All Ability Awards
At times there was not a dry eye in the Brolga theatre at the 2021 Ability Award ceremony.
Musical performances from the Maryborough Special School and a dance performance from Hervey Bay Dance School was among the highlights of the afternoon.
Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said it was a great day with great people.
“It was a truly incredible day to bring everyone together and celebrating after last year’s event where in a digital format,” he said.
Cr Jade Wellings said it was an honour to MC the ceremony.
“It is so inspiring to hear about the amazing work and interesting initiatives that are happening here on the Fraser Coast as well as the leaps being made by those living with a disability in our community,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to keep these awards in mind for next year and if you come across anyone deserving nominate them for next year.”
The award recipients are:
Sport and Recreation Award - Emerald Wilmhurst
When Emerald started to play wheelchair basketball in 2019 she took to it like a fish to water.
In the past two years she has excelled in the sport and encouraged others to get involved.
She has also been heavily involved in community activities like fundraising at basketball events and the Dunga Derby.
She also has a Facebook page Me and my life with Cerebral Palsy.
The Community Spirit Award - Rebecca Greenshields
Whalesong Cruises was built with accessibility in mind but owners, Rebecca and Doug have taken that to the next level.
They provide priority seating areas for those in wheelchairs/walkers, accepting companion cards for carers, catering to dietary needs and ensuring the other passengers on the cruise are informed to respect assistance animals onboard.
After hearing that many residents couldn't physically come out to see the whales, the ‘Whales for Everyone’ program was born.
It is a 360-degree virtual reality experience which can be taken to aged-care facilities or disabled residents.
It allows those with physical, cognitive, and psychological disabilities to take a break from their everyday and enter a virtual reality of whale watching, which can be a truly touching experience.
The Young Community Spirit Award - Blake Sindel
Blake faces quite a few challenges in his life due to his rare condition, but these do not stop him doing what he loves and trying new things.
He is very social in the community; he always has great conversations with those around him.
Blake loves being involved in the community and helping people which has led him to be Mayor for a day in 2019 and spend time with emergency services.
Employment provider - Wilcox Bikes Maryborough
Wilcox Bikes' Manager, Vinnie, has supported people with limited abilities for many years.
He is a quiet, patient person who works with many people of limited ability with great care and empathy.
He encourages people to do more than they thought possible while they build confidence and skills.
His work teaching adults to work with bikes gives them a profound sense of achievement and self-worth and encourages them to be valuable members of society.
Community Organisation award - Fraser Coasters Wheelchair Basketball Club
Being part of a wheelchair basketball team gives people with and without a disability the unique opportunity to play together, as the wheelchair is just a piece of sporting equipment.
The organisation runs a weekly competition and have representative teams that cater for men, women, mixed, masters and juniors.
They have advocated for improved access and facilities, and have successfully advocated for accessible parking, ambulant toilet handrails and improved pathways at Maryborough Basketball Stadium and for basketball equipment at Maryborough Recreation Centre.
The Community Champion - Michael Oxley
Michael has been a member of Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Sport and Recreation Association since 2003. He has helped many people with a disability work towards their sports, fitness, health and mobility goals.
He has led the introduction of wheelchair basketball to the Fraser Coast, helping people with a disability wanting to play a team sport.
His passion and commitment to overcome the challenges of providing Wheelchair Basketball programs on the Fraser Coast is an example of his persistence.
Michael has a tendency of not taking no for an answer, when challenges with the lack of access and suitable facilities saw the program begin on a squash court.
Michael takes a lead role in improving awareness and advocating for inclusive communities.
Community Organisation award - Fraser Coasters Wheelchair Basketball Club
Being part of a wheelchair basketball team gives people with and without a disability the unique opportunity to play together, as the wheelchair is just a piece of sporting equipment.
The organisation runs a weekly competition and have representative teams that cater for men, women, mixed, masters and juniors.
They have advocated for improved access and facilities, and have successfully advocated for accessible parking, ambulant toilet handrails and improved pathways at Maryborough Basketball Stadium and for basketball equipment at Maryborough Recreation Centre.
Employment provider - Wilcox Bikes Maryborough
Wilcox Bikes' Manager, Vinnie, has supported people with limited abilities for many years.
He is a quiet, patient person who works with many people of limited ability with great care and empathy.
He encourages people to do more than they thought possible while they build confidence and skills.
His work teaching adults to work with bikes gives them a profound sense of achievement and self-worth and encourages them to be valuable members of society.
The education provider award - Maryborough State High School.
Maryborough State High School has prioritised inclusion as a school-wide system as a three-year action plan.
This plan includes professional development of all staff. The school has worked across all curriculum and subject areas to ensure educational needs are met.
To underscore the importance of inclusion into the school, Maryborough State High School has commissioned a $5.6 million Student Enrichment Precinct which is custom-built to assist all students with additional needs, whether they be physical, emotional or social.
This has been recently completed and the only one of its type in the state.
This approach means that the school have been able to start with each child where they begin and develop their unique talents in their subjects.
This approach has seen impacts in all subject areas - not only in curriculum areas but areas such as Student Leadership, practical subjects such as Dance, Drama, Manual Arts and more, but also on the active participation rates for all students in school areas and school life.
Ted Weber Individual Achievement - Dre Kelly
Dre is a 19-year-old with Autism anxiety and limited communication skills.
He has love for his dog Moe and making dog biscuits which lead him to start his own micro business Woofy Delicious by dre.
Dre sets up his store every Saturday at the Torquay beach markets.
He now has a regular customer base and his mum has been invited to do presentations about the success of the business to NDIS organisations.
Dre attended Hervey Bay Special School and since starting his business he donates more than 40% of his takings back to the school.
Woofy delicious has given Dre the courage to engage with customers, helping his social skills helping cooking, branding, packing the products and team work.
Dre is showing the public that having disability does not stop you for achieving your goals.