Senator Carol Brown, Labor Senator for Tasmania welcomed the announcement of the late Mary Phyllis Guy as the recipient of the Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award at the National Disability Awards in Canberra tonight.
The Australian Government’s National Disability Awards are part of the celebration of the International Day of people with Disability (IDPwD). The Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals in our community with a disability and those who contribute to the disability sector.
Senator Carol Brown was delighted that Mary was the recipient of the Minister’s most distinguished award, describing Mary Phyllis Guy as a remarkable Tasmanian woman who defied all the odds to make an enormous contribution to the rights of people with disabilities.
“Mary was a tireless advocate for equal rights for people with disabilities in our community and I am pleased that we have been able to honour her achievements,” Senator Brown said.
After battling polio at the age of eight Mary developed severe quadriplegia and forged a lifelong career fighting for enduring reforms for equal rights for people with disabilities.
“Mary was instrumental in establishing initiatives which enhanced independence for people with disabilities and in gaining recognition of the need for in-home support whilst forging a more inclusive role for disabled people in the community,” Senator Brown said.
Mary was the Chairperson of the Tasmanian Disability Advisory Council and previously served as an Alderman on the Glenorchy City Council.
She was an inductee on Tasmania’s Honour Roll of Women in 2005, a renowned artist at a local, state and international level and a truly remarkable Tasmanian.
“The Lifelong Achievement Award is yet another way to ensure that Mary’s contributions are recognised and remembered,” Senator Brown said.
Senator Carol Brown Labor Senator for Tasmania Deputy Government Whip in the Senate
