FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             DATE 03/12/09

 

 

Senator Helen Polley today presented Mr Richard Pedley with the Stephen Forrester Award as part of the International Day of People with Disability.

 

Mr Pedley, who is profoundly deaf, received the award after being named the most outstanding employee of the year by the Self Help Workplace in Youngtown.

 

“The Self Help Workplace has been proving for over 44 years that people with disability can be productive and committed employees.” Senator Polley commented. “They are also the largest employer for people with disability in the Launceston area.”

 

“I congratulate Mr Pedley on his award and the example he has set for his work colleagues, his peers and to the broader community.”

 

The International Day for People with Disability is celebrated internationally on 3 December each year and recognises the achievements and contributions of people with disability.

 

“Gone are the days when people with disability are seen as unable to contribute substantially to society. Instead people with all manner of disability are proving on a daily basis that there is no limit to their capacity or to their drive and determination.” Senator Polley concluded.