The National Convention Centre Canberra’s (NCCC) program of support for people with a disability has been recognised with an award at the 2010 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards, held last Thursday, (Oct 7.)

The venue received the coveted accolade for ‘Inclusion in Tourism and Hospitality’, after demonstrating its ongoing commitment to encouraging, welcoming and supporting people with disabilities within the workplace.

Event emcee Effe, Cindy Young and Frank Crews with award.

Manager of the NCCC, Cindy Young said the venue has come a long way in a short time to build support and profile of disability within the business.

“The NCCC considers supporting people with a disability a key element within our corporate social responsibility and community engagement programs,” she said.

“We currently employ three team members with a disability, each working in the food and beverage department. We also engage with people beyond our workforce, supporting the community on a number of levels, such as proving exhibition spaces for local artists with a disability.

“Our facilities also provide extensive accessibility to staff and visitors to the venue alike. This accessibility was increased further in 2007, when the NCCC underwent a major refurbishment, adding features such as an extra passenger lift to the carpark, new ramps at front and rear entrances, vision strips throughout the venue and new wheelchair movers in our theatrettes, as well as installing hearing loops in all theatres and in the Ballroom.”

Craig Wallace, Chair of Judges of the awards congratulated the NCCC on its award, saying that the standard of nominations in 2010 was especially high.

“We were thrilled to see the number of organisations that approached inclusion across several fronts, including as part of their practice of broader corporate-social responsibility. These attitudes, combined with people applying innovation to specialised areas, were among the standouts of the process in 2010.”