Congratulations to The Disability Trust’s videographer Kelly White on winning the Media Award at the National Disability Awards.
Kelly attended the National Disability Services awards ceremony in Adelaide on Monday night with Chief Executive Officer Carol Berry and was thrilled to receive this prestigious honour ahead of her fellow finalists, ABC reporter Dominic Cansdale and Murray Jones, host of the A Few Good Men podcast.
This award recognises a journalist or media team who has created awareness of disability issues through a news or entertainment media story or body of work that has promoted inclusion in a contemporary and impactful way or highlighted the value of the work of the disability sector through the media.
The judges were impressed with her ability to create a powerful and empowering story – her “Maddi’s Employment Success Story” video shows how a positive approach from The Disability Trust and Wollongong City Council opened doors for a young woman with disability looking for a job.
Shown widely at conferences, the video has convinced other organisations and councils of the benefits of inclusive employment.
Kelly started her role at The Disability Trust late last year and has become an integral member of the Marketing Team with her high-quality videography and photography skills helping to showcase our organisation’s programs and services.
In her acceptance speech, Kelly said it was a tremendous honour to receive the award.
“Working in the disability sector for the past year has been a privilege and I’m humbled at being recognised with this award. It is one of the highlights of my career.
“All of the stories that I have been fortunate enough to cover over the past 12 months exist because of the incredible staff who are dedicated to The Disability Trust’s mission of inclusivity and progress for the people we support, no matter how big or small their goals.
“I am extremely grateful to be able to tell these stories and bring them to life for an organisation which strives to put our participants at the forefront and values the tireless contributions of their staff.
“I’d like to acknowledge my two daughters, who without them I would never have picked up a camera to begin with.”
Carol was pleased to see Kelly rewarded for her dedication.
“Kelly’s beautiful capturing of our client’s stories as well as their amazing families and staff has had an amazing and transformative impact,” she said.
“Well done Kelly, very well deserved.”
