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IN PICTURES: Creatives living with a disability enjoy selling their wares at Great Southern Ability Festival

Claire MiddletonAlbany Advertiser
Nadine Ryder and Ash Mills at the Great Southern Ability Festival.
Camera IconNadine Ryder and Ash Mills at the Great Southern Ability Festival. Credit: Laurie Benson

The Great Southern Ability Festival arrived at Albany Town Square on Tuesday, with talented people living with a disability enjoying the opportunity to sell their arts and crafts.

Participants were able to buy Christmas gifts, listen to the Spencer Park Education Support Centre’s choir and take part in activities which included a drumming circle and face painting.

The square was packed with people enjoying the stalls and with volunteer organisations who provide free, fun and inclusive services for people of all abilities.

Organising committee member Denise Kay said the event had received great feedback from people who attended.

“It was a great day with a lovely atmosphere and we got some nice feedback,” she said.

“Having the event in the town square brings it right into the heart of the city and opens it up to the whole community.

“It’s lovely to see those talented and skilful people enjoying the music and the activities.

“There were lots of smiles.”

The event enjoyed backing from organisations including the City of Albany, Developmental Disability WA, Great Southern Community Legal Services, the Community Living Association and Southern Ports.

Debra Griffin, Naomi Lake and Freya Kellow-Andersson.
Camera IconDebra Griffin, Naomi Lake and Freya Kellow-Andersson. Credit: Laurie Benson
Jaxon Whitbread finds his rhythm at the Great Southern Ability Festival drumming session.
Camera IconJaxon Whitbread finds his rhythm at the Great Southern Ability Festival drumming session. Credit: Laurie Benson
Emma Byrne surrounded by beanies.
Camera IconEmma Byrne surrounded by beanies. Credit: Laurie Benson
Tina Daniels and Teagan Woolhead at the drumming session.
Camera IconTina Daniels and Teagan Woolhead at the drumming session. Credit: Laurie Benson
Prahnee McNamara has her face painted by The Shanti Fairy.
Camera IconPrahnee McNamara has her face painted by The Shanti Fairy. Credit: Laurie Benson
Spencer Park Education Support Centre choir member Jackson Spencer.
Camera IconSpencer Park Education Support Centre choir member Jackson Spencer. Credit: Laurie Benson
Janene Freeman and Dejanna Freeman.
Camera IconJanene Freeman and Dejanna Freeman. Credit: Laurie Benson
Spencer Park Education Support Centre choir.
Camera IconSpencer Park Education Support Centre choir. Credit: Laurie Benson
The drumming circle.
Camera IconThe drumming circle. Credit: Laurie Benson
Brendan Kay and Susan Mortimer in tune.
Camera IconBrendan Kay and Susan Mortimer in tune. Credit: Laurie Benson
Tuaari Amor-Kuiti leads the drumming session.
Camera IconTuaari Amor-Kuiti leads the drumming session. Credit: Laurie Benson
Angus Blake, Julie-Ann Johnston, Min Wu and Rigden Eangmo from South Regional TAFE.
Camera IconAngus Blake, Julie-Ann Johnston, Min Wu and Rigden Eangmo from South Regional TAFE. Credit: Laurie Benson
Jaxon Whitbread.
Camera IconJaxon Whitbread. Credit: Laurie Benson
Elisa Santini, Ian Clark and Luz Manning.
Camera IconElisa Santini, Ian Clark and Luz Manning. Credit: Laurie Benson
Tuaari Amor-Kuiti and Josh Spouse.
Camera IconTuaari Amor-Kuiti and Josh Spouse. Credit: Laurie Benson
Ehler Paw and Htee Lahpaw.
Camera IconEhler Paw and Htee Lahpaw. Credit: Laurie Benson
Emily O'Brien, Donna Blows and Jodie James.
Camera IconEmily O'Brien, Donna Blows and Jodie James. Credit: Laurie Benson

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