Getting on with Life

Over the years I have tried and, I think, have somewhat succeeded in ‘making a difference’ not only in my life, but in the lives of others.

When I was two and a half years old my parents were told that I had cerebral palsy and I wouldn't walk, talk or use my hands and I just might survive to age 10. Not only have I beaten the odds and survived well past 10 years old, but have carved a life for myself through determination and inspiring all people to live and enjoy life to their full potential.

Awarded:

Early 60's, an Award in the Red Cross School Art Project Competition at the Sydney Town Hall. (I was the only one child representing children with disabilities).

1965, Commended by Queen Elizabeth II for a poem I penned, ‘I Wish. (Many of my short stories and poems have been published and have won several writing competitions).

1974, a Diploma D’honneur in the “Prix Jericho Art Prize Competition” held in Paris "Chatelet Theatre" and in Beaune, French Riviera. (Only person with a disability to represent Australia, only Typewriter Artist).

1973, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Medal. (First totally person with a disability in Australia).

1998, ‘McLeod Memorial Award’ from The Spastic Centre for my achievements.

Volunteering:

Community Consultant for the NSW Ombudsman and the NSW Attorney General’s Departments on Access Issues.

For other organisations.

Miscellaneous:

1975, represented The Spastic Centre at ‘The International Sports and Recreation Seminar’ in Arnhem, Netherlands.

1981, foundation member of Artreach. (Artreach was an organisation dedicated for the expression of creativity in all its forms.  Artreach was especially concerned with increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the community through their creative process).

1988 - 2000 a selection member for the Miss Australia Quest.

1989, instigated changes to Credit Cards Laws and Conditions by Department Stores, Credit Unions and Banks, to allow people with disabilities, who are unable to sign their name, to obtain and operate Credit Cards.

Motivational Speaking, alongside MP’s and Alan Jones, radio personality.  Presented at Corporations and Seminars. Keynote speaker for Rotary International Golden Jubilee Conference, a National Conference on Technology, Apex International, Rotary Clubs and RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award).

1997, lobbied successfully for wheelchair accessible seating in the Star City Casino’s Lyric Theatre and the Showroom. Successfully negotiated discounted tickets for people with disabilities and an accompanying friend.

1998, contact person in relation to access and safety for people with disabilities.  Clients included: Centrelink, Randwick Council and State Rail Authority.

1999, consultant on Access and Safety for People with Disabilities at the Olympic and the Paralympics Games for the State Rail Authority.

1999, lobbied successfully the NSW State Transit Authority and a private bus company for a 24/7 wheelchair accessible bus service in my community.

2000, Olympics and Paralympics Torch bearer. (For my involvement in showing what people with disabilities were capable of accomplishing andthe challenges they face in the wider community).

Casual Academic Lecturer (P/T Teaching) for medical students at Western Sydney University.

2005 Seniors Week Achievement Awards Nomination Award.

2006, Manly representative in ‘International Women’s Day 2006’.

Finalist in the ‘2006 NSW International Women’s Day’. (For my involvement in showing what people with disabilities were capable of accomplishing andthe challenges they face in the wider community).

2007, participated in making a video about ‘SecondLife’, illustrating how people with disabilities can socialise online. (Shown at National, International Conferences and on YouTube).

Cultural Achievements:

1981, Book, “It’s Only a Leg” by Hugh Drake – Section, ‘Try Giving’

1999, Book, “No Wet Bums” by Patricia Gabriel – Chapter, ‘Look, No Hands’

2000, “A Current Affair” with Mike Munro

1956 - 2009, Magazines and Newspapers Article (worldwide).