Ian J. Cooper Awards Honour Champions of Inclusion Bellingen Shire

Published on 11 December 2024

Photo: Nambucca Valley Phoenix All Stars performance (And the Trees Photography)

Bellingen Shire Council hosted a vibrant and inspiring event on Tuesday evening at the Bellingen Memorial Hall Studio to celebrate the International Day of People with Disability. The occasion served as a dual celebration: showcasing exceptional local talent and recognising individuals and organisations that champion accessibility and inclusion through the Ian J. Cooper Awards.

Aunty Lisa Kelly, delivered a Welcome to Country and the event was opened by Mayor, Cr Steve Allan who acknowledged the importance of ensuring our community continues to promote inclusivity for all. Mala Colmer, accompanied by her mother, Cr Jennie Fenton, addressed this year's theme: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” They discussed opportunities within the Shire, focusing on the public school system's progress toward greater inclusivity for children with disabilities. This includes providing appropriate resources to support students learning alongside their peers and the advantages of new technologies that enhance accessibility and participation for individuals with a range of disabilities.

Photo: Cr Jennie Fenton, presenting with her daughter Mala Colmer (And the Trees Photography)

The evening featured captivating performances from the Nambucca Valley Phoenix All Stars and Mix Tub Theatre, inclusive theatre groups that create a space for creativity and community for people living with disabilities. These performances were complemented by the screening of Doctor Time, an award-winning short film created by local filmmaker Raji Renshaw.

Photo: Mix Tub Theatre performing at the event (And The Trees Photography)

Photo: Raji Renshaw presents his film Dr Time (And The Trees photography)

Mayor, Cr Steve Allan praised the film as a highlight of the evening, saying, “Raji Renshaw’s Doctor Time is a testament to the incredible creativity we have right here in Bellingen Shire. It’s heartwarming, quirky, and so full of life—it’s no surprise the film has already won awards. It’s a reminder of the extraordinary talent that exists in our community.”

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Ian J. Cooper Awards for Access and Inclusion. The Ian J. Cooper Awards honour the legacy of Ian J. Cooper, a tireless advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and founder of the Bellingen Shire Council Access Committee. Through these biannual awards, Ian’s dedication to fostering an inclusive community continues to inspire change and celebrate progress.

Mayor Allan alongside the Shire Councillors had the privilege of presenting 9 awards across 4 categories, recognising the incredible efforts of individuals and organisations dedicated to advancing accessibility in the community

Award Winners for 2024:

Individual Awards – Recognising individuals dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities:

Photo: Kylie Selig accepting award with Mayor Cr. Steve Allan and Cr. Jo Brotherton (And The Trees Photography)

WINNER: Kylie Selig

For creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space that fosters connection and support for young people.

Kylie has been the driving force behind creating a safe and welcoming space for young people of all abilities, particularly girls and gender-diverse youth on the autism spectrum. She has run the Golden Wolves Club at the Hub for quite a few years now, providing an opportunity for young people to connect, build friendships, and have fun in an inclusive and accepting environment. Her dedication has been unwavering, and she has generously given her time and resources to ensure the group continues to meet.

Photo: Robin Veitch accepting award with Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Deputy Mayor Cr. Ellie Tree and Cr. Jo Brotherton (And The Trees Photography)

WINNER: Robin Veitch

For extraordinary care, compassion, and unwavering support for an individual in need.

Since the mid-1980s, Robin Veitch has been a devoted carer and close friend to Gary Atkins, who became a quadriplegic after a diving accident near Dorrigo. Robin has spent nearly 40 years ensuring Gary has lived a full and active life, providing exceptional care and support.

Together, they’ve travelled across Australia, overseas, gone whitewater rafting down the Nymboida and much more. Robin also encouraged Gary’s artistic talents, helping him become a successful mouth painter, with his work featured in numerous exhibitions.

Robin’s care has extended beyond physical needs—he has been a dedicated and loyal fiend to Gary. Even after retiring, Robin returned to care for Gary, continuing their lifelong friendship and commitment to each other.

Inclusion Awards – Honouring organisations that actively promote equity, diversity, and participation:

Photo: Robin Jen Boxtell & Jane Farrah accepting award on behalf of Chrysalis Steiner School Year 6 Teaching Team: with Mayor Cr. Steve Allan and Cr. Andrew O’Keeffe (And The Trees Photography)

WINNER: Chrysalis Steiner School Year 6 Teaching Team

For fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student is valued and supported.

Chrysalis Steiner School provides holistic education from pre-kindy to Class 10, with a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels valued. The Chrysalis staff, especially the Year 6 teaching team, go above and beyond to promote understanding of differences and to raise awareness about the challenges some students may face due to illness or disability. Their dedication to supporting students to thrive, even in difficult circumstances, highlights the school's ability to adapt its teaching approach.

Photo: Matheus Wiggers & Quartz accepting award on behalf of Point Break Brazilian Jui Jitsu

WINNER: Point Break Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

For fostering opportunity, encouragement, and connection through sport, creating an inclusive environment where young individuals can thrive.

