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It is with absolute pleasure that we announce Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM as PDA’s inaugural Ambassador.
An Australian doctor, legal professional and disability advocate who was the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland, the second Australian with quadriplegia to graduate as a doctor and the first with a spinal cord injury, Palipana is a welcome addition to our organisation.
Awarded Australia Day honours last year (2019) earning a medal (OAM) for his service to medicine, Dinesh is known for his determination and services to medicine, research, advocacy and perseverance in the face of adversity. Through his own personal challenges and challenging the negative public perception associated with physical disability (particularly in the medical fraternity), Dinesh is the perfect role model for PDA’s growing membership.
Always keen to take on a new challenge, Dr Palipana is excited to be championing PDA’s values, activities and mission of empowerment. “I am honoured and so excited to be supporting this wonderful organisation. I love the work that PDA does. Hopefully I can help inspire others to take on big challenges and reach their full potential, regardless of their disability.”
PDA is incredibly excited to have Dr Palipana on board, promoting the physical disability needs agenda and representing the PDA community. Liz Reid, PDA’s President, said “We are absolutely thrilled to have such an incredible advocate for thinking beyond physical disability. Dinesh embodies everything we stand for at PDA and we look forward to working with him to show that, with determination and support, those living with physical disability can achieve amazing things.”
Welcome to PDA’s family Dinesh. We are honoured and excited to have you on board and look forward to an exciting future in raising awareness and support for Australians living with physical disability.
