Elevate the Stage

In the lead-up to International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), top Australian artists with and without disability will share the stage in a unique free concert event at ICC Sydney from 4pm to 6:30pm on Sunday, 1 December 2024.

Hot on the heels of the spectacular Paralympic Games, Elevate the Stage is a celebration of unity, acceptance and diversity, and an uplifting showcase of talent on the Sunday before this year’s IDPwD – a United Nations initiative observed annually since 1992.

Paralympic wheelchair rugby great, Ryley Batt – who has won two gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal at six Paralympic Games – will join journalist Nas Campanella as hosts of the second-annual Elevate the Stage concert spectacular.

This year’s performers include (but are not limited to):

• Opera Australia’s First Nations soprano Nina Korbe performing with opera singing sensation Tim McCallum.

• Lucy Durack star of Wicked.

• Visually impaired instrumentalists and singers, Lara Nakhle and Connor Wink.

• Comedians Peter Berner and disability advocate, Madeleine Stewart.

• Iva Davies performing with Icehouse guitarist Paul Gildea and the Combined Schools Signing Choir.

• Rob Mills performing with the NOVAbility Dancers.

• Dancer Jana Castillo.

• Flute superstar Jane Rutter - Chevalier des arts et lettres.

• Violinist Sophia Mackson.

• Multi-genre powerhouse The Emerald Ruby.

• Singer Mick on Wheels with autistic electric guitarist Jaybird Byrne.

• Tony Dee and Tilly Jones.

• Maestro John Foreman OAM.

• Wheelchair ballroom dancers.

• Mitch Medcalf, aka DJ Galleon, for the pre-show and post-show entertainment.

Event ambassador and actress Paula Duncan AM says Elevate the Stage is not about dwelling on the challenges of living with disability; it’s about breaking down barriers for people with disability and encouraging more inclusive attitudes and behaviours among all Australians.

“Elevate the Stage is a fantastic opportunity for performers with disability to showcase their talents along with fellow professionals. It’s a chance for all of us to celebrate achievement and hard work through performance and importantly, in front of new audiences,” says Paula.

The brainchild of Fran Eustace and John Trevillian AM of JT Strategic Solutions and Events, and largely organised by a dedicated group of volunteers, Elevate the Stage is the pinnacle event of Australia’s annual IDPwD festivities.

In Australia, annual recognition of IDPwD is a joint effort between government, schools, community groups, businesses and individuals. There are many ways people can be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community. To learn more, visit idpwd.com.au

Elevate the Stage is generously backed by Presenting Sponsor, Nova Employment and 1000 free tickets are now available to the first who register to attend the concert at ICC Sydney’s Grand Ballroom via elevatethestage.com.au.