Paul Griffiths
Paul Griffiths
Current city and state of residence?
Sydney, New South Wales
Year first introduced or joined the organisation now known as Disabled Wintersport Australia?
1981 when we (Lend Lease) first asked Ron Finneran to speak at an important conference and raised ‘seed’ funds to get the organisation up and running. I’ve had my hand up his back – and he, his hand in my pocket - ever since.
Through who or how were you introduced to the organisation?
I made a TV story (This Day Tonight – ABCTV) in 1978 about ski instructors (poor) conditions. I heard ruckus in Keller Bar with police trying to remove a very drunk, raucous patron. It turned out to be Ron. I paid for his bail – and have been paying ever since!
What roles or positions did you have within the organisation?
Publicity Officer for Ron (as an individual) hence the organisation.
General Factotum
First Media Director for Australian Paralympic Federation (now Committee).
First Media and Protocol Director for International Paralympic Committee (1994) finishing up following Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games
During your time with DWA what particular achievements are you proud of contributing to?
Ron’s bail
Assisting with fundraising for Finsko’s Lodge, filming of five docos - one of each disability and a general one for recruitment (all thanks to Westpac) during 1988 – Australia’s Bi-centennial year.
Negotiating with ABC TV for prime time coverage of early Paralympics; gaining much-needed publicity, especially prime time TV for superb athletes, more especially, away from sports shows thus making disabled skiing mainstream.
Negotiating with Optus to cover costs of transmission of early summer and winter Paralympics from Europe/US/Japan to Australia.
Co-writing and co-presenting (with Adrienne Smith and Ron Finneran) the bid (in Lillehammer and Berlin in 1993/4) to have the Paralympics in Sydney following the Olympics in 2000.
Gaining a Knighthood for Ron Finneran and providing solace for Lady Lisa Finneran for all those years.
What is your fondest memory of your time with the organisation?
Mutual support through (what were very tough) early growing years,
Adrienne Smith’s special talents for initiating and garnering support
receiving Ron’s bail money back from the sheriff’s office – despite him absconding – three times;
Disabled Skiers Australia’s Board backing of the Executive in the face of (sometimes) chronic lack of support, even opposition, from the Olympic movement – both Australian and internationally – at the highest levels.
What has been the biggest impact DWA has had on your life?
Wonderful friendships through hard times, much greater appreciation of the task for disabled people (in those days) and quiet pleasure in seeing mainstream betterment of access, acceptance, publicity and durability of services for persons with a disability.
Please sum up your vision for the future of DWA?
It’s really quite simple – the day that DWA does no longer need to exist - because all its services/advocacy etc. will have succeeded at all levels in all minds, political, social and financial then the vision and objectives will have been accomplished.
I wish DWA well and continuing success.
