By Jim Mynard
CASEY residents celebrated International Day for People with Disability at two events, a showcase art exhibition at the Old Cheese Factory, Berwick, and a sports afternoon at the YMCA Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre.
The art exhibition aimed to celebrate and acknowledge the creative talent of people with disability living in the City of Casey.
Casey mayor Colin Butler said Disability Day in Casey highlighted new opportunities for residents to take part in and promote an active and involved community.
It was an important initiative that showcased “terrific talent”, he said.
The keynote speaker, artist Ern Trembath, discussed his painting experience before and after receiving a disability.
Ern is a traditional landscape artist and his sensitive lightfilled Australian landscapes are popular for their portrayal of the bush.
Collectors, galleries and overseas visitors seek his paintings and his work hangs in galleries in Australia and overseas.
Ern found he had only partial use of his painting arm after an accident in 2003 but is using the brush in his other hand.
The exhibition featured paintings, mosaics, jewellery and pottery.
The sports afternoon was another success. More than 20 people from organisations including Blairlogie, Kalimna Support Options, Wallara, Casey Deaf Club and the wider community attended.
The event aimed to promote the participation of people with disabilities in sport and recreation.
Casey Deaf Club secretary Terence Childs provided information about deafness to educate the community on the different types of sign language and services available to assist the deaf.
For information on leisure opportunities for people with disability, contact Casey council’s disability leisure officer or the metro access disability inclusion officer on 9705 5200.