Page 4 - LINK Magazine October 2015

From the editorThere’s nothing like travel for rest, relaxation and broadening the horizons and this edition of Link gives you plenty of inspiration for your next holiday. Whether it’s cruising the seven seas like Richard Sowerbutts (page 30), exploring Far North Queensland with our resident travel writer Marayke Jonkers (page 26) or visiting developing countries with intrepid brother and sistertravelling team Verena and Tobias Streitferdt (page 32), it seems that tourism operators around the world are beginning to recognise the importance of catering for travellers of all abilities.With the 2016 Rio Paralympics less than one year away this edition we also meet six aspiring Paralympians. Their stories provide plenty of food for thought and reinforce how important it is for people with disability to have access to sport. We also chat with golden girl Ellie Cole, who brought home a swag of medals from the London 2012 Paralympics, and catch up with acclaimed author Honey Brown who tells us how writing was an important part of coming to terms with her disability. We also hear from Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent on why people with disability must have a presence on the NDIA Board.Finally, a reminder that Link is always looking for submissions from readers. If there’s something you want to get off your chest then write us a letter; get creative and pen a poem or short story - you can even send us a great photograph you’ve taken. We also love receiving ideas for longer stories from budding journalists so feel free to send us your ideas.Happy reading.RebeccaLink editorLINK Lo es... Opportunity knocksEveryone loves an op shop bargain - particularly if it’s from one of Villa Maria’s op shops in Victoria.Last month six people with disabilities, supported by Villa Maria’s Gateway Service, began volunteering in the organisation's op shop warehouse in Wantirna, helping to sort through items and get them ready for sale.Retail Manager Paul Goggin says while the term ‘opportunity’ has long been synonymous with bagging a bargain, it also reflected the inclusion of more vulnerable people in the local community.“Not only do the shops play an integral role in raising vital funds for our services, they also give people the chance to connect socially, improve their confidence and skill set, and make meaningful use of their time,” Paul said.Monique Sime, 22, (pictured) said she enjoyed her weekly sorting sessions with her friend Katie Ferrer.“My favourite part is cleaning the shoes and putting the clothes on the hook,” she said, adding that she hoped the experience would be beneficial when it came to job hunting.Paul said he looked forwardto building the op shopcommunity both in-house and within the wider Knox population.“We also have local volunteers who use their passion for knitting and craft to support our shops. A group of ladies create one-of- a-kind, handmade blankets, cushions, mittens, tea cosies and greeting cards, which we have a really high demand for,” Paul said.Villa Maria Catholic Homes, a not-for-profit disability, education and accommodation provider, operates op shops in Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, Heathmont and Wantirna. The op shops are staffed by more than 125 volunteers, with 1,000 garments despatched from the warehouse to the four shops each week.Share your views and read about all things disability- related at facebook.com/linkdisabilitymagazine.02 linkonline.com.auOctober 2015 — Vol 24/4Link: From the editor