Albany children’s author Naomi Lake represents WA in nation’s capital for World Down Syndrome Day

Albany children’s author Naomi Lake flew to the nation’s capital last month to represent her home State for World Down Syndrome Day.

Ms Lake was recently selected as WA’s Health Ambassador for Down Syndrome Australia, the nation’s peak body for people living with Down syndrome and their families.

Joining nine other representatives from across the country, Ms Lake helped launch the organisation’s Inclusive Communications Health Ambassador Program at Parliament House in Canberra on March 22.

The project aims to advocate for quality health care and independence in the health system for the 15,000 Australians living with Down syndrome.

As a passionate community leader, Ms Lake was picked to advocate for the people of WA.

“It was very exciting going to Canberra to meet the other health ambassadors face-to-face and not on the computer,” Ms Lake said.

During her trip, Ms Lake enjoyed a tour of Parliament House and an inside look at question time inside the House of Representatives alongside Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson.

During a speech to Parliament, Mr Wilson congratulated Ms Lake on her “can-do” attitude, which has seen her pen three children’s books and travel across regional WA speaking to school students.

“Her most recent book, Naomi’s World, tells of her experience growing up with Down syndrome and her road to success,” he said.

“The book focuses on the ability of people with disabilities and what they can do.”

Ms Lake said it was a proud moment to be acknowledged in Parliament.

“It was great too to meet Rick Wilson and to hear his speech,” she said.

“I also got to see the other politicians like Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese.”

Ms Lake was also treated to afternoon tea with the Governor-General of Australia David Hurley at Government House.

“He said please feel free to explore downstairs and we got to see his office and all the beautiful artwork,” she said.