Shire hosting International Day of People with Disability event

The free community event on December 5 will also feature all abilities band The Rockheads and lunch by dal Catering, who provide training and employment opportunities for people with a disability.

A recently appointed member of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council, Ms Brown is a prominent disability and queer rights activist.

She said she found the motivation for her advocacy in knowing how she lacked someone to look towards in her youth.

“I didn’t really know anyone who was queer and had a disability, not even in the media, so I didn’t know how my future might look as a queer, disabled person.

“When I feel nervous about talking at events, I always think about that young person I once was who didn’t have someone talking about these experiences, and how great it would have been.”

Ms Burke said there were many obstacles to people with disabilities that could be easily overlooked.

“Often people will see the accessible sign on a bus or a tram or a building and think it’s okay, but people don’t realise there are still many barriers, and that we can’t access many things people take for granted.

“When I moved to Melbourne, I got onto a tram in the middle of the city and I thought I had the opportunity to go where everyone else was going. But they don’t all have accessible stops. So I can get onto trams, but I can’t always get off.”

Shire mayor Rose Hodge said Ms Brown’s talk would be a fantastic event and encouraged people to come along.

“By being there, you can help create an inclusive community where everyone can participate and contribute.

“I’m excited to hear from Jax, rock out to The Rockheads and support dal Catering.”

The event will run from noon-2pm. To learn more, head to scsidpwd2019.eventbrite.com.au.