Community festival celebrates achievements of disability sector
02/12/2012
Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent will today attend a community festival in Stepney, organised by her party, to celebrate the achievements, successes and battles the sector has faced in 2012.
“On the eve of the United Nations’ International Day of People with Disability, it’s encouraging to see so much community spirit in support of people with disabilities, and for those that work in the sector,” said Ms Vincent.
“There have been some great achievements this year with state and federal commitment to a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) finally realised, and promising additions in the state disability budget.
“However, detail over how the NDIS will actually work, and long term funding for the scheme, still hangs in the balance.
“The disability sector has become accustomed to empty promises and false hope but on the back of some significant gains this year, we hope that 2013 will be the year that disability is finally recognised as an issue whose time has come.”
Dignity for Disability President Rick Neagle echoed Ms Vincent’s sentiments.
“It’s been good to see more recognition of the needs of people with disability in 2012, and community engagement with today‘s celebration is acknowledgement and testament to this.
“I’ve been really heartened to see diverse political interests, community organisations, NGOs, sporting clubs and the disability sector prepared to work together to achieve positive outcomes for people with disabilities.
“There’s still much work to be done but for today, we hope to celebrate what has been achieved through this community event and it will be wonderful seeing kids and families enjoying themselves on jumping castles, with face painters and clown, and also the musical entertainment on show.”
WHERE: Linde Reserve, Nelson Street, Stepney
WHEN: 12noon – 3pm. Formalities, including speeches, will occur at 1pm.
WHO: Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent, d4d President Rick Neagle, Norwood Premiership Coach Nathan Bassett, Norwood Mayor Rob Bria, Opposition Deputy Leader Steven Marshall, Opposition Minister for Disabilities John Gardner.
