Mackay Rally Gives Families A Chance To Be Heard

Local mothers Haylee and Lisa brought Mackay families, carers and supporters together at Bluewater Quay for the ‘Walk Beside Us’ rally last Saturday. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Mackay families, carers, supporters and local professionals gathered at Bluewater Quay last Saturday 26th September for the ‘Walk Beside Us’ rally, calling for the voices of people with disability and their families to be heard.

The rally was organised by local mothers Haylee and Lisa, who had previously shared their experiences caring for children with complex disabilities and their concerns about how changes to the NDIS could affect families requiringsignificant and ongoing support.

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Following the event, Haylee thanked those who attended and helped bring the rally together.

“Thank you to every single person who took two hours out of their Saturday to stand beside us, speak their truth and help make sure the voices of our families were heard,” she said.

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Haylee said she was honoured to see two local Behaviour Therapists and allied health professionals attend in support of families, while also acknowledging those working with NDIS participants and their families across the region.

A number of people also took the opportunity to speak during the rally, including Sophie, one of the participants, who Haylee thanked for having the courage to share her experience.

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“A massive thank you to Anarchy Services Mackay for standing up and speaking on behalf of our families,” Haylee said.

She also recognised Lisa for her role in organising the majority of the event and working behind the scenes to bring everything together, along with Hannah, David, Sydney and family members who helped with the setup and artwork.

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Haylee said the support of her partner, Quentin, was also particularly meaningful after he surprised her by bringing their son to the rally for its final hour.

While the rally drew a smaller crowd than some may have expected, Haylee said the number of people present did not take away from the purpose of the gathering.

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“We weren’t there to count heads.

“We were there to make sure voices were heard.

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“And they were.”

Haylee said the day reinforced that the value of the rally was not measured by the number of people who attended.

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“Numbers don’t matter. Voices matter.

“Followers don’t matter. Honesty matters.

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“Numbers don’t matter. Friendship matters.

“Popularity doesn’t matter. The people who genuinely stand behind you do.”

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She said the rally was about creating a space where people could speak for themselves, rather than having others speak on their behalf.

“This was never about speaking for people.

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“It was about creating a space where people could speak for themselves.”

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Haylee described the event as an “incredible day” and thanked everyone who attended, listened, spoke, helped organise, set up, created artwork, shared the message or simply stood beside them.

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