Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today is the International Day of Disabled Persons, when we celebrate and recognise the achievements, capabilities and contributions of people with a disability. As a society we must keep working towards getting rid of physical and technological barriers so that people with disability can fulfil their true potential as equal members of our community.

There are so many fantastic organisations in Darwin and Palmerston, in the electorate that I represent, who provide that support to people with a disability. One of those Top End organisations is Total Recreation. They help people with a disability to participate in programs that really encourage that social inclusion. Keogh and the team do an incredible job. I was lucky enough to join in one of their events recently. It was the Dancing with the Celebrities gala ball. I had the privilege of dancing with Gabby, who has a rare chromosome disorder. She was a wonderfully patient dance partner and, despite assistance from the members for Paterson and Cowper, who were great dance teachers, I fear I let Gabby down. However, we did the foxtrot, the samba and the rumba. It was a fantastic evening, and I want to thank everyone who's working to support people with disabilities, and thank you to those with disabilities for your unique gifts to our country.