Department of Human Services’ Sreta Mrkic recently received a special mention at the Australian Public Service Diversity and Gender Equality Awards for his work mentoring Peter*, a colleague with an acquired brain injury.
Peter nominated Sreta for the Australian Public Service Commission award to recognise his approach to mentoring, and also saw the nomination as a way to promote inclusive workplace practices and raise the profile of employees with disability.
Sreta believes it’s essential to support all staff to achieve their goals, and speaks highly of Peter’s work within the department.
“Peter has a lot of strengths that are an asset to the team,” Sreta said.
“He’s a great public speaker, and often gives presentations to internal and external stakeholders, building and maintaining important networks along the way.”
Peter and Sreta’s story is a great example of this year’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) theme ‘transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all’.
Sreta says the support he gives Peter is just part of his job.
“In terms of the award, I was just happy to be nominated,” Sreta said.
“To get a special mention was also nice, but the real value is in working towards more inclusive workplace practices.”
*Peter requested that his real name not be used
More information
- Find out more about the Australian Public Service Diversity and Gender Equality Awards.
- Learn more about how you can get involved with International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) this Sunday.
