The committee immediately put the funds to good use and were able to add some extras to The Big Day Out, a festival style event to celebrate International Day for People with Disability.

By all accounts, the day was a rousing success, to the delight of the Chairperson of the Disability Steering Committee Lisa Reed.

"Without the generous donation from the RSL the Big Day Out wouldn't have been the big success that it was," Lisa said.

"I think we had over 800 people come through during the day, enjoying the food, drink vendors, music, activities and live interactive reptile show.

Related Content: Kempsey Big Day Out a hit for International Day for People with Disability

"Our goal is to increase disability awareness in the community and have inclusion and I think we saw that at the Big Day Out."

Through a press statement, Kempsey Macleay RSL Club said they were proud to sponsor the Disability Steering Committee and support people in the community with a disability.

"After two years on hold, The Big Day Out was a long time coming and what a fabulous day it was this year," the local RSL Club said.

"We thank Lisa Reed and her great team for all the effort they put in to create such a supportive and inclusive event to raise awareness within our community.

"The RSL is proud to help create a day that supports and highlights the importance of the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in our area."

Following the success of the Big Day Out, the Disability Steering Committee have already begun preparations for their next big event, a Glitz and Glamour Ball on Saturday, March 5 2022, at the Slim Dusty Centre in South Kempsey.

Tickets are on sale now at: idpwd21.eventbrite.com.au.

Unfortunately, the Glitz and Glamour Ball has been on hold since the first annual event back in 2019, but Lisa says it's coming back bigger and better than ever for 2022.

"We have our second annual Glitz and Glamour Ball coming up next year after a prolonged hiatus due to COVID restrictions," she said.

"The ball is an evening full of entertainment and dancing in an accessible environment with dinner and complimentary drink on arrival.

"The donation from the RSL has also helped us secure Sam Baily, a motivational speaker who will give a talk on the night.

"Sam is a C6/C7 quadriplegic who has become a successful farmer, ultralight pilot and a best-selling author.

"He is a role model for people with a disability and a great advocate for people following their dreams no matter what obstacles they encounter."

Along with donations from Kempsey Shire Council, Kempsey Macleay RSL Club and principal sponsor Key Employment, several other businesses in town have teamed up to sponsor the event.

However, the Disability Steering Committee are still open for more sponsors to get on board.

"Thank you to all our current sponsors, Coastline Credit Union, Macleay Options, SWR Rocks Country Club, Community Housing, Ability Options, ETC and St Vincent de Paul Society, your continued support has made a big difference in our community," Lisa said.

"Anybody who would like to show their support for the Glitz and Glamour Ball, can get in touch with me today on 0412 120 596 or come into Key Employment in West Kempsey.

"We are always on the lookout for more sponsors and donated items that can be raffled off."

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