Image caption: Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi and Director of The Stage Door Performing Arts Tania Macleod at the 2022 Sydney Hills Local Business Awards.
The Hills Shire Council is proud to again support the Disability Inclusion Award at this year's Sydney Hills Local Business Awards.
The Award, which was introduced by Council in 2022, acknowledges and celebrates businesses who are accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities, both their staff and customers.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi is urging residents to support a business that represents these values by nominating them for this Award.
"According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 4.4 million Australians have some form of a disability. That's about one in five people," Mayor Gangemi said.
"Making your business more accessible and inclusive better serves your customers and ensures your employees are well-supported in their work-life.
"One of my goals as Mayor has been to build a more inclusive and accessible Hills Shire, and I am proud to be acknowledging local businesses that also work hard to achieve this," he added.
Tania Macleod, the Director of performing arts school, The Stage Door Performing Arts, won the inaugural award at last year's event.
She said the Disability Inclusion Award raised awareness of businesses being more inclusive.
"It was fantastic to be recognised for our long-time efforts to maintain our values of inclusiveness, teamwork, encouragement, resilience and sharing joy," Ms Macleod said of her award.
"At Stage Door Performing Arts, we are committed to welcoming and enriching the lives of every single person that walks through our doors. These values are what I believe has led to our 28 successful years in business.
"I also believe it's vital that all businesses, organisations and the community are accessible and inclusive to absolutely everyone.
"This award reinforces this, but also provides the opportunity for businesses to review, reflect and make changes and improvements to their current systems and processes to bring about positive change," she added.
Any eligible business can be nominated for a Disability Inclusion Award. Nominations of a deserving local business can be made on Council's website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and by searching for 'Sydney Hills Local Business Awards'.
To be eligible, nominated businesses must operate within The Hills Shire Local Government Area (LGA) and address other eligibility criteria. Self-nominations are also welcome.
Ms Macleod encouraged local businesses to nominate today!
"It's a wonderful learning process to put your business forward for this award," she said.
"More importantly, these awards allow you to celebrate your success and to also thank your family, team, suppliers, customers and everyone else who makes up our diverse Hills Shire community," she added.
Entries for the Disability Inclusion Award close on Wednesday, April 26.
Winners will be announced at the 2023 Sydney Hills Local Business Awards Gala Presentation Evening at Castle Hill RSL on Tuesday, May 30.
