Community Celebration for International Day of People with Disability

Published on 11 November 2024

In celebration of International Day of People with Disability 2024, Bellingen Shire Council is proud to showcase an evening of vibrant creative talent from Bellingen and neighbouring shires in a free community event. This special event will be held at the Memorial Hall Studio in Bellingen on Tuesday 3 December. The evening begins with refreshments at 5:30pm, and includes the Awards ceremony, film screenings and performances. Stick around for coffee and cake after the program.

The event promises an exciting lineup of entertainment that will complement the Ian J. Cooper Awards for Access and Inclusion award ceremony. Nominated by community members, the awards are designed to honour and celebrate businesses, groups, and individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in Bellingen Shire.

A feature of the evening is the international award-winning Doctor Time, a comedy-action short film featuring a whimsical superhero adventure as a teenager discovers his true powers. The film features Bellingen local Raji Renshaw who devised the concept and stars in the film. Doctor Time was recently selected to screen at the I Will Tell International Film Festival in London. He is proud to be introducing and screening the film to a local audience. 

Also being screened at the event is Gotta Dream, a music video by the Coffs-based band, The Half Time Show. The band, a result of the All One Under the Sun Project with Grow the Music, shares their story in Innersong a short film chronicling their creative journey in making music together.

Audiences will enjoy high-energy performances from The Nambucca Valley Phoenix All Stars, and Coffs Harbour based Mix Tub Theatre - inclusive theatre groups that create space for creative expression, encouraging people with disabilities to participate in community theatre and offering opportunities that are accessible, affordable, and achievable.

These films and performances will showcase some of the amazing talent in our region and highlight the opportunities and possibilities for people with disabilities in our region.

Cr Mayor Steve Allan shared his thoughts, saying, “By presenting the Ian J. Cooper Awards at a community celebration, we highlight the wonderful work within our communities to make them more inclusive. It is great to share and celebrate these achievements alongside the creative talents and performances of people in our region who live with disability. By sharing their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of their lived experiences, while celebrating their creativity and important contributions to our community. Council is delighted to celebrate International Day of People with Disability and honour the successes that contribute to a more inclusive Shire.”

There is so much local talent in our regions to be shared and amazing groups that support people of all abilities to get involved in doing the things they love.

For more information on International Day of People with Disability, please visit The website: idpwd.com.au.