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2019 Achievement Awards

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Meet our amazing achievement award winners!

Our Novita kids, teens, young people and adults achieve amazing things every day and we take enormous pride in celebrating their outstanding success.

Each year, we present a number of awards to acknowledge their extraordinary achievements.

President’s Achievement Award

The President’s Achievement Award is presented to a Novita client who lives with physical disability and has made outstanding progress in their rehabilitation.

The 2019 President’s Achievement Award goes to – Dale!

Dale is a very motivated young man whose dedication to his rehabilitation has not only produced significant results, but has also improved his table tennis skills. And he’s aiming to get his Driver’s Licence this year.

Congratulations, Dale!

Carol Dibben Encouragement Award

The Carol Dibben Encouragement Award is presented in the memory of Carol Dibben, a former Novita client and long-term employee, to recognise a senior student who has worked diligently to achieve their personal goals.

The recipient of the 2019 Carol Dibben Encouragement Award is – Benjamin!

Benjamin has exceptional strength of character, attitude and energy as he works towards achieving his goals. He aspires to be a singer, and is a budding film-maker, having produced a short film for the recent ‘Focus on Ability Film Festival’ in Sydney.

Congratulations, Benjamin!

Michael Wooley Recreational and Sporting Achievement Award

The Michael Wooley Recreational and Sporting Achievement Award is presented in memory of Michael Wooley, a former Novita client, Board member, and Honorary Life Member, who had a passion for sport. The award is presented to a current Novita client who has shown determination to achieve in a sporting or recreational capacity.

This year’s award goes to – Jack!

Jack is determined to represent his country at next year’s Paralympics in Japan. He has broken state and national records in track and field, he won multiple gold medals at the Para Athletics National Championships in Sydney, and has already set a Paralympic qualifying time.

Congratulations, Jack!

Communication Achievement Award

The Communication Achievement Award acknowledges a Novita client who has overcome considerable personal or environmental barriers to make significant progress in their communication, which has led to greater community participation and the creation of new circles of communication partners. This award is sponsored by Novita member and past Board Member, Dr Deborah James.

The recipient of the 2019 Communication Achievement Award is – Thomas!

Thomas has made great progress in communicating with his family and friends with a new app on his iPad. He uses the app to create a wide range of messages, as well as using picture symbols. His school friends are also learning about how Thomas communicates so they can interact with him more effectively.

Congratulations, Thomas!

Margory Head Achievement Award

The Margory Head Achievement Award is presented in honour of Margory Head who dedicated more than 40 years of her life to improve the lives of kids living with disability in regional South Australia. This award acknowledges a regional Novita client aged 12 to 18, who has overcome significant challenges to be able to achieve their personal goals in order to fully participate in the community.

The award goes to – Mikayla!

Mikayla is not only working hard to achieve her own goals, but she is passionate about supporting other young people living with disability to lead fulfilling lives. She works closely with the Novita team in Whyalla to achieve goals such as getting her Driver’s Licence, buying a car, and going out with her friends.

Congratulations, Mikayla!

Pauline McGregor Early Childhood Intervention Award

The Pauline McGregor Early Childhood Intervention Award commemorates the dedication and commitment of Pauline McGregor, a former Novita staff member who made a lasting contribution to the area of early intervention. The Award recognises the outstanding achievements of a Novita kid under the age of eight.

The award goes to – Ryker!

Young Ryker’s grit and determination is helping him to achieve some amazing goals including walking short distances independently, riding a bike with his trainer wheels, and kicking a ball.

Congratulations, Ryker!

Wallmans Lawyers Academic Achievement Award

The Wallmans Lawyers Academic Achievement Award recognises the consistent academic excellence of a Novita client over the age of ten.

The recipient of this year’s award is – Alexander!

Alexander is a highly motivated young man who sets very high goals and works hard to achieve them. He is studying a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of International Relations at the University of Adelaide. He is a wonderful role model for young people living with or without disability.

Congratulations, Alexander!

Tyndale Youth Transitions Achievement Award

The Tyndale Youth Transitions Achievement Award acknowledges a Novita young adult who has completed their education and successfully transitioned to post-school options such a tertiary education or employment.

The award has been won by – Rirana!

Rirana has become a well-known face around Novita. As a participant in Novita’s Transition to Work program, Rirana is doing work experience in our Bingo team, which is also supporting her to achieve her goal of improving her social and communication skills.

Congratulations, Rirana!

Presentation of Minister’s Community Achievement Award

The Minister’s Community Service Award is presented to an outstanding Novita ‘all-rounder’ who has demonstrated a commitment to personal independence and taking part in community activities.

And the Award goes to – Stefan!

Stefan has become a bit of a Novita celebrity through his wakeboarding pursuits and as an ambassador for our annual Mighty River Run fundraising event. But what you may not know about Stefan is that he is a very fine clay target shooter, and is aiming to represent Australia at next year’s Paralympics in Japan.

Congratulations, Stefan!