Source: Office of the Victorian Minister for Community Services, Hon Gavin Jennings

FROM THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

DATE: Friday, July 20, 2007

NEW CAMPAIGN RECOGNISES LOCAL LEADERSHIP – BAR NONE

Community Services Minister Gavin Jennings today launched a state-wide search for people and organisations tackling barriers that exclude people with disabilities from fully participating in community life.

“The Bar None local leadership project recognises the efforts of people with or without disabilities who are making a difference in their community,” Mr Jennings said.

“Across Victoria we are searching for people and organisations that are providing opportunities for people with disabilities by making buildings accessible, finding meaningful employment, and increasing participation in sport, recreation or the arts.

“We have called this project Bar None, because we are committed to a world where everyone can participate without exception.”

Mr Jennings commended the first two Bar None nominees, Alcoa, sponsor of the Celebrate ALL Abilities Winter Festival and community radio station 94.7 Pulse FM’s Karingal Kool Kats program, saying they were “building bridges between people with and without disabilities.”

“Prejudice, exclusion and barriers prevent people from fully participating in life,” he said.

“But it doesn’t have to be that way. Local people and organisations who are working for social change are showing us how to dismantle barriers.

“This campaign is helping to build more inclusive communities, highlight the diverse skills and achievements of people with disabilities and discover new leaders.”

Mr Jennings also today launched the 2007 Alcoa Celebrate ALL Abilities Winter Festival which involves people with disabilities at ever level from planning to participation.

“The festival is a great example of the sort of local leadership we want to recognise,” Mr Jennings said.

Bar None nomination forms and nomination criteria are at www.disability.vic.gov.au/barnone and people can also enter by posting the form that will appear in local newspapers. Nominees will be invited to feature in media coverage and attend a celebration event at the end of the project.

The Victorian Government last year established the Office for Disability, part of the Department for Victorian Communities, to coordinate Government policy and to help make housing, transport, buildings, jobs, health and other services more accessible.

The full program for the Alcoa Celebrate ALL Abilities Winter Festival is available online at: www.geelongaustralia.com.au