Founded by Matheus Wiggers two years ago, Point Break BJJ Bellingen offers weekly classes for kids aged 4-12, with a strong focus on inclusion. The program provides support for children with disabilities, including autism, helping them improve coordination, physical confidence, and resilience in a fun and respectful environment. Their programs have a profound impact on children’s development and confidence.

Most recently, the school facilitated a workshop in partnership with Disability Sports Australia for kids with disabilities, allowing them to engage in grappling games and social play.

Photo: Miranda Cull & Bronwyn Napiorkowski accepting award on behalf of Happymess Studio with Mayor Cr. Steve Allan and Cr. Andrew O’Keeffe (And The Trees Photography)

WINNER: Happymess Studio

For celebrating diversity and providing an inclusive and safe creative space for everyone.

Launched in early 2024, Happymess is an example of a new business dedicated to inclusion. Founded by art therapists Bronwyn and Miranda Happymess is dedicated to inclusion, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

The wheelchair-accessible space supports neurodiverse individuals and offers outreach to nearby areas like Macksville and Coffs Harbour. With art therapy as a core offering, the space fosters participation and acceptance for everyone, regardless of speech or social skills.

Photo: Rod Holmes accepting award on behalf of Rotary Club of Dorrigo with Mayor Cr. Steve Allan and Cr. Andrew O’Keeffe (And The Trees Photography)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Rotary Club of Dorrigo

For creating an inclusive and welcoming community for everyone.

Since 1953, the Rotary Club of Dorrigo has been a vital part of the community, driven by volunteers committed to creating positive change. As a member of Rotary International, the club upholds values of diversity, inclusion, and service, with a focus on supporting the local Dorrigo community.

The Rotary Club of Dorrigo has been instrumental in key local initiatives, including:

• Upgrading of the Dorrigo helipad
• Refurbishing the accessible playground in Coronation Park
• Raising funds for a specialist hospital bed at Dorrigo Hospital.
• Supporting mental health research.
• Contributing to local programs like the Dorrigo Farm Safety Awareness Day
• Sponsoring students in leadership, educational, and cultural programs

Access Awards – Celebrating efforts to improve physical accessibility:

Photo: Kylie Raymond accepting award on behalf of McGregor Gourlay with Mayor Cr. Steve Allan and Cr. Graeme Shephard (And The Trees Photography)

WINNER: McGregor Gourlay

For demonstrating a commitment to making business premises more inclusive and accessible to everyone.

McGregor Gourlay is an Australian owned company and local agricultural supplier. In February of this year, they upgraded the accessibility of their building in Dorrigo by replacing an old, steep ramp and steps with a new, user-friendly ramp and steps. This improvement has made the business much more accessible for people with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs, walking sticks, scooters, or prams.

The new ramp is wider for easier maneuverability and features a non-slip surface, ensuring safety and convenience for all members of the community. It has also improved delivery access, benefiting both customers and the businesses.

Ongoing Commitment Award – Recognising sustained dedication to access and inclusion:

Photo: James Burry accepting award on behalf of Riverside Holiday Resort with Mayor Cr. Steve Allan and Cr. Jennie Fenton (And The Trees Photography)

WINNER: Riverside Holiday Resort

For setting a standard for excellence in hospitality through ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Multi Award winning Riverside Holiday Resort at Urunga has shown an ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, providing exceptional service and facilities for people of all abilities.

They offer 40 fully self-contained 2 bedroom apartments with 21 ground-floor accessible units and 5 wheelchair-accessible apartments with widened doorways and bathrooms.

With its focus on access and inclusion, Riverside at Urunga continues to ensure that all guests, regardless of ability, can enjoy a relaxing and accessible holiday experience. They are a deserving recipient of this award.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dorrigo Butcher

For outstanding efforts to improve access and inclusion within the business.

The Dorrigo Butcher, under the leadership of Ben and Meghan Garnock, has made significant strides in improving accessibility for all customers. Since taking over the business in 2019, they’ve enhanced the shop’s access by installing a 1.2-metre wide automatic sliding door. This change has made the shop easily accessible for people with mobility challenges, wheelchair users, and families with strollers.

With future plans for additional accessibility improvements, including ramps and tiling, Ben and Meghan are committed to ensuring everyone can comfortably enter and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of The Dorrigo Butcher.

Mayor Allan said, “Congratulations to all our award winners for 2024. Their contributions are deeply appreciated, and our community is enriched by their dedication to creating an inclusive Shire.” Reflecting on the event, Mayor Allan remarked, “Tonight was a wonderful celebration of diversity, creativity, and inclusion. From the inspiring performances to the awards ceremony, it was a powerful reminder of the collective efforts needed to ensure everyone feels valued and supported in our community.”

Council continues its work in this space by partnering with BlueSky Community Services to advance workplace inclusion initiatives, including enhancing recruitment practices, establishing disability employment pathways, and delivering staff training programs.