Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk today recognised the 12 Queenslanders with a disability chosen to feature in the 2010 Share Your Story calendar.

“This is a truly motivating collection of stories from Queenslanders who are sharing not only their experiences, but their triumphs and achievements as well,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We always get a great response to these inspirational stories, and Amanda’s story is a great inclusion in the 2010 calendar.”

Amanda, who was born with a congenital bone disease, took on board the advice of a friend who once told her that life was too short to be boring.

“Because I am shorter than everybody I know I decided never to be boring, even my bright purple electric wheelchair which I use for mobility is never boring,” Amanda said.

Far from being boring, Amanda has gone from performing in public speaking competitions at school to attaining an Associate Diploma. She has since spent more than 20 years employed by the Port of Townsville.

Not stopping there Amanda is now undertaking a Masters in management through distance education.

Featured in the month of March, Amanda said that without the wonderful support of family, friends and colleagues she would not have been able to achieve the great life she lives now.

Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone said Share Your Story gave people with a disability an opportunity to share their experiences, opinions, hopes and dreams.

“By sharing these stories, we encourage people to appreciate diversity in the community and to acknowledge our similarities as well as our differences,” Ms Johnstone said.

Others featured in this year’s calendar include a young woman working towards her dream of winning Paralympic gold, a North Queensland man who lived his dream of learning to scuba dive, and a Kingaroy woman who regularly volunteers at a local hospital.

The free Share Your Story calendar is available from Department of Communities offices and Queensland Government Agent Program offices.

* Calendar stories along with other stories submitted can also be viewed online at www.disabilty.qld.gov.au