It was a big farewell night at the Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) AGM in Sydney, with outgoing president and board member Chris Sparks standing down from the PDCN Board where he has served since 2016.
Reflecting on the industry, Sparks said while times had changed for the positive these did not happen in isolation. “We need risk takers who don’t take no for an answer, but the sector also needs visionaries to achieve these changes.” There were some wins particularly for weight limits on MMDs, the StandByMe campaign and lift access to the Harbour Bridge. However, he said people over 65 getting access to the NDIS, and the NSW failure to sign on building code reforms remained. He also believes the disability sector should engage more with the business world.
PDCN CEO Serena Ovens highlighted some significant achievements that included free RAT tests for people with disability, more accessible car parks and the supply and use of plastic straws for people with disability.
NSW Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello was keynote speaker. The minister spoke about improvements to the RTA services with the introduction of technology to make it easier for people make transactions online and from home as well as the introduction of the Park’nPay App to find disability parking spaces in Sydney.
Photo: Victor Dominello MP, PDCN CEO Serena Ovens, and outgoing board members Jacob Cross, Chris Sparks and Rex Betar.