Doug digs deep to perform

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning presented a Medal of Recognition to Cairns performing artist Doug Robins on Tuesday, October 20.

JUTE Theatre Company nominated Doug for the Prestigious Art Awards category of The Aspire Awards 2020 and Doug has been shortlisted, with the final announcement to come on December 2.

Despite being confined to his wheelchair with a rare

disease. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Doug has managed to perform in and direct theatre works while also teaching and inspiring others.

Mr Robins holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre and English from James Cook University and has led theatre workshops at ARC Disability Support Services in Cairns.

In 2017 he played the lead role of Jabber in JUTE Theatre Company production, “Here We All Are Assembled,”

and prior to that in 2013, performed in the one-man-show, “Propelled” that he co-wrote and directed with Jane Modric.

He has also been an active member of Tropical Arts, playing many roles including Hamlet in the Annual Shakespeare at the Tanks since 2011.

Doug co-founded a local inclusive writers group called ‘YAAWIN’ culminating in the publication of an Ebook anthology.

Doug Robins is the inaugural Access Arts Achievement award winner.

The Aspire Awards celebrate the wonderful contribution people with a disability make to their professional and community setting.

To be nominated the candidate must be over the age of 18 and can only be nominated by a colleague who can confirm their achievements.