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This article was published on Friday, 6 December, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council celebrates International Day of People with Disability 2024 with an empowering concert and launch of access guide

In Summary

Greater Shepparton marked International Day of People with Disability 2024 with a heartfelt concert featuring Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine and participants from local disability agencies, who performed an original song.
The event highlighted the importance of uniting with local disability organisations to celebrate inclusion, creativity and community connections.
Council unveiled the ‘Promoting Greater Access in Greater Shepparton’ guide, providing businesses and community organisations with tools to improve accessibility.
The guide, part of the Universal Access and Inclusion Plan 2022–2026, aims to inspire businesses to make Greater Shepparton a more inclusive and accessible community.

On Monday 25 November, participants from local disability agencies Shepparton Access, Connect GV, and Are Able collaborated with the award-winning band Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine, an all-abilities band comprising of musicians with neurodiverse and physical disabilities, to compose an original song.

The following day, Tuesday 26 November, the band performed at the Shepparton Sports Precinct Main Pavilion, where workshop participants from local disability agencies had the opportunity to take the stage and perform the song in front of an eager crowd. The concert was widely praised by attendees, who described it as a heartfelt and uplifting celebration of local talent.

Council’s Director Community, Louise Mitchell, said the events were a great opportunity to collaborate with local partners.

“We are thankful to our local partners for their support in bringing these events to life. The concert was a fantastic celebration of inclusion and the importance of uniting to support and inspire one another,” she said.

On Wednesday 4 December Council officially launched the ‘Promoting Greater Access in Greater Shepparton’ access guide at the Maude Street Precinct, Shepparton. The guide’s creation was driven by the Greater Shepparton Universal Access and Inclusion Plan 2022–2026. It provides businesses and community organisations with practical resources, tips and guidance on improving accessibility.

“The launch of the access guide marks a key milestone in our efforts to provide businesses and event organisers with the tools they need to make Greater Shepparton more accessible,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Council hopes the guide will inspire businesses and community organisations to take action and contribute to a more accessible and inclusive Greater Shepparton.”

Download your copy of the ‘Promoting Greater Access in Greater Shepparton’ access guide here.

For further information, please contact Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au