Tony Town, 46 and his fox terrier Rocky are just two stars of a photo exhibition that will be officially unveiled during a special launch event on Monday 12 September.
The ‘My Bright Way’ exhibit was created by YellowBridge to welcome National Disability week and celebrate the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Twenty Toowoomba community members have been professionally photographed for the exhibit and they all have two things in common. They have a disability and they have goals they want to achieve.
Each black and white portrait is accompanied by a candid profile that shares an insight into the hopes, dreams and interests – in an effort to help the wider community realise that people with disabilities have aspirations just like them.
Coral Smith
Coral Smith, 34 is proud to be part of the exhibition. She works at YellowBridge’s Collectables op shop two days a week.
“My job is to clean the shop, sweep the floor, look after the money and help people. I don’t feel nervous while I’m working, just good,” she said.
When Tony is asked what his goals are in life he does not hesitate. “One day I would like to travel,” he said. “But only if I can take Rocky.”
The event launch will be held on Monday 12 Sep from 8am – 9am on Level 3 (seminar room) at the Toowoomba Library. It will feature guest speaker Huy Nguyen who is sure to inspire guests further when he shares his story about becoming a humanitarian engineer, social entrepreneur and traveller.
Despite contracting polio at 18 months, Mr Nguyen has worked throughout Australia and Asia helping people with a disability. He has won numerous awards including ACT Young Australian of the Year, Australian Disability Award and the Australian National University Young Alumnus of the Year.
The launch event is free, but you will need to book via heather@wishbone.com.au or by calling 0403 462 686.
The exhibition portraits will then be transferred outside for the Disability Action Week event in the Village Green. It will be displayed on the external walls of the Library (weather permitting) on Monday.
The exhibition will then be hosted at Wendland Fine Food from Tuesday 13 to Friday 30 September for general public viewing.
For more information visit www.yellowbridgeqld.com.au or go to the YellowBridge Facebook page.
