City to host International Day of People with Disability event

THE City of Greater Geelong are inviting the local community to attend next week’s International Day of People with Disability event, to recognise and celebrate the contributions of residents with disability.

The event will take place at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, where the People with Disability Awards will be announced and information about the city’s recent accessibility improvements will be discussed.

Supporting partners Rights Information and Advocacy Centre (RIAC) and VALiD will again join forces with the city, with the event co-designed with the help of six community members with lived experience of disability.

There will be four winners from 19 nominees: the Achievement, Leadership and Advocacy, Volunteering and Inclusive Business awards.

Geelong Stretch Kontelj said that the event is a great opportunity to promote community awareness, understanding and inclusion for people with disability.

“About 22 per cent of Greater Geelong’s population lives with disability – that’s around 55,000 people.

“Community members with disability contribute significantly to our region, through arts and culture, relationships, the workforce, volunteering, caring responsibilities and more.

“We look forward to celebrating our award nominees, residents with disability and allies at our International Day of People with Disability event in December.”

Cr Anthony Aitken, chair of the council’s Disability Access and Inclusion portfolio, said the awards contributed to building a stronger and more connected community in Geelong.

“Our free event will celebrate Geelong Awards for People with Disability nominees who are doing outstanding work in advocacy, leadership, empowering others, volunteering, at work or in the community,” he said.

The Wednesday, December 3 event will begin from 5.30pm, with food and refreshments also on offer.