Geraldton resident latest Count Me In ambassador

• Chris Kerr honoured at Great Bike Hike arrival celebration
• Stronger voice for people with disability in the region

A Geraldton resident with strong ties to the disability sector was today appointed a Disability Services Commission Count Me In ambassador.

Former commission board member and former National Disability Council member Chris Kerr was introduced as an ambassador to celebrate the arrival at Geraldton of cyclists in The Great Bike Hike, an initiative raising the awareness of inclusive community services and amenities.

Disability Services Minister Helen Morton said being an ambassador was an opportunity to highlight the skills and attributes of people with disability and how they contributed to local community life.

Ms Kerr is co-ordinator of the Durack Institute of Technology's business development unit and has also worked in employment and other education roles.  She founded Geraldton Personnel and is chairwoman of Access to Leisure and Sport, an organisation which manages sport and recreation programs for people with disability.

"Chris is a strong advocate within her community and challenges people to improve opportunities for people with disability," Mrs Morton said.

"She is keen for people with disability to be seen and connected to their community and has an ongoing dialogue with her local council about access issues."

The Minister said ambassadors were committed to promoting the State's Count Me In vision across Western Australia - that all people live in welcoming communities which facilitated citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone.

      Fact File

• Count Me In Ambassador program launched in 2010
• More information at http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/cmi_ambassadors.html
• There are 25 ambassadors across the State
• The Great Bike Hike covers 2,500km, visits 10 towns for inclusive community events
• More information at http://greatbikehike.org.au

Minister's office - 6552 6900