31 July 2005

A special forum to encourage discussion and debate on the issues raised in the play If I Should Die Before I Wake will follow the matinee performance on Wednesday 3rd August at the Eastbank Centre.

The forum, led by the audience, will discuss issues raised in the play and draw on life experiences from families dealing with high needs individuals, challenges for siblings in families with children with a disability, increasing age and frailty of the carer with an ageing adult child.

Panel members will include:

• Margaret – Ageing carer of a person with a disability
• Greg – A person with a disability and Board member of Regional Information and Advocacy Council
• Gordon Ross – Goulburn Valley Family Care
• Donna Richards – Moira Healthcare Alliance
• Anne Phelan, Tracey Harvey and Margot Knight – Actors from the play

“It is our intention to videotape the forum to share with politicians, government organisations and other influential parties. We believe that this forum will be a unique way to raise particular issues for our local area  and may become a powerful tool to use in lobbying for increased services and support for our communities,” said Rob Robson, Facilitator of the forum.

All ticket holders of If I Should Die Before I Wake are invited to the forum which will take place after the matinee show. Evening ticket holders from the previous night’s performance are also welcome.

Please contact Alicia Keogh on 5832 9701 for media opportunities and interviews with the panel members.

Interview opportunity: Anne Phelan is available for interview on request.