Afford celebrates IDPwD with Stars Onstage

[Pictured above: Joe and Jodie dance the Macarena.]

On Sunday 3 December, Afford unites with the world for International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), with the aim of promoting community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. Celebrating the diversity of our clients’ interests, talents, aspirations and joy for life is a part of our IDPwD activity this year – which is why we held an exciting event called Stars Onstage, at the fully accessible Doltone House Western Sydney, in Bossley Park.

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Stars in the spotlight

Afford clients, employees, family members, and friends came together for Stars Onstage. This IDPwD celebration held at Doltone House Western Sydney showcased singers, dancers, musicians, and magicians all shining in the spotlight. There was a real feeling of excitement, nerves and pride – both on and off stage – as performers came and went.

There was excitement and enjoyment at Afford sites around the country too, with online watch parties taking place at Afford sites around New South Wales and Australia for people who couldn’t make it to the event. This proved very popular, with Afford employees tuning in, and plenty of family members too! Auslan interpreters were onstage throughout the show.

Caitlin Williams was one of the stars onstage. A supported employee at one of Afford’s Sydney sites, Caitlin sang Whitney Houston’s ‘Queen of the Night’. “I got on the stage and then oh my god, it felt really good, and I was confident in my pink dress. My favourite thing was singing and dancing on the stage, and all of my family watching the video on their phones – even my godparents said my performance was amazing,” said Caitlin.

“I really liked the talent show, it was awesome,” said Giancarlo Bellisimo, an Afford Community Services client who danced to Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’. “I wasn’t nervous because I am very good. I just did it wonderful. I think it was perfect. Next year I am going to dance again, I am already practicing it.”

Watch event highlights

Special guests and sponsors

VIP guests attending the live event included Afford’s Chair, Carol Bryant; Acting CEO, Peter Orr; Blacktown City Council’s Thushy Kailanathan, Afford leaders, and representatives from our sponsors.

Afford’s Stars Onstage IDPwD event was generously sponsored by DKG Group, Property Concierge, Smart Locksmith, ESS-Sential Services, Star Carwash, DC Advance Plumbing, and Clinton’s Toyota.

Afford’s services

Afford is one of Australia’s largest and most established disability service providers. We deliver a range of quality, rights-based services and community connection for our clients. Tap this link to find out more.