The message of the International Day of People with a Disability is simple for its organisers: no matter who you are, or what your abilities, you are welcome in Bendigo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s why they’ll gather in Rosalind Park on Monday to celebrate with performances, stalls and activities.
Committee chair Pam Dawkins would love to see the whole community celebrate the role that all people play in the Bendigo community.
“It’s really important to demonstrate how inclusive Bendigo is,” Ms Dawkins said.
“It is about making sure that our community is available and open to everyone who comes into it no matter who you are and what your abilities are.
A video capturing a challenging performance from Bendigo group CreateAbility will be screened to mark the event.
The group provides an opportunity for people with a disability to participate in art practise and to present their work publicly.
The video forms part of worldwide project On Display which seeks to challenge how people view the body.
To create the video performers from CreateAbility dressed in white and positioned themselves throughout the gallery, while the public walked through, viewing them as though they would an artwork.
For performer Sara McQueenie the performance was a chance for reinterpret the stares people with a disability get on a daily basis.
By challenging people’s gaze Ms McQueenie felt she re-interpreted and recaptured her sense of identity and place in society.
“We obviously stand out in the community and feel very marginalised and often have to put on our armour, our shield, before we go out in the community,” Ms McQueenie said.
“In an age where it’s all about the body-perfect and the selfie and image these individuals were magnificently beautiful in their natural state and their ability to move and to be human sculpture.”
A celebration of International Day of People with a Disability will take place in Rosalind Park on December 3, from 10am-4pm.
More information at: bit.ly/2zvOvcp
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
