Champions of Douglas

Toneisha Phillips: Being hearing impaired only encouraged this bubbly young student to learn the piano and give everything a go.

The Cairns Regional Council Community Liason *DOUGLAS* (LOCAL!) Branch has a pretty good track record of listening to and supporting the local community. A couple of weeks ago, Liz Collyer – the Douglas Region Community Affairs Team Leader  - contacted me about a great project she was developing. In recognition of Disability Awareness Week, they had decided to make a call for submissions for  12 “Champions of Douglas” – disabled people who are active community participants and inspirational role models. I was delighted to be involved. They asked me to take portraits of the 12 nominee’s for a small newspaper-insert magazine that is going to be released in Thursdays Port Douglas Gazette.

It was – of course – one of the most inspirational and humbling projects I’ve ever been involved in, and any complaints I had about my fortunate life were most certainly smacked on the head as I watched these amazing people dealing with everyday life in the most courageous and nonchalant of ways despite their various disabilities. In fact, not just dealing with – but going above and beyond the call….

Folks, I humbly present to you the 2009 Champions of Douglas.

Gail Cockburn. This former teacher relies on her good humour and huge heart to overcome the adversity of multiple sclerosis and be an active member of several community organisations.

Mick Rabig. A diving accident 30 years which left Mick as an incomplete tetraplegic only fuelled his fire to be independent and become the fundraiser of all fundraisers.

Leslie-Ann Ronaldson. A family connection and love for the area brought Leslie-Ann to the Douglas Region two years ago and she does not let spina bifida impact on her desire to give back to the community she now calls home.

Graham O’Donoghue. This fourth-generation Mossmanite has plenty to Dabble-Inn with an endless to inspire others with a disability as a business leader and great role model.

Ida Cannon. This talented athlete and dedicated student has become an integral part of the Douglas Community with her community spirit and caring personality.

Dylan WIlde. Daintree Village teenager Dylan WIlde is living proof that being confined to a wheelchair does not mean you cannot live your life to the fullest.

Kevin Wells. Known as the champion of the Nik-Nak Shed, Kevin has never let disability stop him from volunteering his time to help others.

Christine Jackson and Peter Elbers. A massive brain aneurism in July has only strengthened the love story between the Douglas Region’s “barefoot cellist” and partner Peter Elbers.

Sophie Stalker. A familiar sight riding around Port Douglas on her three-wheeler tricycle with her dog Wally, this tenacious young woman hasn’t let cerebral palsy slow her down.


Binna Swindley. Being born deaf hasn’t stopped Binna from pursuing his dream to open an art gallery and provide a platform for young indigenous people of Mossman to develop their own artistic abilities.