Paralympic stars in Mackay to lead discussion on accessibility
Published: 26 Jul 2024
Kelly Cartwright OAM is a gold medal-winning Paralympic athlete who has found success as a 100m sprinter, long jumper and more recently as a powerlifter.
Dr. Brendan Burkett OAM is an Australian swimmer who won five medals at four Paralympics and was the Opening Ceremony flag bearer in Sydney 2000.
These legends of the sporting world will be the keynote speakers at council’s 2024 Accessible Active Living Seminar on Friday, August 16, at Harrup Park Country Club.
Running across two sessions, this free seminar will be packed with informative discussions and presentations aimed at educating sporting clubs, fitness groups and recreational activity organisers on how to become more inclusive and accessible for their communities.
The presentation session runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and then there will be panel discussions and networking from 5pm to 7pm.
All sessions will have Auslan interpreters.
Mayor Greg Williamson said this was the second year the seminar had run, and council was excited to have secured such high-profile speakers.
“Kelly and Brendan are truly inspirational individuals who achieved tremendous levels of success despite having suffered the loss of a limb,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Outside of sports, Kelly became the first above-knee amputee woman to climb to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in 2009, and Dr. Brendan has a PhD in Biomechanics,” he said.
“In 2000 he was awarded the Institution of Engineers Australia’s Professional Engineer of the Year Award and was the first person with a disability to work as an engineer on the oil rigs in the North Sea.
“These are amazing Australians with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to hear their insights into improving accessibility and inclusivity in sports and recreation, especially in relation to grass roots clubs.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in sport, recreation or accessibility to register for the seminar now – it’s not often that you get a free opportunity to hear from such high-profile advocates.”
The keynote speakers will join a dynamic group of local specialists in the fields of sport and disability advocacy to discuss the opportunities, challenges and barriers to participation in sport and active recreation.
Tickets to the 2024 Accessible Active Living Seminar are free and are available now via Eventbrite.
Kelly Cartright and Dr. Brendan Burkett will also be available to meet the public as special guests at the Mackay Disability Expo on Thursday, August 15, from 9am to noon at the Big Shed in the Mackay Showgrounds.
The expo is free to attend and will offer a crucial opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, technology, aids and equipment from dozens of specialist providers, organisations and agencies.
Kelly Cartwright OAM (pictured) is a gold medal-winning Paralympic athlete who has
found success as a 100m sprinter, long jumper and more recently as a powerlifter.
Dr Brendan Burkett OAM (pictured) is an Australian swimmer who won five medals
at four Paralympics and was the Opening Ceremony Flag bearer in Sydney 2000.