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Image: DisabiliTea guests, supporters and hosts Centacare and Capricorn Community Development Association.The DisabiliTea, held in Rockhampton on Tuesday 2 August, proved to be a great step toward the realisation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a revolution in disability services.
Organised by Centacare and Capricorn Community Development Association, the DisabiliTea attracted over 40 people, who showed their support by joining the Every Australian Counts campaign.
Over a cuppa and a few delicious indulgences guests were treated to a presentation by guest speaker inaugural Regional Director of Disability Services John Pini.
Guests included Councillors Rose Swadling, Sandra O'Brien and Graeme Brady; the Chair of Capricorn Community Development Association Sandy Paton and Centacare Diocesan Director Dr Ricki Jeffery; as well as families dealing with disability, carers, organisations that provide services for people with disabilities, financial planners, recruitment agencies, health professionals, staff members from the Department of Communities, and local Council staff.
Centacare Diocesan Director Dr Ricki Jeffery said the local DisabiliTea provided those who attended the opportunity to talk about issues that matter to them and hear from others who share similar experiences.
“We heard stories about how people’s lives had been affected because we don’t have an NDIS.
“Each person had a vastly different story to share, but there was one message that shone through – everybody supports the NDIS.”
People with a disability, their families and carers want to actively participate in the life of the community – and the NDIS will make sure they get the support they need to do it.
Every Australian Counts National Campaign Director John Della Bosca said the events were about local communities saying they supported a fair go for people with a disability and their families.
“Most Australians would be surprised to know how long people with a disability have to wait for essential equipment such as wheelchairs, or how little support families and carers receive.
“The NDIS will change all that and ensure people get the equipment, therapy and support they need to get on with their lives.
“As Australians we believe in a fair go – and the NDIS is about extending that fair go to people with a disability and their families,” said Mr Della Bosca.
Every Australian Counts campaign is striving to reach the target of 100,000 Supporters by the end of the year. Sign up to join the campaign online at www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au.
Media contact: To arrange an interview, please contact Catherine Krezalek-Weber 0437 118 725 or call DisabiliTea Media Officer Elissa Jenkins 0418 786 986.
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