The occasion was International Day of People with Disability, raising public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrating their achievements and contributions.

And, Showstoppers Ability Services did just that as a talented group of performers participated in 24 acts in front of family, friends and members of the community. 

The Inaugural International Day of Disability Concert raised funds to establish a group home in Scone for people living with a disability.

Showstoppers Ability Services CEO Jill Hamling said the event is all about getting the clients out into the community.

“It’s not about us keeping them in groups its about us getting them into the community so they become valued members,” she said.

“This year we started off an all-abilities, fitness, health, well-being and music and theatre to help with the integration of inclusion and their mental health.

“Mental health issues within the disability sector are quite high and we don’t hear about it, so if we have all these things in place, then we can help counteract anything.”

Mrs Hamling said the not-for-profit is not a standard organisation – it’s about innovation.

“One of the most important things that we do is try to teach life skills through using the program,” she said.

As well as opportunities through music, entertainment and arts outside the Upper Hunter and in Sydney, there are local work placement opportunities in place to teach skills such as money management.