By DANE LILLINGSTONE
Next week from 8 to 18 September the Southern Downs will celebrate DisABILITY Week with the message ‘ability not disability’.
Mayor Peter Blundell said the DisABILITY Action Week committee began organising the 10 days of activities across the region in March.
“The committee has broad community representation across Southern Downs’ services in Stanthorpe and Warwick, led by Southern Downs Regional Council,” he said.
“Everyone involved has contributed great ideas and the result is yet another fabulous program of events and activities which will kick-off on 8 September with the Buddy Up Golf Day at Warwick Golf Club to launch this year’s calendar of events.”
Film making workshops will be introduced this year in Warwick and Stanthorpe.
The workshops will teach how to shoot, edit and produce a short film.
The films will focus on local individuals and groups and show community access and inclusion. Registrations are encouraged for all ages and abilities.
Councillor Blundell said one in five Queenslanders has a disability of some kind.
“DisABILITY Action Week is aimed at empowering people with a disability, so it’s an important celebration,” he said.
“It’s also about raising awareness of disability issues, encouraging positive attitudes towards people with a disability and improving access and inclusion of people with a disability throughout the wider community.
“We all have a role in creating a truly welcoming and inclusive community from businesses and government to community organisations and individuals.
“We ask everyone to take part in DisABILITY Action Week and show their support.
“This is a time for all residents to come together as a community to recognise everyone’s abilities.”
The calendar of events and activities is now available on the council’s website at www.sdrc.gov.au.
For more information contact the SDRC Community Development Officer on 1300 697 372.
