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A Bendigo-based foundation aimed at improving the lives of Victorians with spinal cord injuries has taken to print to spread information and inspiration.
Foundation 97 will on Tuesday celebrate the launch of its annual magazine, Life is Beautiful, at Parliament House.
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley, Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards will co-host the event in Melbourne.
Foundation 97 managing director and Life is Beautiful editor Tracey Clarke said the magazine was created to provide resources and support for people with a disability or limited mobility.
“Our publication’s point of difference is to empower people within our target groups with confidence to explore and experience the amazing opportunities available to them throughout our beautiful state of Victoria and beyond,” she said.
“We also provide inspirational true life stories of people with disability and limited mobility issues encouraging and offering support to others with an aim of greater integration and participation within community activities.
“Our third focus point is to provide the information that we know is available to connect our reader, whether they be injured individuals, carers or support networks with the essential resources they require.”
Bendigo Mayor Rod Fyffe will be in Melbourne for the magazine’s launch.
He was proud of both the concept and that it was the product of “very entrepreneurial Bendigo people.”
“It’s a way of helping people with disabilities live life to the full,” Cr Fyffe said.
More than 18 per cent of the Australian population – 4.2 million people – has a disability.
About 6 per cent of the population – 1.4 million people - has severe or profound disability.
People who care for someone with a disability or a long-term health condition account for about 12 per cent of the population, or 2.7 million people.
Foundation 97 was inspired by the experiences of Mrs Clarke and her husband Noel, who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2009.
The magazine is $10 and is available from the foundation’s office or website.