STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms KARA COOK (Bonner) (16:38): September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. Ava Costa, in my community of Bonner, was just 14 years old and training as an elite gymnast when, in April 2023, a fall from the balance beam changed her life. Ava sustained a serious spinal cord injury and spent 168 days in hospital.

In the years since, Ava has turned her own experience into determination to make things easier for others. Through the Walking with Ava Foundation, Ava and her family have shared their journey, raised awareness and supported others living with spinal cord injuries. After experiencing firsthand how difficult and expensive it can be to access essential disability equipment, they created the Sharing Shed.

They take wheelchairs, mobility aids and other equipment that might otherwise sit unused and connect it with people who need it, completely free. More than 280 items have been donated and more than 190 families have been helped. Earlier this year, I was proud to recognise Ava as one of our under-18 winners in the Bonner Electorate Awards.

At just 18 years old, Ava has taken an experience that changed her own life and used it to change the lives of others. This Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, I want to thank Ava, her family and everyone behind Walking With Ava and the Sharing Shed. Bonner is incredibly proud of you all.