Geraldton’s ATLAS CEO Zane D’Mello recognised for social connectedness at The Globals 2023 awards in London

A leader in providing disability support, access and inclusion in the Mid West has received an international award for his contributions to social connectedness. ATLAS CEO Zane D’Mello travelled to London this month to attend The Globals 2023 awards night, being named The Most Outstanding Contributor to Social Connectedness in the Enablement Awards category. The awards are created to celebrate the best individual and company performances in multiple sectors worldwide, including the disability housing and care services. Mr D’Mello was awarded for the not-for-profit’s excellence, innovation and exemplary achievements in the disability care sector, their efforts to advance outcomes for all participants and lift and enhancing customer experiences and outcomes. Mr D’Mello said he was surprised somebody had nominated the charity and it proved their hard work in the access and inclusion space was paying off. “We thought were pretty good but we didn’t realise we’re quite that good so it was very satisfying to get recognised in that way,” he said. ATLAS finds what already exists in the general community and works to help people with disability be involved in those activities, Mr D’Mello said. “We generally say if it’s legal and it exists in the community, get ready, someone with a disability is coming,” he said. “That’s our attitude towards it.” The charity makes sure there are sufficient rails, ramps, curb cuts and wheelchair accessible spaces around the City of Greater Geraldton to improve access for all. Contacting sporting clubs, introducing their clients to the sporting community and getting them settled into the environment helps boost inclusion. Mr D’Mello said recent achievements included launching yachts designed for people with disability with Geraldton Yacht Club and partnering with New Leaf Connect to give them the equipment necessary to run inclusive tours. He hoped the recognition would bring new collaborations and partnerships to ATLAS.