Mr Maher, a Shine Awards ambassador, was diagnosed as a "c4 c5 c6 quadriplegic" and was in hospital for a year completing his rehabilitation.

"I lived in Tumut for a year then, and then came back to Wagga," he said.

"When I was in Tumut, I got a job straight away in council down there."

Nearly 20 years down the track, Mr Maher is an established member of the Bostocks team in Wagga - the place where he completed his apprenticeship. He is just in a different role.

"I do all the quoting, organising, ordering and the design on the drawing program [for kitchens]," he said.

"I have been back here for about 13 years now.

"I was working in an insurance place went belly-up, so I called past here, and Ian said 'we might have something that will work', and they found a role for me."

Mr Maher encourages everyone to have a think and nominate someone for the awards.

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"These awards are important to show recognition not just to people like myself, but to people who employ us," he said.

Alan Lean, the founder of the initiative, said the Shine Awards was established by Wagga Rotary to acknowledge the achievements of individuals with a disability who can commit to the community by working.

"We also recognise those employers who support them," he said.

"My experience is that there are an enormous amount of things a person with a disability can do, some are restricted either physical or with mental restrictions, they are still able to contribute in some way.

"It is amazing how employers can find positions from them in the workforce, and it is amazing how the employees are so hardworking and loyal."

Mr Lean said the Shine Awards recognises two types of employers. Firstly small businesses who go out of their way to be supportive, and secondly larger businesses - often a human resources manager- who show support.

"We also recognise self-employed people with a disability who conduct their own business," he said.

"We are looking for nominations, and we do not discriminate it can be someone with a physical disability, or someone tackling with mental health issues such as PTSD.

"We also want nominations of employers who are supportive."

The Shine Awards were started in 2011, and after taking a hiatus in 2018 will return on November 28 for the official ceremony.

Nominations close November 20. For more information go to www.waggarotary.org/shinenominationapplication.html.