Deaf Australian of the Year 2020

I was thrilled to receive the Deaf Australian of the Year Award at the 34th Deaf Australia Inc AGM conducted through ZOOM last night.

For the last couple of years, I have had the opportunity to collaborate on projects with many amazing people that I admire. These projects have not only benefited me but the wider community too. Auslan Media Access and the Deaf Community Australia Forum are two of many great highlights for me this year.

Behind the scenes, I have lost count of how many hours I have spent supporting and working with our community which has meant many late nights – my friends and colleagues can vouch for that! Also, you have no idea how much I love ice cream because it has kept me going through the challenging times. Without you all, I wouldn’t have continued striving to achieve my best. I am like a lovely green plant, with some of you being the water, some of you being the sun who guides, nourishes and supports and allows me to grow higher and higher towards my peak.

I strongly encourage you all to promote and increase recognition of deaf people’s contribution to the community in various areas such as advocacy, talent, arts, sports, business, projects and events not just on International Day of Sign Languages but every day. I look forward to seeing what the future holds!

I want to thank the people who nominated me for this award. Thank you to all the people who have been there for me whenever I have needed assistance or wanted to bounce an idea off and those who have followed my journey updates.

Lastly, congratulations to the other outstanding Award recipients!