Advocates in Geraldton to help abuse survivors tell their stories in the disability royal commission

A community legal service is calling for carers, family and people with disabilities in the Mid West to come forward and tell their stories to the movers and shakers who can make a difference. Sussex Street Community Law Service disability royal commission manager Shabnum Rashid made her first visit to Geraldton for the commission on Friday, when she stressed the intrinsic value of personal stories of discrimination. “You are the one with the voice who can make change happen,” she said. She is urging people from across the Mid West to reach out to the service, saying regional stories offer perspectives often absent from boardrooms in Perth and Canberra. The not-for-profit organisation’s primary aim is to offer a free, independent and safe way for people to tell their stories of discrimination and abuse to the commission. It has received Government funding to help people access several essential services, including free legal advice, interpreters and counsellors. “We recognise sharing experiences brings up trauma,” Ms Rashid said. According to Ms Rashid, the commission does not only want to hear from people with physical disabilities. She says stories from those who live with invisible disabilities — like mental illness or developmental disorders — also have an important role to play in the commission. Sussex Street Community Law Service will be making further visits to the region and travelling further out into the Mid West to raise awareness. Several lawyers will help the service achieve these hefty goals, including Geraldton’s Linda Moore, who regularly advocates for people from across the Mid West. To make your mark on the disability royal commission, contact the team on 1300 648 655. Alternatively, visit Mrs Moore at 114 Sanford Street in Geraldton. “Every experience, no matter how small, can help shape a meaningful and comprehensive response from the disability royal commission,” Ms Rashid said.