Each year, people across the globe hold events to mark the United Nations sanctioned “International Day of People with a Disability” and, as they have done in the past, the Rotary Club of Bribie Island celebrated the day by holding an afternoon tea and fashion parade at the Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club. Special guests at the well-attended event included Member for Pumicestone Simone Wilson, Tyson Johnston who represented Federal Member for Longman Susan Lamb, Jeanette Kretschmann from Spinal Life Australia, Gold Coast Benji and visiting Rotarian Karin Kalenko.
Featured Image(above): Kay Bush and Jean Prime wearing styles from Anna’s Boutique
Following a welcome to country and introduction by Bill Peacock OAM, the afternoon’s proceedings were opened by Simone Wilson who spoke about the importance of empowering people with a disability, and Rotary’s ongoing commitment to end polio. She also praised the work of Spinal Life Australia before handing the mike back to Bill. During his talk, Bill explained the importance of the day and of raising awareness. He pointed out that society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disabilities.
Bill is the Community Connector for Spinal Life Australia and he told those present that, as a leader in specialist services, Spinal Life Australia is committed to supporting people with spinal cord damage to living an accessible, equitable and empowered life. Before handing over to Diane Wells of Anna’s Boutique for the commencement of the fashion parade, Bill also explained that the event was being held under the banner of Rotary’s “World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio” and all funds raised would go towards that important cause. He recalled his rehabilitation after having contracted polio just before his fifth birthday and described how, over the last forty years, he has been an advocate for people with a disability and the late effects of polio.
As the “Parade for All Abilities” got underway, a succession of ladies paraded a variety of both day wear and evening wear garments, most of which were from Anna’s Boutique in Kangaroo Parade in Bongaree and a few were supplied by Target Bribie Island. After the ladies showcased their range of clothing, Bill again took to the mike to introduce the men as they strutted up and down the floor wearing some very well chosen gear which was once again supplied by Target.
Models for the ladies’ parade were Rae Guyder, Tara Quirke, Carol Dueter, Kay Bush along with Jean Prime, Maudi Bennett and Chloe Blinco. Wearing the men’s apparel were Barry Anderson, Rick Thornton, Jeff Eustace, Tom Dutton, George Grant and John Oxenford. Entertainment on the day was provided by the very popular Shane Kells who is known as “One Voice.” Also present during the afternoon were Nadine King and Jada Woodward. Nadine is the operator of Fifth Avenue Collection, a direct sales company which sells high quality, fine fashion jewellery.
Nadine operates her business from her Bribie Island home and donated ten per cent of the afternoon’s sales toward “End Polio.” Jada was there to provide information about “Aimbig”, an employment service which has specialist services to assist people with disabilities. With the fashion parade, then everyone enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea and a number of lucky people won prizes in the raffles. Judging by the reaction of all who attended, I have no doubt that the event will be even bigger and better next year.
The Rotary “World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio” is aided greatly by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which donates double the amount raised by events. When all the funds raised at the Parade for All Abilities were tallied, the total was $2,726 and this means that, after the contribution from the Gates Foundation, the amount which will go towards ending polio is an incredible $8,226.