Elly, who lives with cerebral palsy, is a sought-after speaker, writer and long-time disability rights advocate. She was the national spokesperson for the Defend our NDIS campaign during the 2022 Federal election, spoke at the Prime Minister’s 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit and was also a finalist in the Marie Claire’s 2022 Women of the Year Awards.
“As a disabled queer person and disability rights campaigner, being part of Mardi Gras is more than just celebration – it’s about visibility, pride, and community,” said Elly.
“Too often, disabled LBGTQ+ people are overlooked, but our identities and experiences matter. Mardi Gras is a powerful space to show that we belong, that our joy is radical, and that inclusion means all of us.”
Elly joins our partner organisation Ambassadors, Allan Quick for the Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) and Dale Ryan for Northcott.
These ambassadors play a key role in representing LGBTQIA+ people with disability both within their own organisations and the broader community.
As part of the parade working group, they contribute to planning the float, costumes, and parade experience. They also participate in media and promotional opportunities, take part in a flag-raising ceremony, and help bring the community together at costume-making and float-building workshops. Finally, the ambassadors will proudly lead our ‘Free to Fly’ themed float at the Parade on Saturday March 1, 2025.
“I’m proud to be an ambassador for this float, representing CPA, standing alongside my community to demand true accessibility, representation, and justice,” said Elly.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance CEO Rob White said he is proud of our continued involvement in such an important celebration of diversity and inclusion.
“Each year our clients and staff take great pride in being involved in this iconic event, with this year’s theme ‘Free to Fly’ being a fabulous opportunity for people with disability to express and celebrate their sexuality.”
Events coming up in the lead up to big day being held at Northcott’s headquarters in North Parramatta include:
For more information, view the media release here.