Hey RIAC Squad,
We’re thrilled to share the joy and good vibes from our action-packed International Day of People Living with Disability celebrations! Here’s the lowdown on the awesome happenings:
Geelong Disability Awards Bash! 🎉🏆
First up, a massive high-five to RIAC for being a proud supporter of the Geelong Disability Awards! Teaming up with Barwon Disability Resource Council and Gen U, we brought the party to Geelong Library on December 1st. Major congrats to all the nominees and winners – you rock our world! 🌈
Shout-out to DJ Fuzzy Logic (aka Ryan Schmidtke), a Geelong Disability Award legend, for spinning the beats that kept us grooving. Ryan gave a big thumbs up to Caleb Rixon, the MC extraordinaire and an old family friend. And, of course, nothing beats the joy of seeing all the winners grab their well-deserved awards. 🎶👏
A big round of applause to the City of Greater Geelong for being the perfect host. Events like these are always unforgettable!
Pictured: Anna and Rachael from RIAC striking a pose with DJ Fuzzy Logic (Ryan Schmidtke).
Mildura’s Showcase of Ability Spectacle! 🌈✨
Meanwhile, in Mildura, the celebration continued at the newly developed Powerhouse place on the riverfront. The evening kicked off with a burst of local performing arts, followed by a sizzling sausage sizzle and an art exhibition courtesy of Mildura Specialist School. 🎭🎨
As we settled in, a special tourism video stole the spotlight, featuring people with disabilities enjoying Sunraysia’s attractions. Huge thanks to Mildura Rural City Council, Community Music Victoria, Christie Centre Inc, Trio Support Services, Lifely, Sunraysia Residential Services, Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mildura Specialist School, and Mildura Lions Club for making it a night to remember! 🌟
Bendigo’s Wet and Wild Fun Day! 🌧️🏀
Last but not least, our Bendigo crew – Feonyx, Carolyn, and the fantastic Sherrie – took on the Bendigo Library Gardens for a family and participant fun day. Stalls, basketball skills with the Bendigo Braves, a Lego showdown between Bendigo Fire and Rescue and Fosterville Gold Mine, and entertainment from Bendigo Special Developmental School students and local musician Sherri Parry made it a day to remember.
We got a bit wet (thanks to some friendly competition), but it was all worth it to connect with fellow service providers and the incredible people living with disabilities in Bendigo. Special thanks to Sherrie Gumley for being our MVP on the day!
Pictured: Feonyx Holden, Carolyn Maltese and Sherrie Gumley
Cheers to unforgettable moments and spreading love and inclusivity. Until the next adventure!
Big Hugs,
The RIAC Crew 🚀
