Morning tea, disco held to mark International Day of People with Disability

Disco music transformed The Crossing Theatre as Narrabri Shire Council marked International Day of People with Disability.

A morning tea was also held to mark the occasion, followed by an official cake cutting.

Mayor Ron Campbell described the day as an important occasion.

“This is a day to celebrate all people with disability and to increase awareness and understanding of disability,” Cr Campbell said.

Cr Campbell went on to detail council’s efforts to address accessibility across the shire.

Council Disability Action Plan was reviewed this year, and the shire’s Access Inclusion Advisory Commtitee organised a wheelchair tour of Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri with stakeholders.

Cr Campbell said this tour had the aim to raise awareness about the daily struggles of people with disability who live or visit the shire.

This was followed by a survey to guide outcomes from the plan.

Cr Campbell also announced on the morning that council had been successful in sourcing funding to support local accessible infrastructure and disability inclusion programs.

“This $150,000 grant will ensure that local people with disabilities are put at the front of mind for Narrabri Shire Council as they invest in paths and walkways, ramps, lifts, and parking spaces,” Cr Campbell said when the funding announcement was made.

“Additionally, with employment another key issue for disabled people in the region, this grant will also cover disability inclusion programs that educate individuals on how to improve the inclusivity of their businesses.”

The announcement at the morning tea was met with applause by the audience.

Following Cr Campbell’s address to the morning tea, Pete Tailby, of Narrabri, shared his experiences about living with a disability.

Prior to his disability, he said he was able to work and enjoy his independence.

While he is still able to enjoy independence today, Mr Tailby credited the support he received for ensuring it is still possible.

“Without this support, I would still be at home relying on my family,” he said.

“I now have an understanding of how having a disability can impact on people’s everyday lives.

“Some people would require for the simple things that the general population can take for granted.

“Being supported has had a positive impact on my life. I am now a lot more outgoing, I can get in to town to do what I want to do.

“Today is a celebration of people with a disability all over the world. People with disabilities no longer hide in the corner.

“They are out there, celebrating life and having a great time doing what they want to do.”

To end his speech, Mr Tailby provided a quote: “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go, they merely determine where you start.”

Mr Tailby was officially thanked by Cr Campbell for addressing the morning tea.

Cr Campbell also thanked Clinton Lamb, who provided the welcome to country at the event.

Following the formalities, lucky door prizes were drawn for the attendees.