To help raise awareness we shared insights from Tim, Cheryl and Penny, members of the Surf Coast Shire Council All Abilities Advisory Committee (AAAC) via local print and social media. You can read their stories below.
Cheryl Middleton, All Abilities Advisory Committee
Tell us a bit about yourself
I have lived at Bellbrae for 39-plus years, my three boys all attended Bellbrae Primary School and we
have been part of that community.
I started work with Surf Coast Shire Council in the aged and disability area in 2006 and finished when my program closed in 2019.
Basically in 2022 my life changed in a dramatic way with a motor vehicle accident in Bellbrae, which took a great toll on me and others, so I stopped working from then on, apart from a small stint with another employer in the disability sector.
After recovering I wanted to get back to being active in the community and endeavoured to seek out activities to see how I would cope.
I took on volunteering with the likes of Feed Me Surf Coast and then started with a group called Women’s Shed, which has been lovely and very beneficial.
I am also a member of Torquay Women’s Probus, and it has been excellent – now part of the criteria of my life!
I started with Council’s All Abilities Advisory Committee earlier this year and it has been really beneficial for me in accessing back into the community as well as playing a role advocating for different sectors in our community.
What is your International Day of People with Disability message?
Be mindful, and respectful and keep thoughts for others in our community.
There may be an awareness that everybody needs to have overall – just that people are different in different ways.
Penny Cilento, All Abilities Advisory Committee
Tell us a bit about yourself
I have lived in Torquay for 2½ years, with my eldest daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.
Locally I am a member of a film group and book club, and a member of the AAAC, advocating for change from a positive and lived experience position.
I work as a regional aged care assessor, and advocate for the best results, whether that is assisting a client through the aged care process, helping someone to do a task that they struggle with, or simply admiring a job or task that someone has done.
For more than 20 years I was a regional trainer, assessor, deputy captain and crew member with the NSW Rural Fire Service and I remain treasurer of Women and Firefighting Australasia, a not-for-profit network which promotes and supports women in firefighting and emergency services industries.
What is your International Day of People with Disability message?
To all of us living with a newly-acquired or lifelong disability, be proud of yourself and true to yourself, speak up for yourself and others, and never let anyone make you feel you are less!
Living with a disability in Surf Coast Shire is challenging, but change is slowly happening.
While footpaths are improving, many are difficult to navigate with a mobility aid. I appreciate Council has begun to acknowledge those who have different needs by including us in decision-making and community consultation.
Tim Harte, All Abilities Advisory Committee Chair
Tell us a bit about yourself
I have lived at Gnarwarre in Winchelsea ward for almost 20 years and divide my time between
working as a materials chemist, pursuing a PhD focusing on structural electrolytes, and advocacy efforts in the disability community.
I am a director of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations executive committee and the Pacific regional representative for the UN-affiliated Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities, and former president of Physical Disability Australia. At the time of election I was the youngest chair of a disabled people’s organisation in Australia.
What is your International Day of People with Disability message?
I am inspired by the resilience and strength of individuals in the disability community. Their stories motivate me to fight for inclusive development and equitable access for everyone.
On IDPwD I want to celebrate the diversity and contributions of the disability community.
I am proud to be part of a network that advocates for inclusion but recognise that barriers still exist. While there are challenges such as accessible infrastructure, our community is welcoming and eager to learn how to be more inclusive.
To increase inclusion I encourage everyone to actively listen to the experiences of people with disabilities and advocate for changes promoting accessibility.
Together we can create a more inclusive environment where all individuals are valued and empowered to participate fully in society.