2024 Autism Queensland Recognition Awards
27 Aug 2024
Autism Queensland’s annual search for outstanding achievers within the State’s autism community has begun.
In 2024, the Autism Queensland Recognition Awards will celebrate the outstanding achievements of autistic people, their parents and carers, as well as schools and early childhood education services supporting autistic children. Please read below to learn more about each category. A link to the nomination form can be found at the bottom of the page.
Junior Individual Achievement Award
This award recognises the exceptional achievements of an autistic Queenslander under 18. These achievements can include but are not limited to:
- Sporting excellence
- Artistic contributions
- Academic accomplishments
- Advocacy efforts
- Overcoming adversity to reach personal goals
Note: Nominations are encouraged from family members, friends, colleagues, schools and other service providers. Self-nominations are welcome.
Senior Individual Achievement Award
This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of an autistic Queenslander aged 18 and over. Achievements can be diverse, including, but not limited to:
- Professional excellence
- Research contributions
- Personal achievements in sports, academics, or family life.
Note: Nominations are encouraged from family members, friends, colleagues, schools and other service providers. Self-nominations are welcome.
Parent/Carer Award
This award honours a Queensland parent or carer who plays a significant role in supporting an autistic family member/s.
Note: Nominations are encouraged from family members and service providers. Self-nominations are NOT accepted in this category.
School/Early Childhood Education Award
This award acknowledges the exceptional efforts of a Queensland school, early childhood education centre or kindergarten. It focuses on:
- Understanding the unique needs of autistic students or young children
- Providing holistic and inclusive support
- Ensuring maximum outcomes for students or young children in their care.
Note: Anyone can nominate a school/early childhood education centre/kindergarten for this award.
Autism Queensland may NOT be nominated for this award.
Nominations must be received no later than 11:30pm, Monday, 23 September 2024.
Award winners and special commendees will be announced at an invitation only event hosted by Autism Queensland Patron, Her Excellency The Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, on Tuesday 3 December, the International Day of People with Disability.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
AWARD RECIPIENTS:
- An Award winner will be selected for each category.
- From the nominations, the judging panel may award any number of special commendations
- Award Recipient(s) and Special Commendations will be acknowledged on the Autism Queensland website.
- Autism Queensland will also present a Patronage Award to recognise a business or individual who has made a major contribution to the organisation and/or its mission.
HOW TO ENTER:
All nominations must be made on the official Nomination Form.
- Carefully read the criteria for the different awards and choose the category that best suits the person/school/organisation you are nominating. You may nominate a person in more than one category, however each nomination must be completed on a separate form.
- Ensure you have permission to share the nominee’s personal details with Autism Queensland. You are welcome to include supporting information (eg Resume, brochures, essays, media articles, web links, copies of art work) etc.
WHAT THE JUDGING PANEL WILL LOOK FOR:
- Nominations that best fit the Award Category and criteria.
- Clear and concise reasons for the nomination.
- Clear description of the nominee’s involvement and achievements in the field of autism relating to the award category, and if possible backed by supporting information.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:
- If you are nominating someone for an Award you MUST notify them, or in the case of the school/early childhood education Award their key contact, before submitting the nomination. They should also be aware, that, if selected as a finalist, their details may be used in the promotion of these and future Awards.
- Autism Queensland reserves the right to use the material submitted for promotion of the Awards as well as those that are held into the future.
- Autism Queensland will not accept any responsibility for lost or misdirected nominations.
PLEASE NOTE: All finalists will be contacted in November to confirm their attendance at the Awards presentation at Government House. Attendance is not compulsory and will in no way affect the outcome of the Awards.
