Amelia Rix
Award

HISTORY

The CBS Inc. Amelia Rix Award was established in 2003 by the Founder and Executive Director of Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc., Freddie Brincat OAM, to commemorate the courage and determination of former Jobnet client Amelia Rix in her efforts to secure employment. This achievement was far from easy for Amelia, and involved a number of years of pre-employment training and work experience placements before she eventually found regular paid employment as a car yard attendant. Amelia sadly passed away in February 2003.

“I became involved in supporting Amelia through community recreation and other life experiences in around 1992, when she was about 14 years old. Her positive attitude and love of life and people was a reflection of her parents (the late Barbara Rix OAM and Ted Rix). Over this time other staff worked closely with Amelia. Out of the sad and hurtful experience of Amelia’s passing, Barb found a way to make good, by establishing this Award dedicated to Amelia’s memory, to help other people to be happier by recognising their strengths and successes. ”
Freddie Brincat OAM

CELEBRATING SUCCESS – 17 YEARS OF AMELIA RIX AWARD WINNERS

The 17^th anniversary of the CBS Inc. Amelia Rix Award, celebrating the achievements of people with disabilities in open employment, was held on 12/11/20, at the beautiful Adelaide Pavilion, situated in Veale Gardens. It was another successful Award ceremony, recognising and acknowledging people who had achieved their goals through determination and perseverance. There were around 120 people in attendance.

James Theodosi, a member of the CBS Inc. Moonlight Speakers and Leaders, emceed the event and Freddie Brincat OAM, Executive Director and Founder of CBS Inc., gave some history on the Amelia Rix Award, including personal anecdotes of Amelia. This included watching a video from Today Tonight, of Barb and Ted Rix and their fundraising through the sale of Songs of an Angel, a CD produced in Amelia’s honour. Entertainment was provided by well-known Adelaide entertainer Linda McCarthy.

There were nine nominees for the 2020 Amelia Rix Award – Zoran Bekric, Samuel Button, Robert Davies, Seamus Drumm, Nadia Ferencz, Aram Karimi Jahromi, Bridgett McDonald, Rebekah O’Brien and Fiona Pidgeon.

Two of the nominees came from rural regions of SA, i.e. The Riverland and Port Augusta. The nominees are employed in a variety of fields, e.g. logistics, teaching, administration, editing, concierge, retail, support work, cleaning, and their community work includes supporting refugees, volunteer coordinating, disability advocacy, food preparation and distribution, fundraising, youth work and church leading.

This year’s Winner was Rebekah O’Brien, Northern Adelaide, who received $1,000. Rebekah works as a Concierge Officer for Community Concierge SA, a Social Enterprise of CBS Inc. and is also employed by Beg Your Pardon Menswear, a sponsor of the Amelia Rix Award.

The Runner Up was Samuel Button, Eastern Adelaide, who won $400. Encouragement Awards were handed out to the other Nominees.

The generous sponsors of the 2020 Amelia Rix Award were also recognised at the ceremony. All male nominees were provided with fitted suits from Beg Your Pardon menswear and the female nominees received a makeover.