Sylvanvale Foundation’s Community Initiatives Coordinator David Cretney was a finalist in the 2011 ZEST Awards for Outstanding New Worker in the Community Services Sector.

The Community Service Sector ZEST Awards are an initiative of the Stronger Voice for Western Sydney led by the non-government organisations Western Sydney Community Forum, TRI Community Exchange and Western Sydney Information and Research Service (WESTIR) to recognise and celebrate the outstanding efforts of staff within the sector.

David has been involved in a number of capacity building projects across the Greater Western Sydney Region aimed at creating inclusive pathways for people with disabilities. His projects include establishing Studio West a professional arts studio for artists with disabilities (to open later in 2011), developing a community radio show in the Blue Mountains called Shout Out that supports people with disabilities to participate and partnering with Blue Mountains TAFE and Crowd Around Choir, to create an inclusive singing event for and people with disabilities.

Sylvanvale CEO Pauline Stanley said “Sylvanvale is proud to have such a dedicated and creative team member. David has initiated a number of exciting and inclusive projects that helps the people we support.”

The ZEST Awards are sponsored by the Hon David Borger MP, Minister for Western Sydney. He said “The many creative and inspiring individuals who make up our community services organizations often have an immense impact on the community we are all a part of.”

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