The Global Women’s Summits are presented by The Women’s Information Network, and will be held in Perth on July 30.

Details about my nomination can be found here.

On stage with Olivia at the Myer Precious Metal Ball 2011

Hearing the great news that the Victorian Government would assist with funding the completion of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre at the Austin Hospital site in Heidelberg, Melbourne, was like a Call to Action, a flash of realisation for me.

I spent several months in the children’s ward at the Austin Hospital over fifty years ago, fighting against eye cancer.  I came through this, although without eyesight, and now to have a wonderful new treatment and research centre for people with cancer and support for their families, all in one place, is such a huge step forward.

My Call to Action lead me to offer my speaking services to the big fundraising event, The Myer Precious Metal Ball in May 2011.  I was excited and felt right on track as I prepared to travel to Melbourne for the black tie event, where Olivia would introduce me on stage to tell my story.  With a new ball dress and a black bow tie for my guide dog Elton, we spoke to an audience of 950 and received a standing ovation as we left the stage.

In the next 10 minutes, the generous donations mounted up to $230,000 to add to the rest of the total for the evening.

We are looking forward to the opening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre in 2012.  It was a blessing to me to give my expertise and story to this event and to experience so many gifts in return.

To see more details on this centre, go to www.oliviaappeal.com

Judith & Elton with Dr Ken Michael AC.

A huge thank you to my friend and an amazing woman, Mabel Laidlaw – an Events Coordinator and Careers Counsellor.  Mabel recently nominated me to be one of a hundred women in Western Australia being inaugurated in a Hall of Fame to celebrate one hundred years of the recognition of women’s achievements in conjunction with International Women’s Day.

I am excited to be working with journalists to make a short video to highlight my life and achievements for the Nomination Selection and Induction evening on March 7, at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This opportunity allows me a chance to honour my wonderful parents who helped me to aspire and achieve from an early age.

International Women’s Day is held on 8th March every year.  Go to www.powerof100.com.au for more information about the event in WA and to see the full list of the International Women’s Day Centenary Hall of Fame Inductees.    View more  photos from the event here.

“Wow, did Judith make us sit up and listen!  She made us think about social inclusion; and about the barriers that we as able-bodied people put in place without giving people the opportunity to demonstrate what they can do, even if it just might be in a different way.”

Judith certainly provided the whole audience with inspirational thoughts on the way in which she had chosen to succeed in life. Her career journey demonstrated to us that “No or can’t be done” are not phrases which exist in her world.  You opened our eyes, hearts and minds to realise that we are the ones who need to make the changes.  We need to pull down the barriers that we may involuntarily put in place for people with special needs.

Your life experiences international studies and travel was proof enough, but you also provided more evidence by explaining how she has challenged authorities in high places so that people with a disability can enjoy the same privileges as everyone else.  You are an excellent advocate for people with special needs.

Thank you Judith for sharing your career journey and life experiences with our membership.

For the reader if you have the opportunity to hear Judith speak or to engage her services – seize the moment, because you will not be disappointed.

Janette Wells

WA Division President

Career Development Association of Australia

Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbudNhTlqgI