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Congratulations Carly Findlay šIāve been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM). Itās for my work with disabled people.
I admit to having a massive case of imposter syndrome - itās a strange feeling. Iāve known for over a month and havenāt been able to write anything down about it until now.
But Iāve reflected on my achievements - editing Growing Up Disabled in Australia, writing Say Hello, speaking at various writers festivals including Ubud, Melbourne and Byron, working as Access and Inclusion Coordinator at Melbourne Fringe, creating Access to Fashion at Melbourne Fashion Week, running the Australian Ichthyosis Meet, appearing on You Canāt Ask That, working with advocates to change policies, writing for the media and providing advice and support to countless people with ichthyosis, facial difference and disability (and their families). My work has always been about inclusion, representation and visibility for the wider community.
Someone in the media just asked what my greatest achievement has been. It took a while to answer. I said ādefying othersā low expectations of meā.
Itās an honour for my work to be recognised on a national level, and I hope that other disabled people can see whatās possible.
There are so many leaders - past and present - who have worked hard for disability rights, and I am thankful to them for teaching me so much. We are a strong, resilient and hardworking community and Iām proud to be a part of it.
I am excited to continue to do work in the skin condition, appearance diversity and disability spaces, and the media, literary and arts communities - and beyond. I have some big plans.
While Iām proud to be an Australian, I didnāt want to mention this award yesterday as I donāt believe itās a day for celebration. I strive for a more equitable Australia in all of my work, and this includes recognising and working with First Nations people.
Thank you to everyone who believes in me - family, friends, colleagues, doctors, readers and strangers.
Itās an honour to be included among great people including some of my faves - Tim Minchin, Rebekah Robinson and Georgie Stone, Jane Turner, Peter Coombe.
Read my blog carlyfindlay.com.au/2020/01/27/order-of-australia/
Watch a video on SBS www.facebook.com/sbsnews/videos/854136735047139/
Read about it here www.sbs.com.au/news/when-i-say-i-m-disabled-people-don-t-think-i-am
See the listing on the Governor Generalās website honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/2005758
Image: woman with red face and dark curly hair tied back. Sheās wearing a blue and white check dress. Sheās standing in a book store.
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This project has been assisted through the Sunshine Coast Council Grants Program.
- Sunshine Coast Access Advisory Network is an incorporated organisation. Inc Number: A156893. ABN 88 973 724 392