Women in disability sector scholarships announced

The successful scholarship winners, announced by the Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, are all ‘board ready’ senior women working in the disability sector who are ready to expand their skills and move to the next level.

In addition to fully-funded places in the Company Directors Course, the scholarship recipients will also receive 12 months membership of the AICD giving them access to a wide range of governance resources and learning opportunities.

The winners of the scholarships include 4 women from New South Wales, two from South Australia and one each from Tasmania, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Victoria.

The Disability Sector Scholarships was established in partnership with the Australian Government and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said those in the disability sector undertake incredibly important work in our community and these scholarships will enable emerging leaders further their careers.

“Those who work in the disability sector rarely receive the appropriate recognition they deserve. I am proud that the Turnbull Government, in partnership with the AICD, has been able to recognise and reward these leading women,” Minister Cash said.

“The disability sector will benefit from these scholarships with recipients bringing back new skills and ideas to their organisations.”

AICD Acting Chairman Gene Tilbrook said that the government initiative was an excellent way to enhance the leadership and diversity of Australia’s vital disability sector.

“Both governance education and diversity on boards leads to better outcomes, which is why we’re proud to be able to offer this scholarship with the support of the Australian Government,” he said.

“The disability services sector touches the lives of millions of people. The world-class education that these scholarship winners will gain will improve their governance and leadership skills, and in turn help their organisations and those who rely on the services their organisations provide.

“It’s phenomenal to have successful applicants from the breadth and width of the country included in this program and I wish them the very best with their studies.”