2023 Community Achievement Awards

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The Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards aim to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, groups, communities and businesses are making throughout Tasmania. 

2023 MAIB Disability Achievement Award - David Wood 

David is overcoming and learning to live with physical, emotional and psychological challenges associated with his accident and spinal cord injury.

David has overcome significant barriers, achieving in volunteering, education, employment and motivational speaking. 

He balances working two jobs and volunteering across multiple community spaces, in addition to being a Dad. 

David has delivered a spinal safe education program to primary and high school students, and other community organisations. 

He is coach of the first Tasmanian Wheelchair Rugby Team, creating inclusive opportunities and promoting physical wellness through his coaching activities, volunteer work and clothing brand for people living with a spinal cord injury. 

David wood

MAIB Community Safety Award winner - Rotary Youth Driver Awareness

The 2023 MAIB Community Safety Award celebrated Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA). 

RYDA makes a substantial impact on road safety in Tasmania. 

Since 2006, this program has been a cornerstone of Grade 10 education, with 5,000+ students across 60 schools attending annually. 

Run by Rotary Tasmania (and assisted by government funding), RYDA offers a one-day road safety program addressing attitude, awareness, and responsible driving behaviours. 

RYDA's dedicated facilitators, including professionals and volunteers, provide students with practical knowledge that extends beyond the program. 

By instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness, RYDA plays a vital role in reducing crashes and deaths among young drivers, ultimately contributing to safer roads and communities.