To some, Emma Myers is a Disability Rights Journalist in the Parliamentary Press Gallery for Powerd Media Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. To others, she is an award-winning screenwriter, public speaker and disability advocate.

As one of last year’s winners of the ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards, she’s urging others to nominate themselves or others for 2026 and celebrate people working to improve experiences for people with disability.

“I love the fact I cover stories that matter to my community as someone with lived experience, because it’s important for someone to truly understand what’s being written about us and pushed out to the public, and the decisions being made about our lives,” said Emma.

“Covering it from a lived experience perspective, I believe, is vital to getting the correct information out.”

She said her nomination last year came as a huge surprise.

“My organisation nominated me; I was quite shocked – thrilled, but shocked when I received the email! Because honestly, I’ve only been in Canberra two years,” she said.  

“Just to be nominated and recognised for my work in the community at a state government level was quite flattering.”

She said people who were nominating a friend or thinking about nominating themselves should expect more than just accolades for their hard work.

“ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards really highlight the work being done on the ground when it comes to advocacy in the community. It’s a great night out and you meet so many interesting individuals who are all there for the right reasons – they love what they do and they are passionate about making a difference,” she said.

Emma’s advice for those considering nominating? “Just do it – you never know what could come out of these opportunities, and you will never know unless you are in the running,” she said.

Small change, big difference: who will you nominate?

For many past nominees and winners, the recognition has been meaningful. Not just because of the award itself, but because someone took the time to say: we see what you’re doing, and it matters.

Right now, there are countless inclusion champions making a difference across the ACT. They may be teachers, volunteers, colleagues, business owners, advocates, community leaders or people quietly creating change behind the scenes.

The question is: who will tell their story?

If you know someone who is helping build a Canberra where people with disability are empowered to participate fully, contribute their talents and feel part of community, now is the perfect time to recognise their efforts.

Nominations for the ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards are closing soon. Visit act.gov.au and search “Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards” to learn more and submit a nomination.