Kurt Fearnley named International Day of People with Disability 2019 Patron

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston today congratulated Kurt Fearnley AO for being appointed as the 2019 Patron for International Day of People with Disability.

“Kurt Fearnley is an outstanding choice as this year’s Patron of International Day of People with Disability,” Minister Ruston said.

“Kurt has won more than 40 marathons, collected a swag of gold medals at the Commonwealth and Paralympic Games and completed the Kokoda track — achievements most of us can only dream of doing.

“He is one of Australia’s greatest athletes and a passionate advocate for the rights of people with disability and for inclusion in all its forms.”

With a long list of accolades to his name, Mr Fearnley is a public speaker, teacher, Officer of the Order of Australia and the 2019 NSW Australian of the Year.

Mr Fearnley said International Day of People with Disability was a chance for Australians to start a conversation about disability and promote accessibility in their communities.

“I want to use my role as patron for International Day of People with Disability as a launching pad for further action,” he said.

“People with disability are entitled to the same respect, independence and choice as other Australians. We need to talk honestly about the barriers in society and how we can remove them.”

International Day of People with Disability takes place every year on 3 December.