Georges River Council is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Localability Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals with disabilities who have made significant contributions to the community.
This year's winners are Brendon Talbott of Beverly Hills in the Achievement Award category, and in the Young Local Hero Award category for young people aged 12-25, Council has recognised both Zoe Ong, of Mortdale, and Patrick Joseph Rasmussen, of Beverly Hills.
The winners were presented with the awards at a celebratory morning tea at Hurstville Library on 1 December 2023, where all eligible nominees were invited to join in the celebration of inclusivity and diversity ahead of the International Day of People with Disability on Sunday 3 December.
Brendon has Spina Bifida and has been involved with Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT for more than 40 years, including being a Board Member since 2001. He has been a participant of Wheelchair Tennis, a NSW team captain of Wheelchair Basketball, and senior presenter for the Wheelchair Sports Experience Program.
Brendon also regularly volunteers at Wheelchair NSW/ACT events. He is a passionate speaker to young people about road safety, accessible sports and raising disability awareness.
Young Local Hero Award winner Zoe Ong volunteers much of her time at local youth organisation Shopfront Arts Co-Op and sits on Shopfront's Disability Advisory Panel. Zoe is passionate about making Shopfront Arts Co-Op accessible to all.
This year, Zoe has been learning Auslan at TAFE in pursuit of becoming an Auslan interpreter and being able to better communicate with the deaf community. Zoe has worked with the staff at Shopfront Arts to create her own original piece of theatre, which she performed at Shopfront in April, and also performed in the organisation's 'Young Company' ensemble this year.
Council has also recognised Young Local Hero Award winner Patrick Joseph Rasmussen. Patrick has Fragile X Syndrome and has spent four years at the Australian Dance and Drama Company, where his confidence in musical theatre, dance, and singing has soared and later joined the school's Dance Tour to Disneyland and Universal Studios.
Patrick is a member of the Fragile X Association of Australia where he volunteers to raise awareness and assist in fundraising. Patrick meets everyday challenges head on and his determination to overcome his fears or hesitation is inspiring.
Georges River Mayor Sam Elmir said the awards are not just about recognising the achievements and contributions of people in Georges River with disability; they are about highlighting the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and of breaking down the stigma often experienced by people with disability.
"I'd like to congratulate Brendon, Zoe, and Patrick for the effort they put in each and every day to make the community of Georges River better for us all," Georges River Mayor Sam Elmir said.
"Brendon, Zoe, and Patrick demonstrate that our community is strongest when it embraces people of every ability."
"The Localability Awards are a testament to the strength and resilience of people with disability in our community. We are proud to honour Brendon, Zoe, and Patrick, who have not only achieved personal milestones but have also been beacons of empowerment and advocacy for other people in Georges River," Mayor Elmir said.
Mayor Elmir described the Localability Awards as a wonderful initiative of Council's Access and Inclusion Reference Group, which demonstrate Georges River Council's commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and socially connected community, as outlined in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 and the Social Justice Charter.
The awards recognise individuals who have shown remarkable achievement in advocacy, leadership, and empowering others in the Georges River community.
The winners were selected by a judging panel including the Mayor of Georges River Council, the General Manager of Georges River Council, and a representative from the Council's Access and Inclusion Reference Group. The panel reviewed numerous nominations, highlighting the community's engagement and support for these important awards.
"In Georges River, we believe in the power of inclusion. Creating a community that is accessible to people with disabilities is not just a goal, it is a fundamental part of who we are and what we stand for," Mayor Elmir said.
"Accessibility is more than just physical or digital infrastructure; it's about building an inclusive culture that values and respects the diverse abilities of all its residents. It's about recognising that every member of our society, regardless of their abilities, has the right to participate fully in our community.
"Inclusion is the cornerstone of a vibrant and diverse community. When we make our spaces, services, and programs accessible, we open doors to opportunities, engagement, and growth for everyone.
"By focusing on accessibility, we're not just complying with standards; we are actively building a community where people with disabilities feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
"As Georges River Mayor, I am dedicated to ensuring that our community is a place where disability is not a barrier to participation, but a catalyst for innovation and community connection.
Pictured: Zoe Ong. Photo by Joshua Morris.
