Equal access cafe Equalitea has been awarded for the important part it has played in shaping the community since its inception a year ago, at the Katherine Disability Award on Saturday night.
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The inaugural award sought to celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities and service providers in the sector, which have long-gone unnoticed in Katherine.
Typically, larger Darwin organisations scoop up the majority of accolades at the NT Disability Services awards, and Katherine is even less celebrated interstate.
Katherine's Mayor Fay Miller said Equalitea was making inroads as it worked to upskill people with disabilities, and was always a pleasure to visit.
"It is lovely to see so much support, but it is also fabulous to always see the workers going into work at Equalitea with a smile on their face."
The award comes just months after the cafe won the People's Choice at the Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Awards in October.
First opening its doors in November of last year, Equalitea is a place for people to pass through on their way to other employment.
Championing inclusivity and leading the way for others in Australia, Equalitea provides hands on training for people to become skilled in hospitality.
Beth Morrison was awarded Best Support Worker for her ongoing and tireless work supporting people with disabilities in Katherine.
"The work being done in years gone by, really needs to be recognised," Doug McBean from NT Heli-Ops said as he presented the award to Ms Morrison.
"All the work that has been done really highlights how special the group of people nominated for this award are - varying from people doing this for many years to young people giving their time freely for no reward."
The youth award was presented to Heyden Besic for his achievements in school - he was said to be a student who had "grasped opportunity with both hands despite his hardships".
The Adult Individual Achievement award celebrated Marissa Watson for her continued and invaluable work at the Toy Library.
She was nominated for her "ever expanding role with the Toy Library... assisting with fundraising and always making sure the toys were clean and quality."
The awards ceremony coincided with the International Day of People with Disability, celebrated just days before on December 3.
A young Indigenous student was also awarded in the junior section, but has chosen to stay anonymous.
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