Screenwest Awarded Second Place at the 2020 Empower Awards

Screenwest Recognised for its Work to Empower Disability Diverse Screen Practitioners

Screenwest has been awarded second place in The 2020 Empower Awards facilitated by Wheels in Motion.

Out of 48 applications, from organisations which work to empower people with disabilities through different ways, Screenwest’s ongoing commitment to diversifying voices and the representation screen practitioners living with a disability and their stories was recognised as the deserving runner up.

Screenwest secured the $5,000 prize which will be used towards a future initiative to assist disability diverse, Western Australian screen practitioners realise their potential and contribute to sharing their stories through their unique lens.

By promoting diversity in the screen industry, Screenwest aims to see improved diversity and representation in mainstream film & media which is a driver in shaping public perceptions in the long term.

Screenwest Diversity Manager Simone Flavelle explained, “We are thrilled to have been selected as the recipient of second place in the Empower Awards! It’s a fantastic endorsement of Screenwest’s commitment to developing and working with diverse screen practitioners and drive diversity within the Western Australian Screen Industry.”

The initiative will be announced in the near future, so disability diverse screen practitioners are encouraged to keep up to date through the Screenwest website and newsletter.

About the Wheels in Motion and the 2020 Empower Awards

Wheels in Motion is a not-for-profit organisation with personality and a casual wardrobe, working to improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injuries.

Founded in 2016, Wheels in Motion is reframing expectations of disability by building a community around a movement. A community that understands disability as a social construct, not a means to define someone’s potential; one that includes and empowers, not pities.

Wheels in Motion want to change what people expect from those with a disability, whilst changing what people expect from a charity, too. Wheels in Motion harnesses the enthusiasm and generosity of its supporters to both raise funds and break down the invisible barriers facing people living with spinal cord injuries in Australia.

The organisation launched the inaugural Empower Awards to shine a light on individuals & organisations making an impact in the disability space. One winner (Handi) received $20,000, alongside a $5,000 runner-up prize (awarded to Screenwest), to drive their work in 2020 and beyond!

Wheels in Motion is on a mission to empower the next generation of changemakers to continue their work, enhance their visibility and scale their impact and building a network of passionate & motivated innovators to change the face of disability in Australia.

Organisations were recognised for:

• empowering disabled people;
• changing & challenging existing perceptions of disability; or
• providing support and/or services in innovative ways.

The Overall Winner of the 2020 Empower Awards is Handi, an organisation on a mission to put sexual pleasure within reach, starting by creating the first range of sex toys designed with and for people with disabilities. They are building a movement for sexual inclusivity, representation, inclusion and independence.

Learn more at thatshandi.co.

Contact Screenwest

T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au

www.screenwest.com.au
www.filminwesternaustralia.com.au

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