ShireABILITY
Established in 2019 as a Working Group, ShireABILITY focuses on ability and inclusion across the Sutherland Shire. This is marked with several celebrations over the years to mark International Day of People with a Disability (December 3rd) as well as providing other opportunities for the community to connect and celebrate. This has included previous events such as the ShireABILITY Film Festival, Family Fun Day, Art Award, ShireABILITY's Got Talent and Vibefest.
For more information on International Day of People with a Disability visit International Day of People with Disability (idpwd.com.au)
Find the latest events, initiatives and programs for people with a disability living in the Sutherland Shire by signing up to the ShireABILITY Newsletter (mailchi.mp)
Archive of previous editions of ShireABILITY Newsletter:
ShireABILITY January Newsletter (mailchi.mp)
ShireABILITY February Newsletter (mailchi.mp)
Current Initiatives
Vibefest - Brought to you by ShireABILITY
Vibefest was created for Youth Week 2023, in collaboration with Council's Youth Reference Group, as an opportunity for young people of all abilities to come together and dance the night away. Vibefest featured a DJ, photobooth and sensory room for attendees to enjoy for free.
ShireABILITY Art Award
ShireABILITY was proud to present the ShireABILITY Art Award 2022 as part of International Day of People with Disability on December 3rd. We were proud to exhibit artworks from people living with a disability at Hazelhurst Art Centre from the 25th of November 2022 to 11th of December 2022.
The winners of the 2022 ShireABILITY Art Award:
- Open Award Winner Kristy Lovegrove North Cronulla Pool. Listen to Kristy's interview with Art in Focus on 2SSR
- Open Award Highly Commended The Disability Trust Miranda Art Group (Patricia Bekiaris, Natasha Clark, Tahlee Grant, Tyne Miller, Rachel O'Hanlon, Tracey Pearson, Luke Shumacher, William Tao, Therese Watson and Bronwyn Wills) Outback Dreams
- Young People's Award Winner Arabella Johnson My Eye For The Future
- Young People's Award Highly Commended Lachlan Brodala Fire Dragon Monster Truck
- People's Choice Award Julie Hayes Shine Bright
Proudly supported by Miranda RSL Diggers and Southgate.
The ShireABILITY Art Award will be returning in 2024 on a biannual basis.
Previous ShireABILITY Initiatives
ShireABILITY Family Fun Day
Held over several years, ShireABILITY Family Fun Day aims to bring together people of all abilities to enjoy a fun afternoon of actitivies and celebrations. The event also aims to raise awareness of people with a disability and connect the community. Several local service providers collaborated with Council to provide afternoons of fun and games for all ages.
ShireABILITY Film Festival
The ShireABILITY Film Festival allowed residents the opportunity to share their stories through a short film that focussed on ability and inclusion. Watch some of our previous winners and entrants share their stories below.
2022 ShrieABILITY Film Festival Finalists
2021 ShireABILITY Film Festival Entries