Volunteer recognised for promoting spinal safety message

Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
05/03/2010
Volunteer recognised for promoting spinal safety message

Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk today paid tribute to volunteer Wayne Leo for promoting spinal safety and injury prevention to 250,000 children across Queensland.

Ms Palaszczuk was attending a morning tea at the Spinal Injuries Association Queensland at Woolloongabba.

She said Wayne had a strong volunteering track record for the Spinal Injury Association Queensland spanning more than two decades.

"I want to congratulate Wayne for his 22 year involvement with the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT)," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The SEAT program is an important free education campaign which has educated more than 1.3 million Queensland children about spinal safety and awareness.

"SEAT presenters are men and women who have a spinal cord injury and use a wheelchair.

"Since the program started, Wayne has been visiting Queensland schools to share his own personal story, with the aim of preventing more spinal injuries.

"SEAT presenters help young people who may be in a wheelchair with advice on how to get the most out of life."

Ms Palaszczuk said the Bligh Government was providing $90,000 over three years to the SEAT program run by the Spinal Injuries Association Queensland.

"It's volunteers like Wayne who help to keep these programs going in communities across Queensland," she said. "Anything which can help to prevent spinal injuries is worthwhile, which is why SEAT can count on the continued support of the Bligh Government."

Ms Palaszczuk said the Queensland Government had committed over $50 million to the Spinal Cord Injury Response initiative since it began in 2006.

"This initiative is a partnership between Disability Services, Queensland Health and the Spinal Injuries Association," she said.

"It ensures people with spinal cord injuries get access to essential personal care, specialised equipment, safe, appropriate and affordable housing and home modifications.

"The Spinal Injuries Association has helped 61 people since 2005 to return from rehabilitation to community life under the initiative."

Permanent Link: Volunteer recognised for promoting spinal safety message
Publish Date: 06 Mar 10