There’s nothing holding me back … Albury author Mitch Oates at the launch of the 20th Write Around the Murray Festival. Photo: Supplied.
For author Mitch Oates, the best part of sharing his new book with preschoolers at Banjora Children’s Centre was that none of them seemed to notice the story’s adventurous sister was in a wheelchair.
“They were much more interested in pointing out the colours of the clothes,” he says of the response to his debut children’s book, A Dash of Adventure, co-written with Julie Williams.
And that, right there, is why the 36-year-old Albury author and disability advocate set out on his first book-writing adventure with his friend and support worker Julie.
Together they’ve created a story that shows extraordinary experiences belong to everyone.
By design, the book never explicitly mentions disability. Instead, it focuses on the boundless imagination of siblings Millie and Dash as they embark on a trip to the shops, where imagination turns everyday moments into magical escapades.
The fruit aisle becomes an orchard and the dairy shelves a busy farm. Oh, and it just so happens that Millie uses a wheelchair to get about.
A Dash of Adventure, illustrated by Caroline Keys, will be officially launched at the WAMbledon all-abilities tennis event at Wodonga Tennis Centre on Sunday 13 September as part of the 20th anniversary of the Write Around the Murray Festival.
Mitch, who has spinal muscular atrophy, says in creating a character like Millie young readers don’t see limitations – “just a brother and sister being kids together”.
“I think just naturally having diverse characters in a children’s book like this means it becomes part of everyday life,” he says.
Growing up, Mitch’s wheelchair helped him get out and about to explore life to the fullest – including rounding up the sheep on his grandparents’ farm at Howlong!
“I’ve been using a wheelchair for as long as I can remember,” he says. “In fact when I started at Lavington primary school in the early 1990s I was the first person to go to that school as a wheelchair user,” he says.
“I think I’ve had about seven or eight wheelchairs since then so I’m a pretty experienced operator!”
Celebrating inclusion is a major highlight of this year’s writers’ festival, with the community invited to explore the power of stories to connect, inspire, and create change.
The event kicked off with an opening address from renowned disability advocate and social commentator Carly Findlay at the Albury Library Museum on 9 September.
The launch marked the beginning of a packed five-day festival, running from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 September, with more than 65 events taking place across Albury including conversations, performances, and workshops.
Mitch, a proudly born and bred Albury lad, says while he’s travelled overseas, there’s no place like home. His favourite hangout is The River Deck Cafe on the banks of the mighty Murray River.
However when it comes to wheelchair accessibility, nothing beats the public transport system of Singapore, he says.
“It’s just so easy to access independently,” he says. “In Melbourne you need a driver to hop out and put up a ramp for you!”
It’s very clear that Mitch has never allowed his wheelchair to limit possibilities, listing off trips to the US, UK and, of course multiple trips to Singapore, among his own adventures.
“I’ve become very good at finding accessible places to go to, although it takes a lot of research,” he says.
Trained as a graphic designer, Mitch has turned his attention more recently to drawing and painting, but is hoping to embark on a widespread book tour and school visits to promote A Dash Of Adventure.
Written for children aged four to eight, he says the book comes with a range of teaching resources to help spark discussions about creating a world where everyone can have fun.
“I’d love to see this book in schools, in mainstream libraries and therapy clinics,” he says.
“Teachers can use the book in class to not only talk about disability in a positive, respectful way but things like what it means to be a good friend. It’s general good vibes stuff all the way.”
To find out more about A Dash Of Adventure, visit the website, or for festival details, visit writearoundthemurray.org.
