Ipswich hosts beach dance for Disability Action Week

A dance with a difference was held in Ipswich today as part of the local celebrations for Disability Action Week 2007.

Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt, representing Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt, said the beach dance at the Workshops Rail Museum in North Ipswich was organised by Ozcare’s Ipswich Community Access Disability Service.

“I admit that staging a beach dance in Ipswich may, at first, seem a bit unusual but it proves that a little creativity can certainly capture the imagination of all,” said Mr Wendt.

“It also links with the theme of Disability Action Week – See beyond the disability – because it focuses on what people can do, rather than what they cannot.

“It’s all about looking beyond the barriers, whether real or perceived, so having a beach dance in Ipswich for Disability Action Week is creative, not unusual.”

Mr Wendt said the beach dance was another example of the creative community access programs conducted by Ozcare.

“Last year, Ozcare held a Wheel and Toe Bush Dance, which attracted several hundred participants,” he said.

“The event was so successful that Ozcare received funding under Disability Service Queensland’s Building Supportive Communities grants program for today’s event.

“Ozcare is truly inspiring with the creative approach they use to provide people with a disability with a diverse range of access opportunities.”

Ozcare’s Ipswich Community Action Disability Service supports and assists people with a disability across the Ipswich, Esk, Laidley and Boonah areas. The organisation receives more than $170,000 annually from Disability Services Queensland to help its important work.

Media contacts: Wayne Wendt 3813 0074; Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280