister for Disability, The Honorable Jay Weatherill MP, on the night.
Thank you also to sponsors and supporters Beaumont Tiles and Bathrooms, Budget Balloons, Coopers Brewery, The Lakes Resort Hotel, Adelaide Fuel Distributors, Pura Milk Adelaide 36’ers, Mark McKay, Baker’s Delight Marryatville, Liz Cohen, Hills Industries, Leon May, Bosch and Nadia Demasi.
Parent / Carer Category
This Award is presented to parents and carers of people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is important to recognise the valued contributions of parents and carers - the role that they play is essential.
Award Recipient
Coby Hudson has two sons aged 3 and 5 with Autism and Asperger syndrome. Her husband has also been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. She faces many issues, but always with a positive and proactive attitude. She was nominated twice.
Special Commendations
Geoff and Linda Sandell are grandparents of two boys with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and strong advocates for all with a diagnosis. They convene a support group, lobby government, organise respite and champion the cause.
Natalie Cook lives in the Riverland and has a son with severe autism. With few services available locally, she has travelled on many occasions to Adelaide and other areas for services and to attend many training sessions to benefit her son.
Professional Achievement Category
This award recognises excellence by an individual professional working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Award Recipient
Robyn Young is an Associate Professor at Flinders University and the founder of the Flinders University Early Intervention Research Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Special Commendation
Verity Bottroff is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Disability Studies at Flinders University. She has a strong bond with Autism SA and is Vice-President of the current Board of Management.
Professional Achievement Category
This award recognises excellence by an individual professional working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Award Recipient
Robyn Young is an Associate Professor at Flinders University and the founder of the Flinders University Early Intervention Research Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Special Commendation
Verity Bottroff is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Disability Studies at Flinders University. She has a strong bond with Autism SA and is Vice-President of the current Board of Management.
Individual Achievement Category
An individual of any age with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to recognise personal achievement.
Award Recipient
Kimberly Sellers is a young woman who has excelled academically, artistically and on the sporting field. She was a gold medallist in the Special Olympics SA (rhythmic gymnastics) and won the Cardijn College Principal’s Award for volunteering.
Special Commendations
Roscoe Hilton is a young man who has voluntarily assisted parent support groups by sharing his personal experiences and giving a unique insight into Asperger syndrome. He has given them hope and inspiration for their journeys.
David Murphy is a young man who is a high achiever both academically and socially. He has gained a Diploma of IT and is currently employed as a software engineer, a job that he sourced and won on his own.
Patronage Category
This award acknowledges outstanding Patronage and/or Philanthropic support of Autism SA.
Award Recipient
The Hacket Foundation has donated $24,500 since 2003 and has a strong commitment through personal visits, increased donations, both financially and in regularity.
Special Commendation
Baiada Select Poultry Children’s Charity Nest is a fundraising initiative of Baiada Poultry staff whose efforts are matched dollar for dollar by the company. They have raised over $6,000 for Autism SA’s Early Development Program in 2006.
Business Partnership Category
A business entity that has made an exceptional contribution to Autism SA’s ability to better deliver services to people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in SA.
Award Recipient
SASRAPID (South Australian Sport & Recreational Association for People with Integration Difficulties) provides assistance and enables participation into valued community sport, recreation and leisure activities.
Special Commendation
Variety - The Children’s Charity were recipients of the Inaugural Business Partnership Award in 2006 and have again been nominated for their establishment of Autism SA’s respite program