ACT State Emergency Service, Tuggeranong Unit wins at the 2019 Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards

The ACT State Emergency Service - Tuggeranong Unit jointly won the Inclusion in Public Sector Employment award at the 2019 Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards!

This award recognises an organisation, team or individual within the public sector that has provided inclusive and innovative employment practices.

The Tuggeranong Unit of the ACT State Emergency Service was nominated for their efforts in creating an inclusive work environment for a Hard of Hearing volunteer. The unit readily integrated signing as a standard part of their business process, ensuring the volunteer could make a full contribution to the unit and progress to a leadership position. As well as providing experienced Auslan interpreters to support their weekly meetings, members of the unit have been inspired to learn Auslan.

The Hard of Hearing volunteer will be representing ACT State Emergency Service team  at the National Disaster Rescue Competition. It is believed to be the first time a person with disability has participated in the competition. The efforts of Tuggeranong Unit have also driven broader cultural change in the Emergency Services Agency, increasing awareness of the abilities of people with disability, and encouraging the organisation to consider where and how people with disability can continue to make a meaningful contribution to the Agency as a volunteer or staff members.