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GOOD DAY OUT: There was fun, food and activities in Ada Ryan Gardens for the International Day of People with Disability event.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
The City of Whyalla has thanked Mission Australia for taking the lead with this year’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).
Working with Zia and Cyanne Westerman, Council and the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), Mission Australia put on a fun day of activities, food and refreshments at Ada Ryan Gardens last Tuesday. Zia and Cyanne are youth disability advocates and members of YAC while Zia is also an elected member for the City of Whyalla.
The weather was fine, the laughter was loud and the activities heaps of fun as Whyalla people living with disability and their carers swarmed into the gardens.
There was a barbecue, popcorn, cool drinks, special guest Elmo and a great chance to join in together and have a day that everyone could enjoy.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Program Manager Mission Australia Rebecca Gow, Gail Rostig (Council), Harry Flam (YAC) and Fee Moellner (Council) at the IDPwD event.
Council Youth Development Officer Gail Rostig, one of the co-organisers, said Tuesday’s event continued a great history of activities for those living with disability in Whyalla that YAC and so many community groups have been involved in.
In the last two years, YAC and the community have come together for the first Accessible Beach Day at the Whyalla Foreshore and the Sit Down Shut Up and watch Festival to Whyalla with accessible mosaic workshop in the MAC foyer
“You just have to love the vibe of this type of event … the young people who came along and the wonderful kids from YAC who are so pro-active in organising events like this,” Gail said.
“Zia and Cyanne work so hard and this year had fantastic help from Mission Australia’s Senior Community Services Worker Mel Borlace and groups like Rotary Club of Whyalla Norrie who cooked the barbie.
ORGANISERS: Zia and Cyanne Westerman played a bit part in this year's event.
“Everyone was smilling, everyone was having fun … it was another special day in Whyalla.”
Every year on December 3, people around the world take part in IDPwD. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of people with a disability and promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in the community.
Events around the country like Whyalla’s help to break down barriers for the 4.3 million Australian’s living with disability and create a more inclusive community for all.
HEALTHY OPTIONS: Program Manager Mission Australia Rebecca Gow tends one of the stalls at Ada Ryan Gardens.