Call for Nominations: ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards 2026 (Australia)

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards, recognising people with disability, individuals, businesses, teams and community organisations that advance disability inclusion, accessibility, equality and human rights in the Australian Capital Territory. The awards feature six categories covering inclusive leadership, employment, collaboration, access, innovation and human rights, with winners to be announced at a gala dinner on 9 December 2026 in Barton.

About the 2026 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards

The ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards celebrate achievements that promote the full and equal participation of people with disability across the ACT. The awards recognise both people with disability who demonstrate community leadership and individuals or organisations that create more inclusive workplaces, services, communities and environments. The programme places particular emphasis on achievements that go beyond minimum standards or expected requirements and deliver meaningful improvements in outcomes for people with disability. Award Categories There are six categories in the 2026 awards. Leader in Inclusion This category recognises a person with disability who has made a significant contribution to promoting full and equal participation of people with disability in the ACT. Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices The appropriate category should reflect the nominee’s demonstrated achievements and contribution to disability inclusion. What Makes a Strong Nomination? A strong nomination should provide clear evidence of what the nominee has achieved and how those achievements have improved outcomes for people with disability.

Nominations should demonstrate:

A clear contribution to inclusion. Specific initiatives or achievements. Meaningful outcomes for people with disability. Evidence of leadership or collaboration where relevant. Innovation or improvement beyond minimum requirements. Practical examples showing the nominee’s impact. Previous nominees should provide clear evidence of progress since their earlier nomination. How to Submit a Nomination Nominations should include relevant information about the nominee and evidence supporting their achievements.

Step 1: Select the Appropriate Category

Review the six award categories and identify the one that best matches the nominee’s contribution. The judging process may move a nomination to another category if judges consider a different category more appropriate.

Step 2: Provide Examples of Inclusion

Explain what the nominee has done to champion disability inclusion. Use specific examples rather than general statements.

Step 3: Explain the Impact

Describe how the initiative or achievement has improved participation, access, employment, equality, rights or other outcomes for people with disability.

Step 4: Provide Contact Details

Include the nominee’s contact information as requested.

Step 5: Provide a Referee

A referee should be included to support the nomination and provide additional evidence of the nominee’s contribution. How Nominations Are Judged Nominations are assessed against the behaviours and achievements specified for each award category. Judges place particular emphasis on initiatives that: Go beyond minimum standards. Exceed normal expectations. Produce better outcomes for people with disability. Demonstrate meaningful inclusion. Show measurable or clearly demonstrated impact. The judging panel may also determine that a nomination is better suited to another award category and reallocate it accordingly. Judging Panel The winners will be selected by a judging panel that includes: People with disability. Awards sponsors. ACT Inclusion Council members. Members of the Canberra business community.

Each category will have:

One winner Up to two finalists When and Where Will Winners Be Announced? The 2026 winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner.

Date: Wednesday, 9 December 2026 Venue: National Ballroom, Hotel Realm Location: Barton, Australian Capital Territory

Why the Awards Matter The ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards provide recognition for practical efforts to create a more inclusive society. The awards highlight that disability inclusion involves more than meeting accessibility requirements. It also includes equal participation, meaningful consultation, inclusive employment, accessible information, co-design, innovation and human rights. By recognising successful initiatives, the awards can help showcase approaches that improve opportunities and participation for people with disability across the ACT. Key Terms for Search Optimization ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards 2026. ACT disability inclusion awards. Canberra disability awards. Australian Capital Territory inclusion awards. Disability inclusion recognition. Inclusive employment practices. Disability accessibility awards. Co-design with people with disability. Disability human rights. Disability equality. Inclusive community initiatives. Disability leadership awards. Accessible services and environments. Disability innovation. ACT Inclusion Council. Frequently Asked Questions What are the ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards? They are awards recognising people with disability, individuals, teams, businesses and community organisations that make significant contributions to disability inclusion, accessibility, equality and human rights in the ACT. How many award categories are there? There are six categories: Leader in Inclusion; Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices; Excellence in Collaborating with People with Disability; Excellence in Access and Inclusion; Excellence in Innovation and Impact; and the Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality. Who can be nominated? Individuals, teams, local businesses and community organisations can be nominated. Self-nominations are also accepted. What should a nomination demonstrate? A nomination should