The 12th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine recently took place in Cairns, where Sureni Jayaweera Perera, CEO of the Frank Hilton Organisation, was honored with the Advocacy Achievement Award.
Ms. Perera’s exceptional contributions to early childhood intervention and her unwavering commitment to service were recognized during the event. She has spearheaded the Frank Hilton Organization’s Early Detection and Intervention program for over a decade, significantly benefiting thousands of Fijian children by providing essential support and resources.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Perera underscored the importance of dedication and perseverance in advocacy. She stated, “Even amidst the complexities and limitations that surround us, it is imperative that we maintain unwavering resolve and steadfast commitment. As service providers, practitioners, academics, and policymakers, we have a duty to uphold the rights of children with disabilities and their families, regardless of the constraints we face. Every child deserves to thrive, and it is our collective responsibility to raise our voices and enact tangible, meaningful, and transformative change in their lives.”
Her remarks align closely with the mission and objectives of the Frank Hilton Organization. Ms. Perera’s commitment and leadership serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that collaboration can achieve. Her advocacy highlights the urgent needs of families and children in vulnerable situations, while also providing the Frank Hilton Organization with the recognition and support needed for its essential work.
Founded in the 1960s as the “Fiji Crippled Children’s Society – Suva Branch,” the nonprofit aims to assist children with disabilities. It offers a range of support services including physiotherapy, speech therapy, audiology screening, and a Positive Behaviour support unit, as well as early detection and intervention services for children with disabilities.