Entertainment
We’re excited to welcome back to the stage Paralympians Don Elgin and Christie Dawes to steer us through 2024 Australian Disability Service Awards. To add element of surprise, this duo has become a trio, being joined by the talented Ben Sorensen.
Guests from our 2023 Awards and Conference will be familiar with all three MCs: Don and Christie have hosted our 2021 and 2023 Awards and Ben was our 2023 Conference MC. All three were huge hits at last year's events: they're clever, witty and downright hilarious - we can't wait for them to entertain us all in Sydney this year.
Meet our MCs
Christie Dawes
At ten years of age, just 11 months after her dad had taken his own life – Christie became a paraplegic in a car accident. It was a horror couple of years for Christie’s family but through the boundless support of her mum, Christie went on to become an elite wheelchair racer and Paralympian.
Now, after competing internationally for more than two decades, Christie has rightfully earned a reputation for being one of the fiercest competitors in the game. She has competed in seven consecutive Paralympic Games, achieving three Paralympic podiums and two world titles.
Christie is a wife and mum to two beautiful children. She is a broadcaster on ABC radio, a Channel 9 TV presenter, a sought-after speaker and she will be a part of the broadcast team for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Don Elgin
Don is many things. He’s a Paralympic medallist, motivational speaker, award winning author, husband, proud dad of four and Head of Events for One Community. He’s also an ordinary bloke who’s managed to achieve some extraordinary things.
Don represented Australia at the World Championships in 1994, winning a gold medal. He has since competed in four World Championships and three Paralympic Games, medalling multiple times.
Don is one of Australia’s favourite motivational speakers.
Learn more about Don.
Ben Sorensen
Ben self-describes as quirky, eccentric, bearded, media personality, voiceover guy, writer, music lover, presenter of stuff and unable to leap tall buildings. Known as the "Master of Banter" Ben is an MC for many events Australia wide. He works as a keynote speaker and consultant in the areas of Autism/Aspergers, conscious kindness, comedy, advertising, social media, marketing. But most of all is a neurodiverse "Brain for Hire".
Get to know Ben.
Get Ready to Dance
With the versatility to set the tone for our pre-dinner drinks overlooking Sydney Harbour to us hitting the dance floor by the end of the night, we’re thrilled to welcome Baker Boys Band to ADSA. Make sure you bring your dance shoes, your dance wheels or just the spirit of fun!
