Count Me In ambassador to take part in Australasian Safari

The drive to make Western Australia a more welcoming and inclusive society will be accelerated thanks to the tenacity of Count Me In ambassador Jim Cairns.

Disability Services Minister Helen Morton said Jim Cairns' involvement, who has paraplegia, in the 3,500 kilometre Australasian Safari rally through some of WA's toughest terrain, shows we all have abilities to share and celebrate.

Mr Cairns was a given a rousing send-off today in Perth, in the lead up to the Australasian Safari from September 20-27.

"Jim embodies the true ethos and vision of Count Me In, that all West Australians live in welcoming communities that promote citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone," Ms Morton said.

"The Disability Services Commission is providing support to Jim as he spreads the Count Me In message with people living in the rural and remote communities on the rally course.

"This will build on the Count Me In work he did in 2011 whilst participating in a 5,000km quad bike journey across Australia with four men with disability to visit sites where they were injured as young men."

Jim will be the first person with paraplegia to take part in the Australasian Safari, though it will not be his first involvement. His participation 29 years ago resulted in the accident that caused his paraplegia.

He will be joined, in a modified bush buggy, by navigator/co-driver Rex Barker, with support from the Fairholme Disability Support Group. 

More information about Count Me In is available at http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/about-us1/about-us/count-me-in/

Minister's office - 6552 6900