An Auckland woman who co-founded StarJam, a charitable trust that gives young people with disabilities the chance to shine, has been named as one of the Kiwibank Local Heroes national finalists for an award that recognises people who make outstanding contributions to their communities.
More than 140 Local Heroes are to receive medals, and of these 10 have been marked for special attention as semi-finalists for the national Local Hero Award to be announced on February 16 at a special gala dinner.
Julie Bartlett was nominated for her work with StarJam, which began in 2007, and creates national and international limelight opportunities for young people with disabilities now widely known as Jammers. The young people gain confidence, respect and many have new purpose by being given the chance to perform with, and fo,r the wider "able-bodied" community.
Julie's husband Roy Bartlett, StarJam co-founder, was also among the 140 local winners. Roy works fulltime as volunteer office manager, and has the neurological disease multiple sclerosis. The couple live in Orakei, Auckland, a short distance from StarJam's national office in Remuera.
Julie's brother Ross Moses, who has Down Syndrome, inspired his sister to start StarJam and is its CEO. More than 500 young people with disabilities have become involved in the organisation's musical performance workshop programmes.