(Visual Description: Video of Shirley signing in Auslan. Shirley is an Asian woman wearing a blue t-shirt with a silver necklace. She is also wearing a ring on her right hand. She has her hair up in a ponytail.)
Today’s theme is Cherishing Deaf History. This theme is so important to me because I really enjoy learning about Deaf history, looking at how language has evolved over the years, culture and our community.
I consider myself truly fortunate to have met several deaf role models growing up, who would share their stories.
Today I would like to recognise three different people, Betty Bonser, Alan Fairweather and Nola Colefax.
Those three people enriched my life so much with their skills, experience and knowledge on a range of topics including Deaf Theatre, advocacy, the history of Deaf schools like North Rocks, Deaf sports.
I encourage all of you to look into your own Deaf history, acknowledge what has happened over the years and celebrate it.
