Deaf Australia Awards 2022 Announcement
Do you want to know who received the award for the Deaf Australian of the Year, Deaf Youth of the Year and Community Volunteer of the Year?
Deaf Australian & Deaf Youth of the Year Award
The Deaf Australian of the Year and the Deaf Australian Youth of the Year Awards were established in the memory of Dorothy (Dot) Shaw OAM, the founding President of Deaf Australia.
Dorothy was a tireless worker for Deaf rights in Australia and was honoured by the Australian Government for her achievements with an Order of Australia Medal in 1989.
The Awards are given once a year, and open to any Deaf person living anywhere in Australia, in recognition of their dedication, services and contributions (either paid or voluntary) to the Australian Deaf Community.
The Deaf Australian of the Year Award is for anyone aged 25 and over.
The Deaf Youth of the Year Award is for anyone person aged under 25 years.
Deaf Community Volunteer Award
The Deaf Community Volunteer Award was established in 2018 in the memory of Ann Darwin, who played a significant role in Deaf Australia.
The Award is specifically for a Deaf person who has volunteered in the past year. The Darwin family is honoured to choose the person for the board’s consideration.
Ann Darwin was the longest serving Board Director, serving 21 years, and led Deaf Australia as President under two separate terms. She has also been involved with Deaf Victoria and also led this organisation as President for many years. Ann also volunteered in many different Deaf community organisations and clubs that fostered a sense of community, belonging, support, and leadership.
In 2006, Ann was awarded an Honorary Life Membership for dedication to Deaf Australia and to the Deaf Community.
The Deaf Community Volunteer Award is Ann Darwin’s legacy.