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Willie Prince (Cherbourg/Brisbane)

Here you can listen to the story of Willie Prince who is an Indigenous Queenslander with a disability.

Introduction:

Strong and Proud - promoting awareness of the experience of Indigenous people with a disability, thanks to the support of Disability Services Queensland.

Narrator:

Willie Prince is an accomplished sportsperson, an advocate for Indigenous rights, and a long-term employee of the State Library of Queensland. His is a story of overcoming obstacles, reconnecting with his culture, and making the most out of his life - a life story that, in his own words, is as long as your arm.

Willie Prince:

"I was born in Cherbourg. I fell very sick when I was a child and it was the recommendation of the Protector that I should be taken away and put in a hospital where they could diagnose my sickness. I was then separated from my family and culture for 16 years. I grew up in an institution along with other children with disabilities. I didn't think I was any different - because I had a disability, I was in a wheelchair like all the other kids that I saw. Until one day they pointed out to me that I was black, and that really got me thinking: 'well, where do I belong'."

Narrator:

Willie's journey of self-discovery has included some major highlights along the way. Getting involved in sports, he represented Queensland 11 times, winning gold and silver medals in shot putt and discus. But perhaps his major passion has been giving back to the community he is now a strong part of, and helping other Indigenous people with disabilities overcome the obstacles they face.

Willie Prince:

"I didn't really want anyone similar to my situation - that being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander with a disability had to go through what I had to go through: being separated, put in a home away from family and culture."

Narrator:

One of the key services in Queensland that can help people with a disability to access services and share their experiences is the Queenslanders with Disability Network, or QDN. QDN aims to provide people with disability with local, regional and state-wide links. For more information, give them a call on 1300 363 783.