Page 954 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 2018
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MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Orr for her question. The ACT government believes in inclusion. We are fully committed to ensuring that people with disability have opportunities to participate in society and develop and strengthen connections within our community. Being engaged in the community and connecting with others is important for health and wellbeing and is essential for all people. But it is particularly important that we ensure that this is the case for people with disability, who often experience greater isolation and marginalisation and poorer health outcomes than other Australians.
One way we can do this is through the connect and participate expo, known as CAP expo, which will be held this Saturday, 24 March, at the Old Bus Depot building in Kingston. The CAP expo aims to link people to activities that are happening in their own local community. Now in its fifth year, the expo is a partnership between the Community Services Directorate and non-government organisations, demonstrating a shared commitment to social inclusion.
As a free event, the expo will open doors to new opportunities for all Canberrans. For the convenience of volunteers, stallholders and attendees, Transport Canberra will operate an accessible shuttle bus, allowing people to park at Windsor Walk car park in Brisbane Avenue and travel to the event. Parking will also be available at the venue.
The CAP expo showcases the depth of community activity and connections that make Canberra such an inclusive city. All of these connections are built around what people like, what they are good at and a willingness to get involved. People attending can watch performances, hear live music, participate in “come and try” activities or simply talk with people from a wide variety of groups to find out what they might be interested in. I encourage all members to attend, and look forward to another successful CAP expo on Saturday.
MS ORR: Minister, what sort of groups and organisations can we expect to see at CAP expo?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Orr for seeking further information about this wonderful event. With over 100 stallholders, the CAP expo will have something for everyone. There will be a broad range of interest groups and social clubs, including sport, recreation and dance troupes; choirs; art and craft clubs; and special interest groups.
I have heard people refer to CAP expo as O week for adults, although I would like to clarify that political stalls are not invited. If you think of an activity, chances are there is a community group out there doing it together. All the community groups represented would welcome new members and new interest.
Groups on display at the CAP expo on Saturday include Kung Fu Wushu ACT, which will demonstrate concrete and wood breaking; Bellyup Bellydance, a family-friendly performance group that share their love of belly dance with women of all ages and abilities; and the ACT Companion Dog Club, which will perform a choreographed routine by handlers and their dogs.
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