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250 People Get Back 2 The Max

It was an opportunity to celebrate and highlight people with a disability

By Carol McCormack - 11th December 2002 - Back to News

More than 250 people got "Back 2 the Max" on Tuesday 3 December at the Wonthaggi Community Arts Centre. The evening was a celebration of ability, and part of the International Day of Persons with a DisAbility activities.

Kathryn Pryor, RuralAccess officer with Bass Coast and South Gippsland shire councils, said that Back 2 the Max aimed to raise community awareness about disability issues.

"It was an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the abilities, achievements and contributions people with a disability make to our local community," said Kathryn.

The evening kicked off with replica Mad Max cars arriving at the Arts Centre with a Police escort. The cars are part of local Mad Max enthusiast Scott Smith’s collection. Last year, Scott was seriously injured in a car accident and has since overcome insurmountable odds to achieve his status as a Mad Mad expert.

Local businesses were recognised for their commitment to proactively including people with a disability in their business. Disability Friendly Business Awards were presented to Mitre 10 Cowes, Safeway Wonthaggi, Richies Wonthaggi and Wonthaggi Recylers.

"These businesses have positively contributed to the Bass Coast community by supporting and including people with a disability as part of their day to day operations," said Kathryn.

The Moonya ATSS Drama Group presented a short play called "Know Your Rights". Each member of the drama group provided a personal account of their day-to-day life. The presentations were followed by a song and dance that involved the whole audience.

"It was a fantastic night overall, but certainly one of the highlights was the screening of the short documentary "Back 2 the Max", which was all about the Mad Max 21st anniversary celebrations," said Kathryn. "Scott Smith’s knowledge of everything Mad Max was also fascinating."

The 250 attendees also enjoyed local wine and cheese tasting, as well as live music from The Garage Clubhouse Group, which was well received by everyone.

"I’d like to thank everyone on the organising committee and everyone who attended on the night," said Kathryn. "This year’s celebrations were so much fun I can hardly wait for next year’s!"

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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