The Community Services Directorate has honoured the legacy of disability advocate Susan Salthouse, pictured, who passed away in July last year, with the establishment of a fund to assist people with disability pursue leadership roles.
Minister for Disability, Emma Davidson said the Sue Salthouse named leadership fund would assist people with disability to access opportunities that built skills and would enhance their representation and leadership.
“The Fund recognises Sue’s hard work championing inclusion and leadership opportunities for people with disability and focuses specifically on women and girls,” Ms Davidson said.
“Sue Salthouse was a strong advocate for Canberra’s disability community and this Fund is just one way the ACT Government will honour her passion and hard work to drive inclusive outcomes,” she said.
“The establishment of this Fund will continue her legacy to create a more accessible and equitable Canberra.”
Ms Davidson said that two years ago, Ms Salthouse announced the establishment of a community fund and this new Sue Salthouse Fund would build on the work she generously started.
The Minister said Hands Across Canberra would administer the $75,000 seeding fund on behalf of the Directorate.
“They will work with an advisory group, comprising of Sue’s family and ACT Disabled People’s Organisations including Women with Disabilities ACT and Advocacy for Inclusion, to advise and progress leadership and representation of people with disability,” she said.
“The Fund is anticipated to grow through philanthropic support.”
Ms Davidson said the fund would activate ideas that changed lives and empower people with disability to pursue leadership development opportunities, including attending conferences; university; mentoring; and skill-building courses.
