Shellharbour City Council and Wollongong City Council have again collaborated to launch this year’s Celebration of Ability Calendar.
The calendar details a series of fun events and activities being held to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.
International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD) is celebrated worldwide on 3 December each year to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
This year’s Celebration of Ability Calendar promotes events being held across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven between Saturday 25 November and Sunday 10 December.
The program includes a tie dying workshop, surfing, paddle boarding lessons, gingerbread house decorating, ten pin bowling, and sailing.
Other events include the healthy end of life café, social skills and gaming night, and the Shellharbour Summer Fair.
Additionally, free access to Shellharbour City Council’s pools will available for residents with disabilities and their carers from 1 to 7 December.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the event was a wonderful opportunity to share and enjoy the accessible and disability-friendly activities on offer.
“The Celebration of Ability Calendar is a great way to celebrate the valuable contribution people with a disability make to our community,” Mayor Homer said.
“Shellharbour City Council recently adopted its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2023 – 2026, which outlines how the organisation will continue to improve access to Council facilities and services, as well as advocating for improvements across the city.
“I encourage people living with a disability, their families and carers to check out this year’s Celebration of Ability Calendar and get involved,” he said.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM invited community members to join in and celebrate International Day of People with Disability by taking part in a local event.
“International Day of People with Disability is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the people with disability who live in our community,” Cr Bradbery said.
“Here in Wollongong, we want to make our city a better place to live and visit for people of all abilities. That means improving our public spaces and facilities to accommodate different needs, raising awareness about the important issues for people with disability, and helping everyone to attend events and participate in community life.
“In recognition of International Day of People with Disability, Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils have partnered to deliver a program of inclusive events for our joint communities.
“There are a number of activities available for people to try, including a learn to surf workshop and paddle boarding lessons, gingerbread house decorating classes, and a Ten Pin Bowling Tournament. I encourage everyone to check out the program and book their spot to attend a free event.”
Registrations are essential. Details about individual events are outlined in the calendar, which is available electronically from both Councils’ websites:
Hardcopy versions are also available by calling Shellharbour City Council on 4221 6007 or Wollongong Council on 4227 7111.
