Local disability support business Helping Hand Is Here was announced as a Winner in the Home Based Business category at Thursday’s Casey Cardinia Business Awards 2014 Winner function.
Peter and Michelle Jankovic receive the award from Tracey Curro.
Recognised for their disability service workshops and training, individual disability consultancy, online product and service disability directory and portable medical notebook organiser, competition judges agreed that Helping Hand Is Here deserved this prestigious award.
Founder Michelle Jankovic expressed the rewarding feeling of “connecting the community to much needed and deserved disability support services.” Well-known for referring people with disability, their carers and families, disability organisations and workforce to disability support services, Helping Hand Is Here is passionate about making sure individuals and families and fully supported.
Michelle Jankovic: “The backbone of Helping Hand Is Here business plan, values and vision is based on my Christian faith. From Jesus direction and my lived experience as a Carer, together walking side by side, Helping Hand Is Here was birthed to support with passion our disability community.” The Word is the lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119: 105)
His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria attended Casey Cardinia Business Awards engaging with winners and guests.
His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria: It was a pleasure to attend the Casey Cardinia Business Awards dinner and to speak with a number of finalists and recipients. I congratulate Helping Hands is Here on winning the Home Based Business award category and for providing an innovative and much needed service to the community. Congratulations once again to Michelle and to Helping Hands is Here.
Michelle Jankovic: “It was an honour to meet His Excellency and chat about social needs within our community.”
Michelle and Peter Jankovic with His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria
Inga Peulich Cabinet Secretary and MP for South Eastern Metropolitan Region also congratulated Helping Hand Is Here. Inga Peulich: “Congratulations to you and your husband on your richly deserved award you received at the Casey Cardinia Business Awards 2014. It was a very moving acceptance and the whole room admired your achievements and your humility, your challenges and how you had converted them into something of such important community benefit”.
Andrew Ronalds MP Member for Eastern Victoria also joined the celebrations at Casey Cardinia Business Awards. Andrew Ronalds MP: “It was my absolute pleasure to attend the Casey Cardinia Business Awards for 2014 which were held on the 9th of October. My sincere congratulations, and very best wishes, to Helping Hand who were duly recognised for their innovative and invaluable contributions to our community members in the area of Disability Services.”
Andrew Ronalds MP Member for Eastern Victoria with Michelle and Peter Jankovic
The night was full of excitement and joy as winners were announced from each category. A beautiful three course meal was provided by Khan’s Hospitality Service. The atmosphere was full of anticipation as local businesses mingled as winners were revealed throughout the night.
Michelle Jankovic and City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett
Deputy Mayor of City of Casey Cr Amanda Stapledon joined fellow councillors in the celebrations. Cr Amanda Stapledon: “Helping Hand is Here is just what it says it is. It provides parents, carers and educators with resources that are currently not available and guides them directly resources and support that is so critical to the well being and the development of their children. Congratulations to Michelle on an outstanding achievements that is rightly recognised by the Casey Cardinia business and wider community. We are so proud of and grateful to you!”
Deputy Mayor of City of Casey Cr Amanda Stapledon with Michelle and Peter Jankovic
Cr Rosalie Crestani Councillor for City of Casey, Four Oaks Ward and who Co-Chair of Casey Access and Inclusion Committee also attended. Cr Rosalie Crestani: “Helping Hand is Here is innovative and fulfils such a need in our community.”
Peter and Michelle Jankovic with Cr Rosalie Crestani and Mr Anthony Crestani
Cr Sam Aziz, a current Councillor and former Mayor of the City of Casey enjoyed Casey Cardinia Business Awards. Cr Sam Aziz: “There are nearly 20,000 home-based businesses in the City of Casey (not to mention Cardinia) and for Helping Hand Is Here to win the best business award in that category is an achievement that speaks volumes about this business. Congratulations and my best wishes for an even brighter future.”
Cr Sam Aziz, Councillor for Springfield Ward with Michelle and Peter Jankovic
Home Based Business category sponsor Safe Super Homes praised Michelle Jankovic. “If anyone needs a helping hand, Michelle Jankovic at Helping Hand is Here, should be the first enquiry made. Michelle has real passion and with considerable experience, in arranging all things for those with a disability. She is a dedicated & skilful lady and will save you from further worries & frustrations.”
Michelle and Peter Jankovic with Proud sponsor Kelvin Gough, Safe Super Homes
Casey Cardinia Business Award judges Norm Davidson and Garry Howe interviewed Michelle Jankovic leading up to the awards. Michelle Jankovic: “I would like to thank Norm and Garry for seeing my heart for supporting our disability community. For their time in accessing Helping Hand Is Here and allowing me to showcase my business, my passion for our disability sector.”
Garry Howe: “I believe Helping Hand is Here represents a great success story for the region and clearly addresses a void for those in the unfortunate position of having to experience the potential frustrations associated with care for children with a disability. Michelle Jankovic felt all that pain as she sought medical care for her son, who has mild cerebral palsy, and was inspired to strive to make that journey easier for those parents who would follow a similar path. Helping Hand Is Here runs disability services workshops to help better inform families in the Casey and Cardinia region of services available to them – and she is looking to extend that reach in the future. Michelle’s passion for the cause was evident on the night of the Casey Cardinia awards and there was hardly a dry eye in the house as she accepted her well deserved honour in the Home Based Business category.”
Award judges Norm Davidson and Garry Howe with Peter and Michelle Jankovic
Michelle Jankovic: “Thank you Casey Cardinia Foundation and proud sponsor Safe Super Homes for recognising Helping Hand Is Here initiatives, celebrating the hard work undertaken by our local business across the Casey Cardinia Region and beyond.
Peter and Michelle Jankovic with Awards MC Tracey Curro
Peter and Michelle Jankovic with proud parents Jan and Darrol Finger
Helping Hand Is Here was presented a certificate and plaque
For further information about disability support services, workshop and training, individual disability consultancy or Helping Hand Is Here Disability Product and Service Directory, visit www.helpinghandishere.com.au/ or Telephone (03) 9017 4649.
Source: Helping Hand Is Here: www.helpinghandishere.com.au/
