Stevie Wills: A heart connection in Parliament House

Stories | Published: September 23, 2026

When CBM Associate Stevie Wills met Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly, a shared heart for disability inclusion and Australian Aid came into focus.

Gathered around an elongated table, the Australian Minister for International Development, the Honourable Dr Anne Aly, told us of the children with cerebral palsy she met in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. She told us that the backs of their heads were flat because throughout their lives they had been left lying on their backs. And she followed this with a call that we need to keep working together to make sure every child has the opportunity to thrive. 

In realising we share a heart behind the work we do, Minister Aly and I shared a hug.

I’m Stevie Wills, Associate of CBM Australia. Last week I gathered with 20 Christian women leaders from across the country in Canberra, including CBM’s CEO, Jane Edge, and Head of Policy and Advocacy, Kerryn Clarke. At Australian Parliament House, we met with politicians to advocate for A Safer World For All, as part of the campaign spearheaded by Micah Australia, along with the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).

As multiple global crises continue to interact and exacerbate one another, we called on members of the Government to commit to investing in Australian Aid. As the world grows more interconnected, an investment in the development and security of our neighbours is an investment in the development and security of our own country.

I live with cerebral palsy. When Minister Aly illustrated the necessity of Australian Aid by speaking of those children with cerebral palsy in Cox’s Bazar, I knew wshe shared a heart. CBM and Minister Aly share a heart to see people with disabilities reach their potential. All people with disabilities… wherever they are in this world.

I was able to tell Minister Aly that I have cerebral palsy and that her words portrayed exactly why I work as an Associate for CBM.

CBM and Minister Aly share a heart behind the work that we do. As CBM supporters, you also share in that heart. You want to see people with disabilities thrive, to enjoy their human rights. That’s the difference that Australian Aid can make: the difference between being left flat on their backs and reaching their full potential.

You are needed. Right now, politicians do not feel backed by voters to stand up for Australian Aid. CBM Australia is calling for A Safer World For All. We are asking you to add your voice, so politicians know that Australians want to see a strong commitment to Australian Aid.

Join us. Add your voice to A Safer World For All and help show our leaders that Australians care about a strong, compassionate commitment to Australian Aid. 

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https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/stevie-parliament

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