Connect - Spring 2007 (Issue 13)

• Welcome to Connect
• Australia signs the UN convention for people with a disability
• Bringing the world into view
• Girl Power dispells shyness
• A new day service dawns in the Torres Strait
• Comedy crosses the disability divide
• Making merry on the dance floor
• Dare to be different Autism Awareness
• Budget boost for better disability service delivery
• The new system at a glance
• Investing in positive futures - response to the Carter Report
• New publication: See beyond the disability
• Thinking outside the chair - National Cerebral Palsy Australia Conference
• WOW - what is Cerebral Palsy League Queensland doing now?
• Shared Visions regional forums - be part of the journey
• Gunalda girl goes for gold
• The wheels are in motion
• Disability Action Week
• Wh-enLightening strikes
• Visions - Dr Garry Kidd, University of Queensland (UQ)

Disability Action Week

Celebrating in style Disability Action Week was launched in Hervey Bay on 15 July under the theme 'See beyond the disability'. During the week thousands of people from around the state took part in celebrating the work and achievements of people with a disability, their carers and industry partners

• Modified tai chi demonstration.
• Local photographer Mark Farrell clowning around.
• Ashlee White and her mum Lee chasing butterflies.
• Bagpipes sound through the bay on the community walk.
• Michael Galley stands out proud in the crowd at the Hervey Bay launch.
• Jack & Keila Arundell welcome Minister Pitt to the launch in Hervey Bay.
• Paralympian Gold medallist Geoff Trappett (left) with Dillon Marais.
• A menacing rumble descended upon the peaceful setting of Hervey Bay.

These would-be rebels on mobility scooters and motorised wheel chairs paraded butterflies and balloons instead of leather jackets and helmets, as part of a world record attempt for the largest mobility vehicle convoy to mark the finale of Disability Action Week.

The convoy finished at scenic Scarness Park with food, entertainment and a competition for the best decorated scooter/wheel chair.

Congratulations to the 2007 Disability Action Week award winners for their outstanding work to improve the quality of life for people with a disability:

Disability Action Week award winners (left to right) Clive Cook, Tamara Vallance, Ben Smith, Danielle Aukeela, Robert Thomas, Carol O'Reilly, Evelyn Towers, Minister Warren Pitt, Mark Henley, Patricia Osborne, Mark Farrell, Robert Plant, Deb Beer, Tammy Percival, Bruce McFarlane, Debbie Smit, Wayne Horkings, Chair, Disability Council Queensland, Paul Larcombe, Cooperative Research Centre team representatives Dale Gilbert, Carole Green, Ron Apelt, Stuart Grierson,John Crawford, Paul Smith.

1. Individual Award (sponsored by the Department of Communities): Carol O'Reilly; Mark Farrell; Patricia Osborne; and Robert Plant
2. Employment Award (sponsored by National Disability Services): Hungry Jack's
3. Transport Award (sponsored by Queensland Transport): Greyhound Australia
4. Local and State Government Award (sponsored by Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation): Princess Alexandra Hospital Health Services District
5. Private Enterprise Award (sponsored by Capability Queensland): Supa IGA Glenmore
6. Community Organisation Award (sponsored by Queensland Rail): Spinal Education Awareness Team, Spinal Injuries Association
7. Media Award (sponsored by Disability Services Queensland): ABC Local Radio Queensland
8. Building Accessible Housing and Environments Award (sponsored by the Department of Public Works): Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation
9. Education and Arts Award (sponsored by Griffith University): Danielle Aukeela
10. Human Rights and Justice Award (sponsored by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General): Queensland Law Reform Commission
11. Minister's Award for Innovation in Service Delivery: Tamara Vallance, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.