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Gallery | A day to show abilities

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What We Can Do group celebrated International Day for People With Disabilities on the front lawn of KDHS. Jim Hilder and Lottie A, 8, got in on the action on the smoothie bikes. Photo by Jemma Jones

The rain clouds and wind miraculously cleared away just in the nick of time for the festivities to celebrate International Day for People with Disabilities on Tuesday, December 3.

The event, organised by the What We Can Do group, saw over 200 visitors to the front lawn of Kyabram District Health Service for a celebration of individual abilities.

It was the third year the What We Can Do group hosted the event, showcasing the capabilities of people with disabilities.

The day featured a variety of activities including smoothie bikes, Jenga and ball tossing, drum circle and arts and crafts.

Two guest speakers shared their experiences with their own disabilities, shedding light on various forms of disabilities and highlighting the importance of recognising both visible and invisible conditions.

Christine Anderson spoke about her experiences with Parkinson’s and the challenges that come with having an invisible condition.

“Let’s listen to others with honesty, empathy, humour and gratitude,” Mrs Anderson said.

“And, as it gets harder to manage a life with Parkinsons’s we will move those goalposts out a little further so we can keep on kicking goals.”

The event also aligned with the ongoing 16 Days of Activism campaign, highlighting the intersection of disability awareness and women's rights.

Jenny Goodwin from Women with Disabilities Victoria spoke about how women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence behind closed doors compared to men with disabilities.

The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of Campaspe Shire Council, KDHS, and a two-year state grant of $14,000, demonstrating ongoing commitment to disability inclusion.

Journalist Jemma Jones was there to capture all of the fun of the day.

St Patricks students Addy Macron, 8, Marla Collyer, 8, and Noah Macnamara, 7 petting a support dog. Photo by Jemma Jones
St Patricks students receiving a drumming lesson. Photo by Jemma Jones
Kyabram Lions were out cooking up a feast on the day including Russell Kerwin, David Livsey, and Russell Johnson. Photo by Jemma Jones
The KCLC kindie kids read the Welcome to Country. Photo by Jemma Jones
KDHS disability liasion Candy Fanning with son Jake Robinson trying out the smoothie bike. Photo by Jemma Jones
Blake Gray, 8 and Lara Kelsey, 5, took good advantage of the free face painting offered on the day. Photo by Jemma Jones
Angelina Waters and Eleanor Pearson watching the various presentations offered throughout the day. Photo by Jemma Jones
St Patricks students Heidi Kelsey, 7, George Micheel, 8, Tom West, 8, Will Watson, 7, Angus Salter, 7, Linc Simms, 7, Kynan Saunders, 7 with their free gelato. Photo by Jemma Jones
Sisters Isla, 3, and Pippa Sullivan, 5 at the arts and crafts stall. Photo by Jemma Jones
Free gelato was offered on the day, made fresh by mother and daughter Irene and Bianca Sgammotta from Dairy Fresh Gelato. Photo by Jemma Jones
Claire Keating and host for the day Kane Park welcomed the guests and visitors to the day. Photo by Jemma Jones
Debbie Lloyd and Megan Simmons displayed Christmas cards and various other crafts that they had made. Photo by Jemma Jones
Jenny Goodwin from Women with Disabilities Victoria as a guest speaker on the day spoke about the differences between female and male disabilities. Photo by Jemma Jones
Wendy Coad, Kaitlyn Kewis, Kelly-Anne Dlyburgh and Deb Tyr enjoying the day. Photo by Jemma Jones
Guest speaker, Christine Anderson with sister Bev Woods before she got up to speak about her experiences with Parkinson's disease. Photo by Jemma Jones
Jake Robinson spinning himself a smoothie. Photo by Jemma Jones
Sarah Hazelman, Jess Threlfall and Tamara Kelly playing jenga at the outdoor activities stall. Photo by Jemma Jones
KDHS board chair Chris Motton (right) helps out guest speaker and Parkinsons advocate Christine Anderson as she demonstrates how she maintains Parkinsons. Photo by Jemma Jones
St Patricks student Tom Micheel, 7, trying his hand at the smoothie bikes. Photo by Jemma Jones
International Day for People With Disabilities event was enjoyed y over 200 people who flooded onto the front KDHS lawns for a day of informative and enjoyable fun. Photo by Jemma Jones