Press Release 23 October 2012
Steve Widders and Dr Mick Adams about to complete walking and riding from Brisbane to Sydney
Tomorrow morning (Wednesday 24 October) Steve Widders, an Aboriginal health advocate who is legally blind, and Dr Mick Adams, a prominent Aboriginal leader will arrive in Sydney after walking and cycle from Brisbane to Sydney in 14 days.(Bio’s attached)
They will be met at approx. 9.30 am Kirribilli House by the Prime Minster’s partner and first bloke Mr Tim Mathieson, Patron Men’s Health and Ambassador for the Australian Men’s Shed Association. Steve and Mick are then inviting supporters to join them at 10.30 walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Redfern Park (arriving approx. 1.30 pm) and completing the long journey at the Redfern AMS the first Aboriginal community controlled health service in Australia.
Steve and Mick have walked and cycled from Brisbane to Sydney visiting all the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services along the way to raise awareness about the importance of good health for Aboriginal men and families.
Where to meet and support the riders
MEETING: Kirribilli House 9.30 to 10.00 AM
WALKING: Meet northern side of Sydney Harbour Bridge 10.30 am departure to walk across the bridges walk path.
ARRIVAL: Redfern Park Approx. 1.30 PM
Contact
Steve Widders: 0411 609 041
Dr Mick Adams: 0409 646 952
Released by: Colin Cowell NACCHO National Media Advisor 0401 331 251
If you cannot make it -you can donate $10/$20/$50 or $100
http://www.naccho.org.au/shop/shop/walk-ride-widder/
Mr Steve Widders
Steve Widders is a middle aged (56) man who was diagnosed by the late Fred hollows as legally and medically blind 20 years ago. Steve Widders is one of a vibrant new generation of emerging leaders meeting challenges and inspiring others. Steve Widders became despondent and lost his self-confidence when he went blind but he decided to undertake leadership training which, among other things, inspired him to walk the entire Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea.
”Following personal mental health issues including depression and suicidal tendencies I realised nothing would change unless I changed so I set out to turn adversity into a more positive mode. In doing so, I became aware of my obligation as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend and colleague to provide support and direction to others in my life.”
Steve Widders has appeared on numerous television channels and international newspapers, promoting the importance of a health mind, body and community. Steve now sets a new challenge in Walk and Ride with Widders in the hope of further promoting healthy communities.
Dr Mick Adams
Mick Adams is a descendent of the Yadhiagana people of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland having traditional family ties with the Gringji people of Central Western Northern Territory. Dr Mick Adams is an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Health at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He has made a sustained and outstanding contribution to the advancement of Indigenous health. Mick’s 30 year career has been dedicated to closing the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through properly resourced and appropriate health services as part of the overall community development needed to ensure Indigenous people are a part of Australia’s future.
Dr Adams has held a range of positions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations, representative organisations and government departments over his career. In the past ten years, Dr Adams has held a number of senior positions including Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) (2007-2009); Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Forum (2001-2003); and General Manager of both the Brisbane Aboriginal and Islander Community Health Service (1997-1999) and Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation (1999- 2000).
Dr Mick Adams holds a PhD from QUT and a Master of Arts (Indigenous Research & Development), Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin University of Technology. Prior to undertaking his postgraduate studies he undertook at Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Aboriginal Community Management andDevelopment), an Associate Diploma in Social Work and a Community Development Certificate.