Published Wednesday, 03 December, 2008 at 10:39 AM

Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Share Your Story calendar sure to inspire in 2009
Communities and Disabilities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has today launched the 2009 Share Your Story calendar as part of celebrations for International Day of People with a Disability.
Ms Nelson -Carr said the calendar featured 12 real-life stories from Queenslanders, in their own words, discussing the issues they faced as people with a disability.
“The Share Your Story initiative gives Queenslanders with a disability a way to express their individuality, personality, opinions, hopes and dreams,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“By sharing their personal stories, we learn more about each other, raise awareness about disabilities and, ultimately, help build a more inclusive community.
“This is the fourth year Queenslanders have been invited to submit their stories about living with a disability, their triumphs and achievements.
“We always get a great response to the calendar and the stories chosen for each edition celebrate the rich diversity of Queensland today.”
Stories in this year’s calendar tell of overcoming challenges, breaking down barriers and the important role family and friends play.
People featured include a man who lived his dream of becoming a race car driver, a former dancer who now “dances” through his artwork, a young man who cooks breakfast for homeless people on the Gold Coast each weekend, and a North Queensland woman who runs a fishing business.
Ms Nelson-Carr said every story was inspirational.
“It is such a joy to read these heartfelt and courageous words from fellow Queenslanders,” said the Minister.
“I am really proud of Share Your Story and I invite Queenslanders to obtain a copy.”
The free Share Your Story calendar is available from Disability Service Queensland regional offices and Queensland Government Agent Program offices.
Stories can also be viewed online at www.disability.qld.gov.au
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Participants in the 2009 Share Your Story Calendar :
January - Barb Rosedale, Cooktown
February – Grant Plowman, Highfields
March – Brianne Ronquillo, Eight Mile Plains Bris.
April- Tim Morrissey, Gold Coast
May - Christine Pampling, Toowoomba
June – Samir Michael, Alexandra Hills Bris.
July – Jade Roberts, Bundaberg
August – Jeremy Murphy, Deagon
September – Ann Brunker, Bowen
October – Jeffery Finlay, Gordonvale
November – Lisa Cox, Aspley Bris.
December – S-Troupe, Ipswich
Ms Nelson -Carr said the calendar featured 12 real-life stories from Queenslanders, in their own words, discussing the issues they faced as people with a disability.
“The Share Your Story initiative gives Queenslanders with a disability a way to express their individuality, personality, opinions, hopes and dreams,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“By sharing their personal stories, we learn more about each other, raise awareness about disabilities and, ultimately, help build a more inclusive community.
“This is the fourth year Queenslanders have been invited to submit their stories about living with a disability, their triumphs and achievements.
“We always get a great response to the calendar and the stories chosen for each edition celebrate the rich diversity of Queensland today.”
Stories in this year’s calendar tell of overcoming challenges, breaking down barriers and the important role family and friends play.
People featured include a man who lived his dream of becoming a race car driver, a former dancer who now “dances” through his artwork, a young man who cooks breakfast for homeless people on the Gold Coast each weekend, and a North Queensland woman who runs a fishing business.
Ms Nelson-Carr said every story was inspirational.
“It is such a joy to read these heartfelt and courageous words from fellow Queenslanders,” said the Minister.
“I am really proud of Share Your Story and I invite Queenslanders to obtain a copy.”
The free Share Your Story calendar is available from Disability Service Queensland regional offices and Queensland Government Agent Program offices.
Stories can also be viewed online at www.disability.qld.gov.au
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Participants in the 2009 Share Your Story Calendar :
January - Barb Rosedale, Cooktown
February – Grant Plowman, Highfields
March – Brianne Ronquillo, Eight Mile Plains Bris.
April- Tim Morrissey, Gold Coast
May - Christine Pampling, Toowoomba
June – Samir Michael, Alexandra Hills Bris.
July – Jade Roberts, Bundaberg
August – Jeremy Murphy, Deagon
September – Ann Brunker, Bowen
October – Jeffery Finlay, Gordonvale
November – Lisa Cox, Aspley Bris.
December – S-Troupe, Ipswich