Armidale Dumaresq Council and Access Advisory Committee held the 2011 “Don’t DIS myAbility” Dinner Dance and Access Award presentation evening in conjunction with the annual celebration of International Day of People with Disability.
The event was held at the Armidale Ex-Serviceman’s Club on December 2, 2011 with over one hundred people thoroughly enjoying a beach party themed evening of celebration, friendship and social integration.
International Day of People with Disability was officially opened by Hon. Richard Torbay, Member for Northern Tablelands with Mayor Peter Ducat and Armidale Dumaresq Council General Manager, Mr Shane Burns and Ms Peta Light presenting the awards and Mrs Elizabeth Ellis, Master of Ceremony.
The Awards are held annually to raise awareness of the benefits of improved access to wheelchair users, mobility scooters, and people with visual impairments, limited mobility or intellectual disability, people with mental health conditions, people with young children and senior citizens.
Local Business and Community Service organisations were assessed in five categories. Physical access, manner and attitude of staff, product knowledge, freedom of movement and extra services.
Mary White College received an excellent score 5/5 in all categories following the completion of extensive renovations and improvements to their residential college and was therefore awarded the Business Trophy. Community Services trophy was awarded to Home & Community Care Service, Care for Seniors Inc.
Other awards presented during the evening included the Highly Commended Certificate to Donut King in Centro Plaza, Business Award for Excellence to Armidale City Bowling Club and Award for Excellence in Community Service Certificate to Marilyn Pearson from The Home Nursing Group.
A feature of the evening included a medley of dance routines choreographed by Dance Instructors; Tracy Menzies and Suzanne Sills to showcase art and creative dance performed on stage by the Recreation Access “DanceAbility’ group.
Project officer, Ms Sills would like to acknowledge support & financial assistance from the Armidale Ex- Serviceman’s Club and Arts Accessible Country Arts Program and especially thank the Armidale Dumaresq Council for their continued dedication and commitment to the aged and people with a disability in the Armidale community.
