New event highlights creativity and skills in disabled community

A NEW community event celebrating inclusion and the talents of people with disabilities has attracted about 250 people to Cherry Street Sports Club in Ballina.

Held in conjunction with the International Day of People with a Disability, the gathering filled a gap in the Northern Rivers.

The event was coordinated by Jo McIntyre from Auscare Support, who said the aim was to showcase the creativity, entrepreneurship and contributions of people with disabilities.

“There wasn’t anything else really happening in the region when we started our planning,” she said.

“We really wanted to focus on what inclusion looks like in the community.

“People with disabilities contribute with their own art, micro businesses and hobbies which they can turn into income.”

The stalls included T-shirts, candle making, woodwork and hand-crafted pieces of jewellery.

 

The international theme for the day this year focused on advanced social progression.

It aims to remove barriers and ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities in health and education to community participation.

The Ballina event also included a range of activities with basket weaving, Lego challenges, live music and games.

Plans are already in place for it to become an annual event, with the focus on the whole region.

“We already had people travel from Byron Bay, Lismore and Tweed and I’m sure it will only get bigger,” McIntyre said.

“Cherry Street Sports were really supportive; it brought everyone together in the same space and we were all part of it as one big group.

“There is every chance it could be become a signature event for the region.”