26 June 2018.
June 16 saw a very successful Deafblind Awareness Week fun day at our Camberwell location in Victoria. Throughout the day, 34 deafblind clients came along, as well as more than 50 volunteers, family members, students from Melbourne Polytechnic and Able Australia staff.
The morning started with speeches from Kate MacRae, deafblind client Sandi Pontin, and our patron Peter Hitchener. After a stirring speech about her goals and aspirations, Sandi had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially begin the festivities.
Snakes, lizards, turtles and owls were a star attraction on the day with Animals of Oz setting up their reptile petting zoo in the office courtyard. For those less eager to cuddle a snake, there was the opportunity to have a massage from a massage therapist, and paint with Able’s creative arts therapist Emily.
Visitors had the chance to mingle, meet, catch up and make friends as they ate and enjoyed the activities. The event has been called an awesome and memorable day, and one we hope to make bigger and better in the future!
A massive thanks to our staff and volunteers for making it happen.
Deafblind Awareness Week runs from 24 June until 30 June. Able Australia CEO Kate MacRae has undertaken a large number of interviews to raise awareness of deafblindness in the community, including a live national TV interview with ABC News at Noon.