Greater Shepparton celebrates people with disabilities

By Caleb Francis

Dec 1, 2022

Inclusive: A section of the Art for All Day poster created by Greater Shepparton City Council

The International Day of People with Disability is coming up, and Greater Shepparton City Council is hosting two events.

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The IDPwD is a United Nations-sanctioned day that aims to raise awareness of disability issues and rally support for the wellbeing, rights and dignity of people with disabilities.

While the day will be celebrated internationally on Saturday, December 3, events in Shepparton will commence on Thursday, December 8.

Activate Inclusion Sports Day will be held at the Shepparton Sports Stadium on December 8.

There will be several activities, and participants will receive specialised coaching from disability support agencies and education providers.

The first session will be held from 9:30am to noon. The second session will be from 12:30pm to 3pm.

On Friday, December 9, Art for All Day will be held at Shepparton Art Museum.

Friday’s activities include “immersive experience sessions tailored for people with sensory and physical disabilities”, according to Greater Shepparton City Council.

Attendees will be able to participate in three facilitator-led sessions:

• Multimedia Collaging, from 10am to 11am.

• Fabric Patch Making, from noon to 1pm.

• Paint pouring led by Kody Bothwell, from 2pm to 3pm.

RiverConnect will provide a hands-on environmental education experience, and Activities in the Park will offer e-bikes, rickshaws and wheelchair-accessible tricycles at this event.

Bookings must be made for this day via the Greater Shepparton website

Council director of community Louise Mitchell said the event aimed “to make change for the better, break down the barriers for people living with disability, and encourage access and inclusion in our community”.

“I hope that you will take this opportunity to come and celebrate IDPwD, there are plenty of activities without barriers,” Ms Mitchell said.

A new cow, which will be featured in the Moooving Art Herd, will be launched at both free community events.

The cow was painted by Kody Bothwell and features artwork by Verney Rd School students.

Attendees will be invited to name the cow, and all names will be considered by the Greater Shepparton Disability Advisory Committee, which will make the final decision.