Pride and emotions ran high in Stawell last week when the community honoured one of its own. 

Journalist, comedian and disability rights advocate Stella Young was immortalised in a bronze statue at Cato Park, Stawell before a packed crowd of family, friends, residents and supporters. 

Through her words and wit, Stella had called on society to challenge their ideas and expectations and to learn from the lived experiences of people with disabilities. 

To value genuine achievement. 

To take action for a fairer and more inclusive society. 

Stella died in 2014, aged 32. 

In the words of Northern Grampians shire mayor Kevin Erwin: “The project has, for us, highlighted how much work needs to be done to ensure true accessibility. Let us all continue to appreciate and learn from Stella by recognising her achievements, remembering to push boundaries, fighting for what you believe in and always speaking our truth.”

The lasting legacy Stella created throughout her life is well renowned – starting with, and going well beyond, the 14-year-old activist who conducted an access audit of shops along Stawell’s main street.

And her legacy remains as strong as ever. 

For those who did not know the name, Stella Young, before last week, they would certainly know it now. 

Across the region, and well beyond it, there are countless examples of spaces that remain inaccessible to many in the community. 

There has been conscious work for many years to ensure spaces and places are more accessible – but there’s significant work yet to be done. 

It requires engagement and understanding to truly learn about people’s diverse needs. 

To ensure people of all abilities can participate in community life, in the manner in which they, themselves, choose. 

May Stella’s legacy and the unveiling of the new statue – a physical and public fixture in a prominent gathering point in her home-town – serve as a permanent reminder to educate ourselves, and others, and challenge pre-conceived notions and bias about others. 

To recognise the abilities of all. 

In the words of Stella: “Disability doesn’t make you exceptional, but questioning what you think you know about it does.”  

The entire April 5, 2023 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!