Mitch Oates is a talented graphic designer, passionate art enthusiast, adventurousspirit, and self-proclaimed iced coffee aficionado. Growing up in Albury, NSW, Mitch’screativity and curiosity have taken him on countless adventures, exploring new andexciting experiences both locally and beyond. As someone living with Spinal MuscularAtrophy (SMA), Mitch brings a unique and authentic perspective to his work. His livedexperience navigating the world in a wheelchair has given him a deep understandingof the importance of inclusivity and the power of storytelling to inspire change. Mitchis thrilled to coauthor A Dash of Adventure, a vibrant children’s book that celebratesthe limitless possibilities of imagination and the importance of support and inclusivity.Through this story, Mitch hopes to show that everyone, regardless of their abilities, canshare in extraordinary adventures.Julie Williams is a dedicated pharmacist, proud mother of two, and passionateadvocate for inclusivity. With a career spanning over a decade, Julie has combined hermedical expertise with her deep commitment to helping others, most recently throughher work as a support worker for Mitch, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).Julie’s experiences as both a healthcare professional and a support worker have shapedher understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals navigating lifewith a disability. These insights, along with her role as a mother, have inspired her tocoauthor A Dash of Adventure, a children’s book celebrating imagination, resilience,and the power of connection. Through this book, Julie aims to foster importantconversations about inclusivity, compassion, and the importance of ensuring that everychild, regardless of their abilities, can share in the joy of adventure.Illustrator:Caroline Keys is an illustrator based in Ballarat, Australia. She grew up in South Africaand wanted to be an artist from the time she could hold a crayon. After studying graphicdesign, she cut her teeth as an illustrator working on readers and textbooks for childrenin rural African schools. Currently, her work is a lot easier compared to in those dayswhen she used old house paint (because she couldn’t afford to buy acrylics) that woulddry in the African heat before she’d even finished painting. She would have to pay herbrother to pose for her and would head to the library constantly to use the town’s coinoperatedinternet for resources. Now, after close to 20 years of living in Australia, she sitsin the comfort of her studio with a high-speed internet connection, all the watercolours,inks and gouache she could have ever dreamed of and 3 children available to bribe withchocolate at a moment’s notice.
