2024 Disability Day Ambassadors Announced

Ambassadors for the 2024 International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) have officially been confirmed.

A total of eight Australians with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences with disability have been chosen to champion IDPWD and disability inclusion in Australia.

IDPwD is a United Nations observed day held annually on 3 December, aimed at raising understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

More than one in five Australians - or 5.5 million people - identify as having a disability.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said this year's Ambassadors were a genuine reflection of the diversity of people with disability in Australia.

"Our Ambassadors provide different perspectives of what it means to be a person with disability, and this is why the Ambassador program is so important," Minister Rishworth said.

"This year's Ambassadors particularly highlight how disability can intersect with other factors such as age, gender identity, sexual orientation and cultural background.

"Intersectionality can compound discrimination experienced by people with disability, which is why there is no one-size fits all approach to disability matters."

Building on the example set by previous year's Ambassadors, the 2024 IDPwD Ambassadors will work to elevate the voices and experiences of people with disability to play a part in shifting attitudes about disability.

"We hope to dismantle stereotypes and challenge misconceptions by providing a platform for people with disability to stand up as influential voices for the disability community," Minister Rishworth said.

"We also know that for young people, particularly young people with disability, that honest, accurate representation is crucial in helping to establish their own unique sense of identity."

The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services, Bill Shorten, said this year's ambassadors reflect the rich and diverse disability communities within Australia.

"The passions and purpose which drive our incredible IDPwD representatives show the important contributions people with disability make to our country.

"We must continue to support people with disability in positions of leadership and representation, to ensure all voices and lived experience are heard. We have worked hard to do this with reforming the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) so that it is sustainable and thriving for future generations."

The Albanese Labor Government is committed progressing change under Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031, which is a commitment by all levels of government to drive inclusion of people with disability across all aspects of society.

This is being demonstrated across multiple portfolios, from introducing the Disability Services and Inclusion Act at the beginning of this year and boosting funding for individual and systemic disability advocacy to uphold the rights of people with disability, to investing in our Paralympians, improving accessibility and inclusion at live music events, and creating new aviation specific disability standards.

The IDPwD 2024 Ambassadors are:

• Uncle Paul Constable-Calcott, an artist and disability advocate who uses his art to share his journey as a gay First Nations man living with disability in urban Australia. Uncle Paul works closely within the community, such as coordinating exhibitions and leading initiatives like the NunnaRon Art Group for artists with disability.
• Marcus Dadd, a farmer from Mudgee, NSW, Australian National University Environmental Science and Agriculture graduate with honours (focusing on sustainable beef production) and disability advocate. He is currently working on a large cattle station in the Northern Territory. Marcus is passionate about inclusivity, sustainability and incorporating climate-positive practices into agriculture.
• Khadija Gbla, a renowned award-winning intuitive speaker, human rights activist and compassionate thought leader. Born in Sierra Leone, Khadija came to Australia as a refugee at the age of 13. Khadija is determined to build a more inclusive, culturally aware, safe and accepting society no matter our differences through heart-centredness.
• Hayden Moon, a dancer, writer, and passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+, First Nations and disability issues. Hayden has written extensively on his experiences through various publications, including a chapter in "Nothing to Hide - Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia."
• Sara Shams, a disability advocate, model, speaker, and healthcare professional. She is passionate about establishing equal opportunities, creating inclusive environments, and increasing the representation of people with disabilities, particularly from diverse cultural backgrounds. Sara advocates for an intersectional approach to inclusion, recognising the unique challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of race, disability, and other marginalised identities. As a modelling inclusion ambassador, she works with the fashion and media industries to amplify diversity and ensure authentic representation of all disabled communities.
• Cooper Smith, is a DJ and music producer with cerebral palsy who communicates through his music. Cooper works to champion diversity and inclusion in the music industry and has performed at a wide range of live events, including the 2023 Ability Fest and 2024 Australian Open. Cooper visits primary schools and high schools to talk with students about disability and inclusion across all areas of life. He loves music, fitness and dreams of modelling more.
• Sean Skeels and Marley Whatarau, best friends who have bonded through dancing and making cooking videos together. They have gained popularity on Instagram and TikTok through their "Get Down with Sean and Marley' videos. Last year they received the TikTok Good Award, which recognises creators who strive to create positive change in their communities.

Minister Rishworth congratulates this year's Ambassadors and is looking forward to recognising the IDPWD with them on 3 December.