Local ideas to be showcased at Mackay disability forum

People with an interest in disability issues are being invited to share their visions for a better future at the upcoming Shared Visions regional forum for the Mackay–Whitsunday region.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said the series of Shared Visions regional forums, to be held across Queensland, would allow more people in more places to share their ideas on the future of the disability sector.

He said the regional forums built on the progress made in 2005 and 2006 at the statewide Shared Visions conferences, which enabled government representatives and stakeholders from all areas of the disability community to discuss the sector.

“The regional forums give locals with an interest in disability issues the chance to share their experiences and work together for a better quality of life for people with a disability,” Mr Pitt said.

“We aim to identify strengths and opportunities for the local disability community, and then work towards local solutions for a better future for people with a disability.”

The Mackay–Whitsunday Shared Visions regional forum will be held on Thursday 30 August at the Windmill Motel, Mackay, and is expected to attract a broad range of participants including people with a disability, their families and carers, service providers and others involved in the disability community

Mr Pitt said the outcomes and lessons from each regional forum would be shared statewide through the Shared Visions website and the information would be used to help plan the program for the next Shared Visions conference in 2008.

“I encourage anyone with an interest or experience in the disability sector to consider attending or making a presentation to this event, as it is one way of sharing your thoughts and ideas with the rest of the state,” he said.

People wishing to register their interest in attending the Mackay Shared Visions regional forum, or wanting to submit a presentation proposal for the forum, should contact their nearest DSQ office on 4944 6200 or visit www.disability.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280