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The planned felicitation event for Dr Dinesh Palipana, on Friday, July 23, has been postponed due to current COVID-19 induced restrictions.
FSOQ president Jay Weerawardena said the current restrictions on in-door gatherings, mandatory mask wearing and attendance record keeping made it impossible to hold the event in the manner that would deliver the community impact, the federation was hoping to achieve.
Dr Palipana was a high-achieving medical student until a tragic road traffic accident in 2010 made
him a quadriplegic with a spinal cord injury. With sheer determination and the love and care
of his family, he was able to overcome all challenges imposed on him.
Later, he not only finished his Doctor of Medicine degree, but also became an ambassador and advocate to
doctors with disabilities. In true Australian tradition, he has dedicated himself to helping others
with disabilities and many others struggling with life’s challenges.
The event was scheduled to be held at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia Campus.
Dr Weerawardena said the felicitation event would be rescheduled closer to October.
