Cairns disability champion honoured at state awards

Cairns resident Carol O’Reilly has been honoured for improving the quality of life for people with a disability at a prestigious awards ceremony in Brisbane today.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt today presented Carol with an Individual Award at Queensland’s 2007 Disability Action Week Awards.

Mr Pitt said the awards recognised individuals and organisations whose initiatives were making a real difference for Queenslanders with a disability, their families and carers.

“Carol is leading by example — putting ability first in Queensland,” he said.

“Working tirelessly in the areas of recreation, guardianship, communication, anti-discrimination, counselling and training for deaf people, Carol is a worthy recipient of this year’s Disability Action Week Individual Award.

“Carol is dedicated to maximising opportunities available to the deaf community, particularly deaf people living in north and far north Queensland.

“She has led numerous initiatives including the formation of the North Queensland Association of the Deaf, and was the founding chairperson of the Far North Queensland Deaf Interpreting Services, now known as Deaf Services Queensland.

“As chairperson of the Queensland Theatre of the Deaf, she also helps deaf people express themselves through dramatic arts.”

Mr Pitt said 14 winners were presented in 11 award categories at the Brisbane ceremony today.

“Today we applaud people who are actively working towards making our society fair, equitable and accessible for all Queenslanders,” he said.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280
Editors – Photos of winners available