Mary meets NSW Premier!

Griffith poet Mary Catanzariti has been able to achieve one of her lifelong goals with the assistance of Intereach Ability Links.

Mary Catanzariti, who launched her first book, ‘Mary’s Voice in Poetry’, in September, met with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Thursday 30 November and presented her with a copy of her work.

Intereach Ability Links worked with Mary to publish the volume, which contains more than 30 poems.

The Ability Links NSW program is a way of connecting people with disability, their families and carers in the community. Linkers work closely with people with disability, their families and carers to support them to fulfil their goals, hopes and dreams. Ability Links Coordinators, known as ‘Linkers,’ work to help people achieve their dreams and goals.

Born with cerebral palsy, Mary is now working towards becoming a motivational speaker, using her own experiences to give others insight into the experiences of a person who lives with disability.

Mary said: “Meeting the Premier was a great honour and I’m pleased to have been able to share my work and experiences with her. You never know what is possible”

Intereach Linker Simone Murphy, who has supported Mary to publish her poems, said she was delighted to see Mary grow in confidence: “Mary’s experience, enthusiasm and energy is hugely inspiring and I am so proud to have been able to support her.”

Ability Links NSW has been awarded a 2017 Premier’s Award for improving government services. Intereach, delivers Ability Links NSW across the Murrumbidgee region as part of the North West Alliance with Social Futures the lead agency.

Image: (Left to right) Greg Aplin-Member for Albury, Gladys Berejiklian-Premier of NSW , Mary Catanzariti – community member and poet , The Hon. Ray Williams MP – Minister Disability Services.