Our Way, Our Words: Creative Expression from the Margins

ECCQ is hosting another panel event for the Speak My Language program, following the success of our previous panel 'Unlocking Voices: Speak My Language & Multicultural Perspectives on Disability'. Join us for Our Way, Our Words: Creative Expression from the Margins. On this panel we welcome back Sara Shams, this time as our moderator, and our panellists Brooke and Ranita.

Event Highlights:

• Panel Discussion: Hear from our dynamic panelists and moderator as they share their authentic experiences, exploring why creating together in community is beneficial, especially for people with disabilities. This open and respectful dialogue aims to create understanding about self-expression in spaces that may not reflect you.

• Interactive Q&A: Engage directly with our panelists during a lively question-and-answer session. This is your opportunity to gain insights and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.

• Networking & Refreshments: Enjoy light refreshments and network with fellow attendees at the end of the event. Connect with others who are passionate about making a difference in the realms of disability, multiculturalism, and art.

Meet our moderator:

Sara Shams is a speaker, model, creator, actor, and disability activist. As a bilateral above knee amputee, her mission is to raise awareness on what it takes to be truly and authentically inclusive within the fashion/media industry, and beyond. Using her lived experience and an intersectional approach, Sara aims to challenge the negative implications that surround disability, to normalise and recognise people with disabilities as valuable members of society. As a proud disabled woman of colour, Sara’s presence in brand campaigns, events, runways, and screens, creates space for people from various walks of life. Sara is committed to smashing ceilings and redefining perceptions of disability.

Meet our panelists:

Brooke (she/her) is a Hungarian Australian passionate advocate for inclusion in education and employment, dedicated to ensuring meaningful achievement for all. As a PhD student, her research focuses on supporting neurodivergent students to access and thrive in global learning experiences to connect people with disabilities to cultures. She also runs the University of Queensland Disability Inclusion and Advocacy Network to further support her aims. Brooke uses embroidery to connect with her heritage, and her art reflects themes of embracing differences as beauty.

Ranita is a writer and community organiser from Meanjin, currently based in London. She writes mainly poetry, personal and lyric essays, and is interested in uplifting and celebrating under-represented voices. She has organised open mic nights, art exhibitions, balls, zine workshops, and has a BA in Writing from the University of Queensland.

Justin Geange in a proud indigenous Maori man of Parihaka decent from New Zealand, and works for suicide prevention charity Mates in Construction. Justin was diagnosed with bipolar type 2 in 2012 and has shared his lived and living experience of suicide and mental illness around Australia and NZ over the last 11 years. He is a plumber by trade and has a patient wife of 30 years and two daughters through IVF. In 2019 he won the National Communities Matter award at the Suicide Prevention Australia award ceremony and was also the Winner of the 2021 RUOK Barbara Hocking Conversation Champion Award, He is also won multiple awards for his Bush Poetry and Slam Poetry, and in 2023 released his first book of poetry “Connections” and has just released his second book “Holding Hope for our Mates.

Please register to join us for a fantastic evening, Doors at 5.30PM for a 6PM start. Refreshments provided. RSVP Today and join us in building a more inclusive and understanding community!

This is a hybrid event. For those registering to join us online, the Zoom link will be provided one day before the event.

More information about parking will be sent to you upon registration. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact advocacy@eccq.com.au or 0413 512 961.