Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Eureka electorate youth disability advocates

Michaela SETTLE (Eureka) (13:21): I am delighted to rise today to highlight some extraordinary youth disability advocates that we have in the electorate of Eureka. Firstly, I would like to give my congratulations to Gabriel Gervasoni of Ballarat for his Victoria Young Achiever Award nomination. Gabriel, who is vision-impaired, passionately advocates for inclusive education and safer environments for those with low or no vision. Gabriel’s work has made some of our most iconic local spaces, like Sovereign Hill, more accessible.

In Bacchus Marsh, Noah Barlow is making incredible progress in stroke awareness. At just 12 years old Noah is writing books, co-producing podcasts, and was involved in launching Wheelchair Auskick. Noah’s advocacy has earned him the Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Warrior Award, so well done, Noah. Finally, a big congratulations to Keeley Johnson of Ballan, named Young Woman of the Year at the 2023 Women Changing the World Awards. At 13, Keeley founded Keeley’s Cause, a charity providing iPads to children with communication disabilities. I am really looking forward to the Keeley’s Cause fundraiser Girls Night Out this Friday to support this exceptional charity. Gabriel, Noah and Keeley show us that there are no limits to motivation, inspiration and a genuine desire to make a difference.