Conservation volunteers can take a bow. They are a vital part of Whittlesea council’s environmental efforts, and their contributions were acknowledged as part of last week’s 21st anniversary of Australia’s first Disability Discrimination Act.
Volunteers with disabilities and colleagues – including backpackers on working visas and environmental sciences students – were treated to a sit-down lunch by the council, taking a break from duties that include planting, fencing, weed control and seed collection.
The Weekly caught up with one crew fencing off land destined to link the Quarry Hill and Granite Hill reserves in South Morang before they downed tools for one of the special lunches.
The council also hosted a lunch for the 21st convention of People with Disability. Guests included former deputy prime minister Brian Howe, who in 1992 was minister for health, housing and community services in the Keating government. He oversaw the introduction of Australia’s landmark disability legislation.
The Disability Discrimination Act meant that, for the first time, it was illegal to discriminate against someone because of their disability.
Whittlesea was one of the first councils in Australia to develop a disability action plan. Neighbouring Hume is another municipal leader and a week-long program of celebrations there was organised by its council and the Hume Disability Issues group.
“Many people in our municipality have fought hard to ensure we live in a country where the dignity and worth of every individual is recognised and respected,” Whittlesea mayor Mary Lalios said.
“I feel privileged to have met people who have worked tirelessly as individuals and through organisations to promote and protect those human rights. Their dedication, vision and courage broke down barriers.”
Cr Lalios said Whittlesea would update its disability action plan in the new year to include its carer respite service in Epping, with another due to open in South Morang next year.
