The 2017 Victorian Disability Awards ceremony was held on 16 August at Zinc, Federation Square, Melbourne. More than 250 people came together to honour people who made an outstanding contribution to improve the lives of people with disabilities living in Victoria.

The annual awards are faciliatated in joint partnership between National Disability Services and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Congratulations to this year's winners:

Emerging leader award
Bryce Pace, Victorian Student Representative Council

Excellence in creating inclusive communities
Gymnastics Victoria

Minister’s Award for outstanding Leadership
Dylan Alcott OAM, Get Skilled Access

Excellence in employment outcomes
Pathways to Employment, Wesley Mission Victoria

Excellence in promoting health, housing and wellbeing
Team Rebecca Court, Department of Health and Human Services

Excellence in promoting rights, fairness and safety
Disability Advisory Committee, City of Melton

Volunteer award
Liz Spurdle, City of Greater Geelong

Lifetime achievement honour roll
Johan Misso, Guide Dogs Victoria
Karen Bloomberg, Scope
Louisa Di Pietro, Genetic Support Network Victoria

To read more about the Awards and other finalists, go to the Victorian Health and Human Services website.