The state government has announced the appointment of 12 members to the next Victorian Disability Advisory Council, including Mornington Peninsula local Karen Fankhauser.
Karen is an accountant and disability inclusion advocate living with muscular dystrophy and is passionate about access for all and gender equity.
Among her achievements, Karen is also a member of Mornington Peninsula Shire's Disability Advisory Committee and former Mornington Peninsula citizen of the year.
More recently Karen has been a strong advocate for the Shire's Better Buses campaign, calling for improved public transport on the Peninsula.
Karen said, "it's a privilege to be appointed and I'm excited by the opportunity to influence government policy to ensure there are better outcomes for people with disabilities in every aspect of their daily lives".
Shire Mayor David Gill congratulated Karen on her appointment.
"Congratulations to Karen on this huge achievement and fantastic recognition of her dedication to inclusion and equality.
"We're a Council committed to improving access and equality for everyone and having a member of the Victorian Council on our own Disability Advisory Committee is an honour", concluded Cr Gill.
The Victorian Disability Advisory Council provides advice to the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan on what the government can do to build a more inclusive Victoria and to increase opportunities for people with disability.
The Council has an important role in developing Victoria's next state disability plan for 2021–2024, liaising with communities and promoting rights and inclusion.
The Council's three-year term will continue to July 2022.
PHOTO CAPTION: Karen Fankhauser at the recent launch of Mornington Peninsula Shire's Better Buses campaign.
